As rumors swirl around LeBron James’ NBA future, the Dallas Mavericks remain unmoved in their position.
According to Marc Stein on his Substack The Stein Line, Dallas is not pursuing a trade for the Lakers star and has no intention of surrendering key rotation players to acquire him.
“I believe that… nothing has changed about the Mavericks’ stance… They have not tried to trade for him and do not want to try to trade for him if it means surrendering multiple rotation pillars for a player who turns 41 in December,” Stein wrote.
This position has held firm even as James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, which includes a full no-trade clause.
With that clause, the 20-time All-Star holds full control over any possible relocation, and no signal has emerged that he is seeking one.
Previously, on ESPN LA, Dave McMenamin reported that “Dallas — I’m told — they would only be interested in LeBron in a buyout situation.”
This aligns with what several NBA front offices have reportedly expressed: a trade for James, under current terms, is not a sound investment.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks echoed this sentiment, stating he received unanimous feedback from executives that dealing multiple assets for a 40-year-old on an expiring deal is “not smart business.”
James is coming off a 2024–25 campaign in which he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three.
While still productive, his age and massive contract limit his market appeal in traditional trade scenarios.
McMenamin also ruled out the Clippers as a landing spot, citing a source close to James who said he “will never wear a Clippers uniform.”
Should James pursue a buyout, Marks believes the dynamic would change dramatically.
“If LeBron James ever became a free agent… you’d have 29 teams lined up for him,” he said.
