Has LeBron James ever been traded?

NBA greats are rarely moved via trade, especially those on the sport’s Mount Rushmore. Has LeBron James ever been traded?

While Kyrie Irving may want LeBron James to request a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to Dallas Mavericks, it would be a first for the King. James has largely played his NBA career by the book, leaving an organization only when his contract is up, and therefore not burning bridges.

While his initial departure from Cleveland, the team which drafted him, was tough, it was technically the only time he was traded. In fact, it wasn’t necessary at all. James helped make the sign-and-trade happen, and the Cavaliers were able to collect assets in return for LeBron.

While not a huge trade package, it did provide Cleveland with a starting point for their rebuild and more draft pick compensation. Ironically enough, James basically provided himself a roadmap for a return to northeast Ohio, as he won a championship with the Cavaliers a few years later after a successful Heat run.

Has LeBron James ever been traded?

Yes, the only time LeBron was technically traded was the sign-and-trade which was orchestrated between the Cavaliers and Heat upon his first departure from Cleveland. When LeBron left the Heat for the Cavs, there was no compensation. When he left the Cavs for the second time and joined the Los Angeles Lakers, there were no picks sent back the other way.

Any trade for James, at this point, would technically be the second deal he’s been involved in. However, it would be the first trade of LeBron in which he still had years left on his contract.

James is such a valuable talent, it’s seemingly impossible to receive fair compensation is return for him. Thus, it makes him very tough to move. A James trade is unlikely at this point.