What Cavs Would Have to Give Up to Bring LeBron James Back
The Dallas Mavericks shocked the world back in February when they dealt franchise centerpiece Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers before the trade deadline.
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The historic swap sent Anthony Davis to Dallas along with a first round pick in a move that clearly signaled a move toward the future.
Lakers star LeBron James had a player option on his contract this offseason which he picked up, but as Los Angeles focuses on the future, he appears to be evaluating where he fits in.
There has been speculation that the king could be traded for the first time this offseason to a location that he deems more championship ready than the Lakers currently are.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There has been no concrete information to suggest that James will request a trade, but if he does, there are people who believe the Cleveland Cavaliers will be major players.
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The four-time NBA champion spent his first seven seasons with the team before departing for the Miami Heat, though he would eventually return for another four seasons in which he delivered Cleveland its first championship.
Because he was born nearby in Akron and spent 11 of his first 15 seasons with the team, they will naturally always be linked.
It would be difficult because of each team's financial situation, so Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus laid out an elaborate four-team trade that satisfies all salary cap regulations.
The trade is an albatross with the main components being James going home to Cleveland, the Cavs sending out Jarrett Allen and De'Andre Hunter to the Lakers and Darius Garland to the Utah Jazz, who in turn send Walker Kessler to Cleveland along with two first-round picks.
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There are a few other ancillary pieces in the trade to match salaries like Dorian Finney-Smith going to the Houston Rockets.
This would be one of the most unprecedented deals in NBA history if it were to happen, but the odds are very slim.
Utah has been shopping Kessler for about a year now, but they've been seeking multiple first rounders, so it's unlikely they'd ship him off with picks attached.
Also, Cleveland has very wisely leaned into the youth they have on there roster, so it's hard to picture a scenario where they move two of their young stars for one or two more seasons of LeBron.
If the Cavs want a storybook ending where the 21-time All-Star finishes his career there, they might need to find an alternate route.
Related: Could Cavs Trade for Bucks' Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo This Summer?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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