During an episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Dallas had come up in speculation as a potential James trade destination. Just days after this report, the James to Dallas rumors received a new wrinkle from one of his former teammates.

LeBron James opting into his player contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by a statement released by his agent, has fueled trade and buyout rumors for the last week. He wants the best possible chance to compete for a championship, and even though the Lakers now have Luka Doncic, the rest of the roster is discombobulated, at best.