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Rich Paul, who represents free-agent LeBron James, stated this week that a decision on James's next team is not imminent. The Dallas Mavericks remain among the teams still under consideration but were not among the five prominently featured.
"I don't think this happens anytime soon," Paul told Forbes' Mark Medina. Paul added, "I don't think it'll be the next few days."
Paul listed 10 teams as possible destinations on his "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman, including the Cavaliers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Heat, Knicks, Warriors, Mavericks, Celtics, and Spurs. He thought the Knicks were unlikely candidates, doubting James would want to disrupt a team that recently won the NBA championship.
James has notified the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not be finishing his career with them after eight seasons.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 33.2 minutes over 60 games last season. He shot 51.5% from the field, 31.7% on 3-pointers, with a 59.4% true shooting percentage, plus 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 3.0 turnovers per game. He missed the first 14 games due to sciatica before becoming the team's third offensive option behind Dončić and Reaves.
A rival executive told Medina that the Warriors are favored, citing James's ties to Curry and Green, the $15 million mid-level exception, and a manageable travel schedule that allows James to stay in Los Angeles. The Heat remain a realistic option after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. A Cleveland return is doubtful, as it would likely require James to accept the veteran's minimum.
READ MORE: Mavs Coach Dusty May Aims for 'Competitive,' Fast-Paced Identity in Dallas
READ MORE: Two Mavs Rookies Sign; What's Sergio de Larrea's $16 Million Contract Mean?
Dallas, meanwhile, has been busy remaking its own roster and front office this offseason.
The Mavericks hired Masai Ujiri from the Toronto Raptors as president of basketball operations. Dallas then hired Dusty May as head coach, replacing Jason Kidd after May led Michigan to the national championship.
Dallas picked Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 and Sergio De Larrea at No. 25 after trading from No. 30. De Larrea has signed his rookie contract and will start playing immediately, including in Summer League.
Dallas traded AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks to Memphis for Santi Aldama and the draft rights to Tarık Biberović. The Mavericks used a trade exception to acquire Aldama, who provides floor spacing and secondary playmaking as a 7-foot forward.
The Mavericks retain the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception and flexibility to add talent around Cooper Flagg. There is already a significant reason for optimism for Dallas with Kyrie Irving returning from ACL recovery.
Continue reading...
"I don't think this happens anytime soon," Paul told Forbes' Mark Medina. Paul added, "I don't think it'll be the next few days."
Paul listed 10 teams as possible destinations on his "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman, including the Cavaliers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Heat, Knicks, Warriors, Mavericks, Celtics, and Spurs. He thought the Knicks were unlikely candidates, doubting James would want to disrupt a team that recently won the NBA championship.
James has notified the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not be finishing his career with them after eight seasons.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 33.2 minutes over 60 games last season. He shot 51.5% from the field, 31.7% on 3-pointers, with a 59.4% true shooting percentage, plus 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 3.0 turnovers per game. He missed the first 14 games due to sciatica before becoming the team's third offensive option behind Dončić and Reaves.
A rival executive told Medina that the Warriors are favored, citing James's ties to Curry and Green, the $15 million mid-level exception, and a manageable travel schedule that allows James to stay in Los Angeles. The Heat remain a realistic option after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. A Cleveland return is doubtful, as it would likely require James to accept the veteran's minimum.
READ MORE: Mavs Coach Dusty May Aims for 'Competitive,' Fast-Paced Identity in Dallas
READ MORE: Two Mavs Rookies Sign; What's Sergio de Larrea's $16 Million Contract Mean?
Dallas, meanwhile, has been busy remaking its own roster and front office this offseason.
The Mavericks hired Masai Ujiri from the Toronto Raptors as president of basketball operations. Dallas then hired Dusty May as head coach, replacing Jason Kidd after May led Michigan to the national championship.
Dallas picked Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 and Sergio De Larrea at No. 25 after trading from No. 30. De Larrea has signed his rookie contract and will start playing immediately, including in Summer League.
Dallas traded AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick, and two second-round picks to Memphis for Santi Aldama and the draft rights to Tarık Biberović. The Mavericks used a trade exception to acquire Aldama, who provides floor spacing and secondary playmaking as a 7-foot forward.
The Mavericks retain the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception and flexibility to add talent around Cooper Flagg. There is already a significant reason for optimism for Dallas with Kyrie Irving returning from ACL recovery.
Continue reading...
