Trade Ideas Sending LeBron James To Warriors, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Spurs, Knicks

LeBron James is opting into his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for next season. 

However, James’ agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) issued the following statement to Shams Charania of ESPN:

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

Some believe James, 40, could request a trade from the Lakers. The NBA legend has a no-trade clause in his contract.

With that said, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report came up with five trade ideas sending James to the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks:

Trade 1

Warriors get: LeBron James

Lakers get: Jimmy Butler, Quinten Post

Trade 2

Cavs get: LeBron James

Lakers get: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter

Any third team: for salary filler

Trade 3

Mavs get: LeBron James

Lakers get: Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick

Trade 4

Spurs get: LeBron James

Lakers get: Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson

Trade 5

Knicks get: LeBron James

Lakers get: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, small salary filler

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in the five-game series. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in Game 5.

James is the oldest active player in the NBA. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season in 70 games. 

Arguably the best player of all time, James has played for the Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers. He has career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks.