New 3-party trading plan sends James to the Mavericks

According to reports from Vishvesha Kumar, a contributor to US sports media F/W. The NBA offseason has just been hit as Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus came up with a new three-team big trade idea that suggests James might join Dallas with his son Brownie, a deal that will greatly reshape the future of the three teams. While James chose the $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, his decision has been suspicious of many league executives. As Pincus noted, most insiders expect James to opt out and sign a one-plus-one contract. Instead, in fact, he didn't stir up dissatisfaction discussions and his game with the Lakers could end.

James has one of the league's rare banned deal clauses, which means he can decide where he is. According to multiple insiders, the Dallas Mavericks may be at the top of his roster, and the reason is easy to understand. Reunion with Irving, joining forces with Davis again, and playing under Kidd made Dallas a compelling destination.

Proposed trade

Mavericks get: James, Brownie, Tim, Martin, $1.8 million trade special, $1.1 million trade special, Lakers get: Gafford, PJ Washington, Marshall, Martin, Hardy, 2030 2031 Lakers second round draft pick, $24.1 million trade special, Nets receive: Kneckett, Kleber, Prosper, Powell

Mavericks make a bold gambling

Dallas is betting on greatness. James may be 40 years old, but he still plays like a top NBA contributor. James provides star power, shooting creation and leadership as Irving begins this season. He knows how to win with Irving and Davis, and the Mavericks want to strike when the championship window opens.

The price is depth. Gafford, PJ Washington, Marshall, Martin and Hardy are all quality players, but none of them are untouchable. With No. 1 pick Flag, Dallas has the flexibility. They will reduce to eight reliable veterans and Flag and plan to bring Exam back and add a big man by November. Dallas is enough to compete with the core of LeBron, Davis, Irving, Flagg and Lively.

The Lakers started the Luka Doncic era

The Lakers began to make major adjustments around Doncic. As James' huge salary disappears, the Lakers can fill the roster with depth. Garford is a great substitute for Ayton. PJ Washington added a versatile forward with floor-pitch potential. Marshall and Martin are rough wings that can defend and shoot in time. Hardy added a young scoring punch. Importantly, the Lakers cut their salary, received a $24.1 million trade exception and returned to a one-to-two-round player. They maintain long-term flexibility while staying competitive, especially as the free agent market is imminent in 2026. Surrounding Doncic with a deeper and more balanced lineup can be said to be more utilizing the upper space than trying to run back and forth with an elderly James.

Nets act as a facilitator

Brooklyn focuses on reconstruction. With $22 million in cap space and no immediate playoff ambitions, they would be happy to accept flyers from players like Kneckett and Prosper. Claiber and Powell are likely to be cut. The Nets essentially acquire assets while helping two competitors transfer funds. They may also get cash consideration in the final version of this deal.

If James really wants to hit the championship for the last time, Dallas provides the ideal environment. Pincus's trading philosophy is bold, complex and adventurous, but also elegant. The Mavericks went all out. The Lakers reset around Doncic. The Nets acquire assets. Everyone left with a strategic victory. Where is LeBron? He has the final say and probably the final ring. What do you think?