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LeBron James to Dallas Mavericks trade speculation gets brutal assessment from NBA expert, ‘you could punch…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 3:40 PM ET

After seven years with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James is rumored to leave the franchise.

The trade rumors surrounding LeBron James have enormously increased since the 40-year-old has opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks have been rumored to be the top destinations to acquire James. However, the question is, will they trade for him?

Previously, it was reported that the Mavericks would only chase James if he negotiated a contract buyout with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon dropped a huge take on the other option – trading for James.

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Trading for LeBron James will ‘gut’ Dallas Mavericks’ rotation, says Tim MacMahon

With the Mavericks drafting Cooper Flagg and adding him to the roster alongside the likes of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, the organization obviously has incredible depth.

Even with potential injury concerns, the Mavericks’ insane depth is what gives the fanbase confidence about potentially competing for the 2026 NBA Championship.

Keeping that in mind, MacMahon had a sarcastic response to the Mavs’ gutting their depth to trade for 40-year-old LBJ.

“It completely makes sense. Is there a deal to be made, a trade from the Mavericks to get LeBron? You could punch it up in the trade machine.

“All the Mavericks have to do is completely gut their rotation. Give up guys like Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington. Maybe a Naji Marshall, Max Christie,” MacMahon said on ESPN’s Get Up.

He added: “You’re giving up three or four rotation players for a potential ring-chasing retirement tour? That doesn’t make sense for Dallas.”

Not only the Mavericks, but MacMahon believes this deal wouldn’t even make sense for James.

“It doesn’t make sense for LeBron because he has a no-trade clause. ‘Hold on, I want to play with those guys, not have them go to LA.'”

Tim MacMahon doesn’t see LeBron James ‘bully’ his way to the Dallas Mavericks

James was recently spotted at the Cavs’ practice facility, and reports are emerging about his problems with Luka Doncic. So, one may believe that is the King trying to force his way out of LA?

The ESPN expert is against that narrative, stating: “There is curiosity around the league. Could this end with LeBron bullying his way to a buyout? No. Why would the Lakers do that? I don’t have a good answer for that one.”

But if James indeed wants to reunite with Irving and Davis, a contract buyout is the only possible way in MacMahon’s opinion.

“That is the only path I could see for LeBron James to come join Kyrie, Anthony Davis, a couple of his former championship teammates in Dallas,” he concluded.

James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game for the Lakers last season as he gears up for Year 23 in the NBA.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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