4 Reasons Why LeBron James Is Unlikely to Reunite With Kyrie Irving in Dallas

For various reasons, getting James to Dallas will be challenging. Here are four primary reasons why James’s to Dallas is unlikely to occur.

1. The contract of LeBron James

Last summer, the 20-year veteran agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers. According to the Athletic, he will earn $46.7 million for the 2023/24 season and has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $50.4 million.

As a result, he will require assistance from the Lakers in order to relocate.

2. Dallas’ lack of assets for the trade of James

The Mavericks lack the necessary assets to make a trade for James. According to Bleacher Report, a James move to the Mavericks would necessitate the submission of a trade request. According to the Athletic, if that happens, the Mavericks will offer a package of Tim Hardaway Jr., Dvis Bertns, Josh Green, Jared Hardy, the No. 10 selection in the 2023 lottery, and another future first-round pick to cement the trade. The Lakers are unlikely to be interested in this.

Furthermore, two first-round picks for James are far too low when compared to the four first-round picks received by weaker players in the past. If you factor in the current collective bargaining agreement, which makes it more difficult than ever to obtain three max players on one team, Mark Cuban and Dallas will also have to shed a significant portion of their wage cost to make the move work.

3. The unexpected buyout scenario

According to Sporting News, in order for a buyout to occur, the Lakers would have to place the 38-year-old on waivers and pray that no other team claimed him. Even at this point in his career, James would be in high demand from teams with cap room. He has the potential to be a ceiling raiser for some NBA clubs.

Any player who is bought out could be picked up on waivers, and the team that picks him up must fit his whole salary on their cap sheet. That means James will have to accept far less money if he signs with Dallas. Irving will also have to accept a pay reduction in this scenario.

4. What would entice James to play in Dallas?

The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference finals, while the Mavericks failed to qualify for the Play-In Tournament. As a result, James’ best chance of earning a fifth championship is with the Lakers.

James, Irving, and Luka Doncic would constitute the league’s most potent offensive trio. Finding outstanding defenders and shooters, though, will be difficult if the three team up. James has no ties to the Dallas area, so it’s unlikely he’d want to relocate there.