LeBron James Linked to Knicks, Mavs, and Warriors Amid Rumors
LeBron James hasn’t asked out of the Los Angeles Lakers. He hasn’t hinted at it publicly, either. But behind the scenes, his next move remains one of the NBA’s most-watched storylines, and at least one insider believes Dallas is on his radar.
NBA reporter Marc Stein shared this week that James has shown “genuine curiosity” about the Mavericks. According to Stein, any potential fit would come only under highly specific terms: a buyout from the Lakers and a minimum-salary deal to join Dallas.
That scenario is widely considered unrealistic. But it hasn’t stopped speculation, especially given the Mavericks’ unique roster and James’ long-standing relationships with two of the team’s stars.
Mavericks, Knicks, Warriors Eyed as Potential Options
The Mavericks aren’t actively pursuing James, per Stein, and they have no interest in surrendering key rotation players to make a trade happen. But if James ever hits free agency, even under unlikely circumstances, Dallas would be one of the teams he’d consider.
Much of that interest stems from familiarity. James won a title with Kyrie Irving in Cleveland and has remained close with Anthony Davis, his championship teammate in Los Angeles. Add in No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg — widely seen as a future star — and the Mavericks’ roster offers both firepower and long-term upside.
Other teams have surfaced in similar conversations. The Knicks have enough talent and contracts to build a trade, and could potentially offer Karl-Anthony Towns in a straight-up deal. They might also package multiple players like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart — though that would gut their depth around Jalen Brunson.
The Warriors, meanwhile, face cap-related roadblocks. Unless they’re willing to part with Jimmy Butler or restructure their roster entirely, a deal would be hard to construct. Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga could become a piece, but there’s no indication the Lakers would view that as sufficient return.
Buyout Remains Unlikely, but LeBron James’ Future Could Take a Turn
James still holds a full no-trade clause and opted in to a $52.6 million salary for the upcoming season. His decision followed a statement from agent Rich Paul, who told ESPN’s Shams Charania that James wants to compete for a title — even as the Lakers transition toward building around Luka Dončić.
“We want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage,” Paul said. “He wants to make every season he has left count.”
That balancing act — honoring his history in Los Angeles while chasing a final championship — adds complexity to any potential departure. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, four teams have reached out, but James has not asked for a trade.
And there’s little incentive for the Lakers to let him walk without a return. James was named to the All-NBA Second Team last season and continues to perform at a high level. A buyout would be unprecedented and, to many league insiders, illogical.
Still, the Mavericks make sense in theory. There’s established chemistry, a talented young core, and a leadership void James could instantly fill. If things shift dramatically — whether due to roster changes or strategic decisions from the Lakers — Dallas is positioned as a team to watch.
Until then, curiosity is all it is. But for a player whose moves often reshape the league, even curiosity counts.
