While the NBA Finals remains the central focus in the basketball world, the rumor mill is already in full swing as free agency looms on June 30. As expected, speculations and reports about players and teams are starting to circulate rapidly, and a recent rumor has caught significant attention. According to Shams Charania, Kyrie Irving has contacted LeBron James to gauge his interest in potentially playing for the Dallas Mavericks.

While rumors should always be taken with a grain of salt, this particular one carries weight and has the potential to create ripples throughout the league. Irving is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he has been linked to both the Los Angeles Lakers and a re-signing with the Mavericks. However, if this rumor holds true, it suggests Irving’s desire to have the best of both worlds by staying in Dallas and reuniting with his former teammate and friend, LeBron. Enhance your NBA viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

Irving and James famously won an NBA championship together in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite their subsequent split, marked by Irving’s trade request to the Boston Celtics, reports of their interest in playing together again have persisted. Earlier this season, when Irving requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers were reportedly eyeing the All-Star guard, but the Mavericks ultimately presented a more compelling offer.

Nevertheless, with Irving poised to enter free agency, the possibility of a reunion could be on the horizon, although forming a duo in Dallas would pose considerable challenges.

LeBron is currently under contract with the Lakers for the upcoming 2023-24 season, with a player option for the following summer. If Irving intends to team up with James in Dallas, it would require a trade scenario, as per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. Irving reportedly wants the Mavericks to explore this possibility, aiming to form a formidable Big Three alongside Luka Doncic. However, acquiring James, with an estimated salary of $46.9 million for the next season, would demand significant roster adjustments and prove incredibly difficult to execute.

While the likelihood of this scenario materializing seems slim, if Dallas were to miraculously find a way to make it work, it could undoubtedly bolster their chances of returning to the playoffs after a disappointing season where they fell short of the postseason. Following their appearance in the Western Conference finals last year, the Mavericks struggled following the trade for Irving. Although Irving and Doncic continued to perform admirably, it became evident that the team needed a substantial talent overhaul. Acquiring James would unquestionably address that issue. Notably, this is not the first time the Mavericks have expressed interest in acquiring LeBron. Haynes reports that the team had prepared a trade offer for him last season during the Lakers’ struggles.

Considering the obstacles Dallas would face to facilitate such a move, it appears unlikely at present that LeBron will end up playing for the Mavericks alongside Irving and Doncic. However, given James’ recent contemplation of retirement following the Lakers’ second-round loss to the Denver Nuggets, the door to unexpected possibilities remains open. Get all the latest updates from the NBA only on Nextbet Sports.