“THE WORLD’S SECRET”: Lakers TRADE LEBRON’S RIGHT HANDLEBAR TO MAVERICKS, IN EXCHANGE FOR GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
The Latest NBA Trade Buzz: Giannis and LeBron on the Move?
Trade rumors have been swirling around the NBA this offseason, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James at the center of it all. Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ powerhouse, reportedly thought about his future with the team for the first time, while James seems frustrated that the Los Angeles Lakers are focusing more on building around Luka Doncic than chasing a championship right now. It’s all adding up to some intense speculation.
Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report has thrown a wild idea into the mix: a massive five-team trade that would shake up the league. This proposal would see both superstars leaving their current teams, potentially reshaping rosters across the NBA. Let’s break down the details and see what it could mean.
The Full Trade Breakdown
In this blockbuster deal, several teams would swap players and picks to make it happen. Pincus outlines it like this: The Brooklyn Nets would land Dalton Knecht from the Lakers, Dwight Powell from the Mavericks, and Jaden Hardy from the Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets receive:
Dalton Knecht (LAL), Dwight Powell (DAL), Jaden Hardy (DAL)
.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks would pick up LeBron James and his son Bronny from the Lakers, along with Andre Jackson Jr. from the Bucks, Tyler Smith from the Bucks, and Drew Timme from the Nets. That’s a lot of star power heading to Dallas, but it comes at a cost.
On the other side, the Lakers would get Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks, Olivier-Maxence Prosper from the Mavericks, Tyrese Martin from the Nets, and a couple of trade exceptions to help rebuild. The Milwaukee Bucks, in turn, would receive RJ Barrett from the Toronto Raptors, P.J. Washington from the Mavericks, Caleb Martin from the Mavericks, Naji Marshall from the Mavericks, a trade exception, and a bunch of future picks including swaps and selections from the Lakers in 2026, 2028, 2030, 2031, and 2032.
Finally, the Toronto Raptors would grab Daniel Gafford from the Mavericks and a trade exception, giving them some solid pieces to work with.
Why Would the Mavericks Go for This?
Pincus explains that even though LeBron is approaching 41, he’s still got plenty of game—he made the All-NBA Second Team last season, after all. The Mavericks might see value in getting a few more strong years out of him, especially since he’s in the last year of his contract. They’d keep their top pick Cooper Flagg, along with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and others like Max Christie and D’Angelo Russell. Bronny James tagging along adds an interesting family dynamic, and Tyler Smith is another guaranteed addition they could build around.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James talks with a referee in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images / Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
But here’s the thing: Reports suggest the Mavericks aren’t exactly eager to pull the trigger on this. They might consider signing LeBron if he hits the buyout market, but trading away depth for a veteran like him doesn’t sit right. Dallas already feels like a contender with their current lineup, so giving up key players like Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and others for just LeBron and a couple of supporting pieces seems like a risky move. You’re losing multiple rotation players and gaining one big name—it’s tough to justify, even for a legend.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall 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
The Bigger Picture for NBA Fans
At the end of the day, trades like this are all about balancing short-term wins with long-term planning. While it’s exciting to imagine LeBron in Dallas or Giannis in L.A., teams have to weigh the risks. For now, the Mavericks are holding steady, believing their depth will carry them far.
If you’re following the Dallas Mavericks closely, stick with MavericksGameday for more in-depth coverage throughout the offseason. Follow us on Twitter, and keep an eye on Austin Veazey’s updates for the latest twists and turns in the NBA world.