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Mavericks' Decision on LeBron James Trade Receives Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:02 PM ET

LeBron James’ future remains one of the biggest talking points of the NBA offseason as the Los Angeles Lakers continue to prepare for next season. The four-time MVP has spent seven years in LA, the longest consecutive stretch with any team and many had thought he would retire as a Laker, but now it appears his time with the franchise might be in question.

James’ decision to pick up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season was expected to quiet speculation about his next move. However, the move has sparked fresh rumors about his future in LA after agent Rich Paul hinted that James is watching how the Lakers fill out their roster.

That speculation received a new twist when ESPN's Dave McMenamin shared an update on the Dallas Mavericks' position. Speaking on ESPN LA, McMenamin reported: “Dallas — I’m told — they would only be interested in LeBron in a buyout situation.”

This suggests the Mavericks, who are looking to build on their Western Conference Finals run, are not prepared to part with key players or draft assets to acquire James via trade.

When asked if James or the Lakers have tendered a trade request yet, McMenamin answered, “No trade request.”

If a buyout were to occur, it would open the door for him to reunite with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, and also join No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg without the Mavericks gutting their depth. Whether he sticks it out in Los Angeles, angles for a buyout, or pushes for a trade, the coming weeks could shape the final stretch of one of the most remarkable careers the NBA has ever seen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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