The Cleveland Cavaliers can work with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets to bring LeBron James back.
LeBron James is never one to shy away from controversy. Ahead of the start of free agency, LeBron James activated his $52.6 million player option.
However, that doesn’t guarantee his future. Rich Paul claimed LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are on two different timelines, hinting at a potential trade exit for the 40-year-old star.
One potential landing spot for LeBron is the Dallas Mavericks. It would be a controversial move for the Lakers to send James to the Mavericks.
But Nico Harrison has had his eye on LeBron James for months now. It could be quite a massive trade should he succeed in landing him.
However, there is another team that could make a move for him, one that would make for an incredibly romantic story.
What if LeBron James returned to one of his former teams? Miami Heat fans are in love with the idea of landing James.
But what about the other team LeBron James played for? We believe a Cleveland Cavaliers-led three-team trade could work to get LeBron James. This is what the deal would look like:
- Cleveland Cavaliers receive: LeBron James
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: DeAndre Hunter, Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade, 2031 first-round pick (Top-8 protection via CLE)
- Brooklyn Nets receive: Max Strus, 2026 first-round pick (SAS swap rights via CLE)
The Cavaliers could add LeBron James to their frontcourt with Evan Mobley. James’ presence is what could be the final piece to their championship roster.
As for the Lakers, they get two solid wings in DeAndre Hunter and Dean Wade, and a lob threat center in Jarrett Allen, who has an All-Star ceiling. Add to that a 2031 first-round pick, and the Lakers will be thrilled with their return.
The Brooklyn Nets are in this deal to absorb some salary. As things stand, the Nets are struggling to fill their salary cap and meet the floor. By adding Max Strus’ $15 million salary, things get a lot easier for them.
Plus, the Nets get a 2026 first-round pick swap with the Spurs, which they can use to negotiate further deals.
If the Cleveland Cavaliers were to land LeBron James and not give up either Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley, they would have to be considered favorites in the East.
With the Celtics reshaping their entire roster and the Pacers unlikely to compete given Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, the Cavaliers would be head and shoulders above all the other teams.
Playing in a less competitive Eastern Conference will also allow LeBron to prioritize his health and fitness and preserve his body for the big stage.
The only concern that comes with such a trade is the size the Cavaliers would be giving up. Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Hunter are two of the Cavs’ best bigs, and they would have to make way in a trade.
But Allen has shown that he isn’t a great player when the lights are bright. Meanwhile, Hunter underwhelmed in the playoffs this year.
By adding LeBron, the Cavaliers secure a clutch playoff performer with a wealth of experience he can impart onto their young core of stars.
