New Blockbuster Three-Team Trade Proposal Sends LeBron James to Dallas, Hawks Add More Frontcourt Depth

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots past Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The next phase of the NBA offseason is on the way now that the NBA Draft has officially ended.

The Atlanta Hawks have had a busy week, getting Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, then having a big draft night. Atlanta completed a trade that sent the No. 13 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for a 2026 first-round pick (most favorable of MIL or NOP) and the No. 23 pick in this year's draft, which they used on Georgia forward Asa Newell. The Hawks may not be done though. They still have three open roster spots, and one of the ways that they can go about filling those spots is through the $25.2 million trade exception that they created last summer when they dealt Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance, and a pair of first-round picks. The Hawks can acquire a player or players whose salary (or salaries) match the amount in the exception, and it does not add to their cap or luxury tax liabilities. This is a way for the Hawks to add a useful player or players to their roster while staying financially flexible. Who could that be? That remains unknown, but Atlanta could use some backcourt help, even if it opts to bring back Caris LeVert. Another ball handler and some shooting should be a priority for the Hawks.

There was a bit of interesting news this morning regarding LeBron James and the Lakers. James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season according to ESPN's Shams Charania, but some of the quotes that came from Charania's story left the impression that a trade could be possible for James and the Lakers.

“He is uncertain about the Lakers roster moving forward,”

- @ShamsCharania on LeBron James

pic.twitter.com/XyoqSKykg0

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 29, 2025

Reporting on @SportsCenter -- LeBron James opts in on $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season but is evaluating his Lakers future: pic.twitter.com/ZQWEJLUNqo

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

It seems far-fetched, and let me be clear, I don't think the Lakers move James, but this at least opens the door to the possibility. It is not the worst idea either. James would have suitors, even with his enormous salary, and the Lakers can continue to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. This would also give the Lakers more room to sign Reaves to an extension.

If James is traded, the list of teams that are ready to compete for a title now is small, but there are options out there. One team would be the Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers and Mavericks have already made one insane trade this year when Dallas moved Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis and a first round pick. It is worth remembering that James has a no-trade clause in his contract and he can have a big say in his next destination. What if James wants to go reunite with Davis for the final season or two seasons of his career? Now that they have Cooper Flagg, it is not crazy to think James could lift them to title contention in the Western Conference.

So how about a trade where each of these teams tries to fill a need?

It should be noted that this is just a speculative and fun exercise to see what kind of moves can be made, not what I think the Hawks or any other teams should do or will do. That is all.

Hawks Receive: Rui Hachimura

Lakers Receive: Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and a 2029 1st round pick (their own)

Mavericks Receive: Lebron James and Bronny James

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Why the Hawks do this trade: They get frontcourt depth and use their trade exception on a useful player. Atlanta has a hole at small forward and Hachimura would be great to use off the bench. He has grown on offense since joining the Lakers and is a versatile player on defense. He could be used in a multitude of lineups and is an expiring deal, so if the Hawks don't like the fit, they can move on next offseason.

Why the Hawks don't do this trade: They prefer to use their trade exception on a better player. Atlanta still needs a backup ball handler and more shooting around Trae Young. Hachimura does not really provide those two, though he is a pretty good shooter.

Why the Lakers do this trade: They add useful pieces around Doncic and Reaves while getting their own first round pick back in 2029. Los Angeles is almost recreating the same team Doncic took to the Finals in 2024 and none of them are negative value contracts. This team gets deeper and younger with this move

Why the Lakers don't do this trade: The Lakers could get a better package from another team and James may not want to go to Dallas with Irving injured for the season and Davis inury-prone.

Why the Mavericks do this trade: Dallas lucked out with the Cooper Flagg situation, but their roster is still made to win now. Getting James would accelerate that process and if he stays for two seasons, he could try and help them win one when Irving returns. They still have enough pieces and flexibility to add to the roster (Chris Paul?).

Why the Mavericks don't do this trade: They would narrow their window to win a title to just one or two years while trading away assets in the process.