LeBron James Reportedly Curious About Joining Mavericks, Knicks Not Completely Ruled Out

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been one of the major names mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Although he was linked to several teams, James remains with the Lakers. However, NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported the 40-year-old's interest in playing for the Dallas Mavericks. He wrote:

"I believe that James does have some genuine curiosity about playing in Dallas. Bear in mind that he is extremely settled off the floor in Los Angeles. It has been his family's primary home base for the past seven years, and he is building a new home in Beverly Hills. To play elsewhere at this stage of his life and career could well require a landing spot that can provide a special level of comfort to take him away from all that."

Having been in the league for over 20 seasons, James has a solid network of connections featuring players and coaches. In this regard, the Mavs are particularly intriguing, as they feature several former Lakers on their roster and coaching staff.

"The Mavericks would seem to be uniquely suited to offer that with so many people in Dallas he already knows well," Stein added."From general manager Nico Harrison and coach Jason Kidd to former teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving."

The notion of James joining his former teammates on the Mavericks is intriguing. When considering Kyrie Irving's delayed return from injury, James would make for a tremendous replacement, slotting in next to Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg. After Irving's return, the Mavs would undoubtedly be viewed as title contenders.

Since opting in to his $52.6 million contract, James has become an extremely difficult player to acquire. Because of this, the Mavs have only shown interest if the forward is bought out by the Lakers.

Along with Dallas, Stein remained optimistic about a future in which the Lakers' superstar joins the New York Knicks. Although the Knicks have withdrawn interest at this stage, Stein stated, "I believe that LeBron James’ well-chronicled fondness for playing at Madison Square Garden makes it unwise to say he’ll never be a Knick."

Although he acknowledged the challenges with the move, highlighting James’ relationships with Knicks president Leon Rose and vice-president William Wesley, he reiterated, "I’m just saying: I will never rule out the possibility of No. 23 becoming a Knick someday. Because he is said to love The Garden that much.”

Stein’s forecast appears rooted in James’ personal preferences. However, current market interest doesn’t seem to align with those desires. With trade buzz cooling down, it appears the superstar will remain with the Purple and Gold for the foreseeable future. 

This isn't a bad thing in light of the new additions the team has made to improve its roster depth. While James could still request a trade, a move before the 2026 deadline seems more likely than during this offseason.