As speculation about LeBron James’ future intensifies, NBA insider Dave McMenamin reports that the Dallas Mavericks are not entertaining a trade for the Lakers star but would consider him in a buyout situation.
Speaking on ESPN LA, McMenamin stated, “Dallas — I’m told — they would only be interested in LeBron in a buyout situation.” This aligns with a growing sentiment around the league that teams are hesitant to part with multiple assets for a one-year rental of the 40-year-old.
James recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, which includes a full no-trade clause. That clause gives him total control over his next move, and as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained, “The Lakers really don’t have any control… They can only receive his notification of the player option. And if he would like to be traded, he can communicate that. He hasn’t done that.”
Bobby Marks, also on ESPN, emphasized how the contract complicates trade possibilities. He noted that James’ age, salary, and one-year term make it unlikely teams would dismantle their rosters to acquire him. Marks said he contacted multiple front offices and received unanimous responses: trading for James under current terms is “not smart business.”
McMenamin further clarified that the Clippers are not a destination, citing a source close to James who previously told him, “LeBron James will never wear a Clippers uniform.”
According to Marks, a buyout would completely change the equation. “If LeBron James ever became a free agent and did some type of buyout in Los Angeles, there you’d have 29 teams lined up for him,” he said.
However, at this point, no indication has emerged that James is seeking either a trade or a buyout.
