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Mark Cuban said it would be tough to sign two-time defending league MVP LeBron James in free agency, but a sign-and-trade deal with Cleveland is something he would look at.

updated 8:27 p.m. ET May 20, 2010

Mark Cuban is no stranger to bold statements, and the Dallas Mavericks owner has expressed his interest in acquiring soon-to-be free agent LeBron James.

The outspoken billionaire, in an interview this week with CNNMoney.com, said “anybody” would be interested in James. Cuban said it would be tough to sign the two-time defending league MVP in free agency, but a sign-and-trade deal with Cleveland is something he would look at.

If James does not reach a deal with the Cavaliers by July 1, he would become an unrestricted free agent.

Cuban’s remarks could fall under the league’s tampering rules. NBA rules state that a “no comment” is the proper response when the media asks about pending free agents before July 1.

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