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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
How Mavericks' firm stance on Kyrie Irving trade ruined LeBron James-Cavaliers reunion
If Cleveland Cavaliers fans are looking for a reason to feel optimistic about how LeBron James' free agency decision played out, there aren't many. However, one positive is that it appears the Cavaliers did their best to position themselves to lure James back to Cleveland for one final go-round, but unfortunately, one of the front office's biggest approaches didn't come to fruition. The pursuit of a trade to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Dallas Mavericks fell flat, which may have been a tipping point in LeBron's decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers .
While James' decision was initially wide open, and the Cavaliers were the odds-on favorite to sign him for the bulk of free agency, there's no question that his move to the Sixers comes as a surprise. However, the big question is what would have transpired if the Cavaliers had managed to strike a trade and acquire Irving? As ESPN's Vince Goodwill reported, that outcome is what James was "angling for," eyeing a reunion with his former teammate.
In the end, it may have been the Mavericks that put the dagger in a potential LeBron reunion with the Cavaliers.
As Goodwill explained, Dallas had no interest in trading Irving, and according to the report, the veteran point guard is also "comfortable" with the Mavs.
"League sources said James had been angling for former teammate Irving to join him in Cleveland, but the Dallas Mavericks have had no interest in engaging the Cavaliers in a trade, and Irving is believed to be comfortable where he is," Goodwill wrote.
From the sound of it, James was reportedly hoping the Cavaliers would acquire Irving , and that very well may have been a significant tipping point in their favor. Would things have ended differently in James' free agency had the Mavericks been willing to part with Irving? Unfortunately, we'll never know the true answer to that, but a hometown reunion and second run with Irving appeared to have obvious appeal for James in his free agency decision.
When all was said and done, it may have been the Mavericks' unwillingness to part with Irving that halted the LeBron-to-Cleveland buzz, and ultimately led him to the Sixers.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: How Mavericks' firm stance on Kyrie Irving trade ruined LeBron James-Cavaliers reunion
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