When superagent Wealthy Paul confirmed followers his whiteboard with potential locations for LeBron James on the “Sport Over” podcast on Netflix, practically the entire groups have been critical title contenders, as anticipated.
However there was one non-playoff workforce on the listing: the Dallas Mavericks.
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Might James really find yourself in Dallas subsequent season?
Causes for James Becoming a member of the Dallas Mavericks
Paul pointed to a number of explanation why Dallas is an intriguing choice for James — however none of them have been actually about basketball.
For instance, he talked about oil and golf, indicating Dallas’ standing as a world wealth hub, plus the truth that James completely loves {golfing} lately. There are lots of very nice golf programs within the Dallas-Fort Value Metropolitan Space, and James would absolutely love enjoying on them.
Paul additionally famous Macau and Africa as explanation why James would think about Dallas. Macau refers back to the Mavericks being owned by the identical individuals who personal the Sands Company, the Adelson and Dumont households. The Mavericks are even set to play two preseason video games in opposition to the Houston Rockets in Macau this fall.
Would LeBron James go to Dallas and be a part of NBA Rookie of the Yr Cooper Flagg?Glenn James / Getty Photos
Texas doesn’t have authorized playing exterior a couple of Native American casinos, however there’s optimism that casinos and sports activities betting will open up within the state within the subsequent few years, which is able to convey much more cash to the realm.
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As for Africa, that could be a direct reference to new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri, who was employed by the workforce this offseason to assist them rebuild and turn out to be a contender as soon as once more after former Mavericks President Nico Harrison decimated the franchise together with his terrible commerce sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Ujiri is likely one of the most revered front-office leaders within the NBA, and he can be one more reason why James would think about them.
In truth, the Mavericks are quite a bit additional away from title rivalry than practically each different workforce that James has been linked to. However maybe James desires a problem. If that is the case, then there can be no higher problem than James heading to Dallas and attempting to show them again into a good franchise after Harrison embarrassed the workforce and made them the NBA’s laughingstock.
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Extra Lebron James:
Mavericks Roster With LeBron James
If James did be a part of the Mavericks, he must take a veteran’s minimal wage except the workforce was in a position to execute a sign-and-trade together with his former membership, the Lakers, to provide him more cash. However once more, James has mentioned his subsequent workforce will not simply be concerning the cash.
He actually simply desires to win a fifth NBA Championship greater than anything.
Let’s assume that Dallas indicators him outright to a minimal wage deal. In that case, the Mavericks’ beginning 5 for subsequent season would characteristic Daniel Gafford at middle, P.J. Washington at energy ahead, James at small ahead, Cooper Flagg at taking pictures guard, and Kyrie Irving at level guard, with a really strong bench that includes gamers like Max Christie, Dereck Energetic Jr., Naji Marshall, Santi Aldama, Caleb Martin, Marcus Sasser, Klay Thompson, and ninth-overall draft decide Morez Johnson Jr.
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Regardless of how unhealthy the Mavericks have been lately, that really appears to be like like lineup, and that is a workforce that would make it into the playoffs in the event that they stayed wholesome.
We already know what James and Irving can do collectively: they gained the 2016 NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers and have unimaginable chemistry. Plus, who would not need to see James play with Flagg, one of many NBA’s greatest younger abilities?
It is really thrilling to have a look at this Mavericks roster with James on it, as this actually does appear like a workforce that may make the playoffs, particularly below new head coach Dusty Could.
The Mavericks are clearly lengthy pictures to land James, as they don’t seem to be a championship contender on paper, no less than in comparison with among the different groups linked to the GOAT.
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However there are actually causes he ought to think about them, and while you actually take a deeper look, James to Dallas is not as loopy as it might have been at first look.
Related: Where LeBron James Needs to Sign to Win a Fifth Ring
This story was initially revealed by Lindys Sports on Jul 17, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Lindys Sports activities as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
