Brian Windhorst says he would rule out LeBron James making the blockbuster summer decision of joining the Dallas Mavericks.

LeBron James’ free agency decision is intriguing fans around the world, as there is a small chance LeBron will switch teams this summer. The Dallas Mavericks have been linked to James recently, but Brian Windhorst believes the Mavericks should be ruled out as a potential destination for the 39-year-old all-time NBA leading scorer.

“Ya, I would. But I think he loves Luka. I think there was a time when he was very interested in making a partnership with Luka. He wanted Luka to wear his shoes and Luka decided to go a different direction. I think Luka has his superstar running mate right now, and I don’t think the Mavericks should touch anything. They got it going on, let’s keep this rolling.” 

I asked ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) if he’d rule out LeBron James coming to the Mavericks:

“Ya, I would. But I think he loves Luka. I think there was a time when he was very interested in making a partnership with Luka…I think Luka has his superstar running mate… pic.twitter.com/LO8EfO2rj3

— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) May 30, 2024

LeBron has been a longtime admirer of Mavericks’ superstar Luka Doncic. He’s gone on record before to call Luka his favorite player in the NBA. Windhorst even alludes to how LeBron tried recruiting Doncic to his brand under Nike in 2018 before Luka chose to sign with the Jordan Brand instead. Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving

The Mavericks also have LeBron’s former championship-winning co-star, Kyrie Irving, who he’s wanted to team up with since 2022. LeBron pushed the Lakers to acquire Kyrie in the winter of 2023, but the Mavericks got the deal done and are now half a game away from the NBA Finals.Stephen A. Smith Said LeBron Could Follow Bronny To The Mavericks

The rumors of LeBron switching to the Mavericks were started by Stephen A. Smith, who said the Mavs could position themselves to draft Bronny and then tempt LeBron into switching in free agency.

“Bronny James might not make it to the Lakers’ second-round pick because a team like the Dallas Mavericks could position themselves to take him in the second round. They’ll take him because LeBron said he wants to go where his son goes. If you’re the Mavericks and you’ve got Kyrie, Luka, and LeBron James is willing to come to Big D? That might be the first time something is more popular than the Cowboys!”

There have been people floating LeBron going to Dallas for ages, but a reputed source like Windhorst saying it won’t be happening makes it seem certain.

This wasn’t realistic to begin with. The Mavericks have the No. 58 pick in the NBA Draft and are asset-depleted after their moves over the last season to build a Finals-caliber team. They wouldn’t try to use more assets to move up in the Draft to acquire Bronny and hope LeBron joins.

In addition, the Mavericks are headed to the NBA Finals this season. Why would they want to add volatility to their core by getting James on the team? It would make sense from a marketing point-of-view but would upset the balance the team is playing with. This is Luka Doncic’s team and everyone fits around him, asking him to then adjust to a 40-year-old LeBron would cause growing pains that would undo this season’s progress.

People want to see LeBron contend for a title once again, but it won’t be with the Mavericks.