The Dallas Mavericks haven’t been afraid to make big moves, but they might not be able to make the biggest deal of the offseason.

In February, the Mavericks shocked the NBA world when they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that landed Anthony Davis in Dallas. While Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL and Davis’ lingering abdominal injuries thwarted any hopes last season, Dallas landed Cooper Flagg in the draft and hopes to make a deep playoff run, assuming Irving can return next season.

With a potential title-contending roster already, GM Nico Harrison might not have to do much else to get the Mavericks in the top tier of the Western Conference. However, there is still one massive move that Dallas could consider.

LeBron James’ future with the Lakers has never been less clear, and with trade rumors flying, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin cleared the air at Summer League on Saturday. McMenamin reported that James hasn’t asked for a trade and that Rich Paul hasn’t even discussed the possibility with the Lakers.

While that might not seem like it changes much on the surface for Dallas, which reportedly only wants James on a buyout, requesting a trade would almost certainly be the first step in any potential buyout process. With James apparently off the market, Dallas’ potential pursuit of the four-time MVP might be over before it had a chance to start. 

While James is safely on the Lakers for now, if he becomes available, the Mavericks could be in perfect position, offering him a chance to reunite with a couple of his former championship co-stars.