Blockbuster trade idea sends LeBron James to Mavericks, Giannis Antetokounmpo to Lakers
The Dallas Mavericks stunned the NBA when they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2024-25 trade deadline, and they could shock the league once again.
The Mavericks lucked out this summer, receiving the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Cooper Flagg to add alongside Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively. With a new era in place and a win-now mindset, the Mavericks could shake things up and make another blockbuster trade in 2025-26.
While it seems very unlikely to happen, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently compiled a massive five-team mock trade that would land the Mavericks LeBron James.
Here's Pincus' proposed trade:
Mavericks receive: LeBron James, Bronny James, Andre Jackson Jr., Tyler Smith, Drew Timme
Bucks receive: RJ Barrett, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, $2 million trade exception (Tyler Smith), 2026 first-round pick swap (LAL), 2026 second-round pick (LAL via TOR), 2028 first-round pick swap (LAL), 2030 first-round pick swap (LAL), 2031 first-round pick (LAL), 2032 first-round pick swap (LAL)
Lakers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Tyrese Martin, $4 million trade exception (Dalton Knecht), $2 million trade exception (Bronny James)
Raptors receive: Daniel Gafford, $13.3 million trade exception (RJ Barrett)
Nets receive: Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell
With Flagg now on the roster, the Mavericks would be acquiring James for depth pieces — none of whom are expected to start this season. Gafford, Washington and Marshall are talented players, but adding James could immediately catapult the Mavericks into title contention in a stacked Western Conference.
MORE: NBA writer links Mavericks to two 7-footers for final roster spot
If James approved and waived his no-trade clause, a reunion with Irving and Davis would be an intriguing storyline in what could be James' final season. Meanwhile, the Lakers would move on from the LeBron era by forming a trio of Antetokounmpo, Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Bucks appear extremely unlikely to move Antetokounmpo, but this deal could provide a path to rebuild if the two-time MVP ultimately requests a trade.
This trade is certainly an intriguing concept, albeit one that seems nearly impossible to materialize.
MORE NBA NEWS:
Bucks' massive trade pitch sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Western Conference contender
Al Horford may make surprising decision amid Jonathan Kuminga contract stalemate
NBA writer raises alarm over 76ers' injury woes ahead of 2025-26 season
NBA writer makes bold prediction for Bulls' rising star Matas Buzelis
Rockets face $122 million decision following blockbuster Kevin Durant trade
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