Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[SleepingHero]

I would do it.  I don't think LA would be willing to give up the first.

I think they would because not only do they get their starting center, they get also 50+mil of relief for losing Lebron and a out-of-the-box ready Luka-Lineup for them to use.

Martin, Naji, and Klay are all 3 and D wings that Luka requires, each with their own skills. Gafford is THE starting center the Lakers are pining over and would most likely pay the 2031 FRP anyways to get. 

Hardy+OMax+Powell is probably a bit too much to just throw in there. Almost 13 mil of salary for not very good guys. Its up to LAL to find a taker for that (which I'm sure they'd do). 

4 starter level rotation players is way more than enough for 1 year of Lebron. That's why they'd have to add their last FRP for it and most likely be happy to.

For the Mavs, Lebron is by far and away one of the best offensive creators of all time. Even at his age. I don't think he'd take a huge scoring load, but he'll be a great facilitator. I wonder if that's enough for CP3 to decide to give it 1 last shot with this team too and join with his buddy. Also frees up the space to sign Exum and Kai Jones. Maybe even DLo but that's wishful thinking.

Gives the Mavs 2 years with this roster:
Lebron/CP3/B-Will
Kyrie/Christie/Exum
Flagg/
AD/PJ/
Lively/Kai Jones

That starting lineup alone is worth it to be honest. And PJ is good to take minutes from anyone who can't play or needs rest.