Could LeBron James return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for his last dance? An NBA insider pours cold water on the recent speculation.
Rumors have intensified in recent days that James getting traded from the Los Angeles Lakers is more possible this summer than ever before. Unsurprisingly, the Cavaliers have been tossed into the speculation as a potential landing spot. However, according to NBC Sports NBA insider Kurt Helin , a third stint is highly unlikely.
"A lot of fans tried to link him to a return to Cleveland. League sources told NBC Sports the Cavaliers are not that interested."
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James was the first overall selection in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers. The lone NBA team in his home state of Ohio. The NBA icon helped to elevate the franchise to being an NBA Finals contender during an impressive seven-year run to start his career. However, he broke Ohio fans' hearts when the Akron native decided to take his talents to the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010.
After winning two titles in South Beach, James shockingly decided to return to Cleveland in 2014. He guided them to the NBA Finals in all four seasons of his second run. Winning the franchise's first and only NBA Championship in 2016. He would then depart in 2018 to join the Los Angeles Lakers .
LeBron James stats (2024-25): 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 378% 3PT
The idea of LeBron James finishing his career in Cleveland is a storybook ending. However, to make a trade possible, the Cavaliers would need to send out $52 million in salary. Helin suggests trading Max Strus and Darius Garland could get a trade done. But he offers a simple question that makes a deal unlikely.
"Why would the Cavs do that? Giving up young players and getting 15 years older (and arguably worse) in the short term to rent LeBron for a year or two."
Related: Will Los Angeles Lakers trade LeBron James? Agent reveals several teams calling
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