NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers could bring back $52.6 million Los Angeles Lakers megastar to form deadly duo with Darius Garland
The
Los Angeles Lakers
have shown they're willing to make bold moves, and another seismic shift could be on the horizon. According to reports, the
Cleveland Cavaliers
might explore reuniting with
NBA legend LeBron James
—a move that would send shockwaves through the league.
Why the Cavaliers Are a Potential Landing Spot
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz recently highlighted the
Cleveland Cavaliers
as a realistic destination for James, citing their strong roster and financial flexibility.
"The Cavs won 64 games last season before injuries derailed their chances of making it past the Indiana Pacers," Swartz noted. "Donovan Mitchell (three years) and Evan Mobley (five years) are both starting new max extensions and together would form one of the best Big Threes in the entire NBA with James." (H/t: Sporting News)
The Financial Roadblock
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James appears during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, on Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
LeBron James
' $52.6 million salary complicates any potential deal. The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently $18.7 million over the second apron, meaning they can't aggregate contracts in a trade. NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan outlined a possible framework:
- Cavaliers send out: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and De'Andre Hunter
- Third team involvement: Needed to absorb additional salary
This would leave Cleveland with a revamped core:
- LeBron James – Four-time champion and franchise legend
- Donovan Mitchell – Dynamic scorer on a new max extension
- Evan Mobley – Versatile big man anchoring the defense
- Max Strus – Reliable floor-spacer and role player
- Lonzo Ball – Playmaker returning from injury
- Sam Merrill – Sharpshooting guard off the bench
- Dean Wade – Stretch forward providing depth
Young prospects like Tyrese Proctor, Jaylon Tyson, and Craig Porter Jr.
could also play key roles.
LeBron James' Legacy in Cleveland Cavaliers
James' history with the Cleveland Cavaliers is well-documented:
- First stint (2003-2010): Became a franchise icon but left due to lack of championship support.
- Second stint (2014-2018): Delivered a title in 2016, defeating the 73-win Warriors in a historic Finals comeback.
Now, rumors suggest four teams—possibly including Cleveland—have inquired about trading for LeBron James.
Would a Trade Actually Happen?
While the narrative is compelling, Swartz acknowledges the challenges:
- Salary matching difficulties require a third team.
- Lakers' willingness to move James remains unclear.
Also read:
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could sign $186 million Miwauke Bucks star to form Big 3 with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler
For now, fans can only speculate—but the idea of LeBron finishing his career where it started is undeniably intriguing.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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