DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - LeBron James a Dallas Maverick? It might have seemed like a pipe dream at one point, but now, there is some serious smoke.
According to multiple reports, Mavs guard Kyrie Irving, who was speculated to potentially join his former teammate in Los Angeles Lakers this summer, has reached out to James to gauge his interest in joining the Mavs.
Irving is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but wants the Mavericks to explore a potential trade for James, who is on the books for $46.9 million with Los Angeles through the 2023-24 season, with a $50.6 million player option for 2024-25.
However, according to a report from Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, an Irving, James, and Luka Doncic trio would be difficult to accomplish due to the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement.
Related
And per Haynes, for the trio to form, two of the three stars would have to take a significant pay cut.
The youngest of the three, Doncic would surely be the least likely of the trio to take that cut, meaning that Irving or James would have to be willing to make that sacrifice.
James, of course, is also speculated to be considering retirement this summer. Meanwhile, his son Bronny, just signed a letter of intent to play his college basketball at USC, leaving even more reason for James to stay put in Los Angeles.
Either way, however, James and Irving are extremely close. So, if there is anybody who could potentially pull James away from the Lakers, one would have to assume Irving would be that guy.