According to multiple reports, Kyrie Irving reached out to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James to gauge his interest in teaming up with him and Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks. Irving, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, wants the Mavericks to explore their options to trade for James.

James has left the door open when it comes to reuniting with Irving. The two formerly played with the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the 2016 NBA Championship. Days before Dallas landed Irving in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline, James expressed interest in the Lakers moving to get Irving.

However, a reunion in Dallas won’t be easy. First, James has to request a trade to make his intentions clear. The Mavericks have a shortage of trade assets outside of the tenth overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft and emerging guard Jaden Hardy. L.A. might not like what Dallas has to offer. Navigating the NBA’s new and more restrictive Collective Bargaining Agreement will also be difficult for Dallas.

James has two years left on his current contract with the Lakers. He will earn $46.9 million next season and has a $50.6 million player option for the 2024-25 season. A buyout from the Lakers may be James’ best option to decamp for Dallas, but he’ll likely have to take a pay cut.

The Mavericks are intent on re-signing Irving this summer. Like James, Irving will also have to take a pay cut to stay in Dallas alongside James and Doncic. He is eligible to sign a five-year, $272.92 million contract.

A lot can happen between now and the start of free agency, which starts June 30. There will be plenty of rumors between now and then concerning James, Irving and the Mavericks.