LeBron James Trade Reportedly Doesn't Interest Cavs Amid Lakers Rumors in NBA FA
As LeBron James continues to keep an eye on what the Los Angeles Lakers will do to upgrade their roster for next season, the scenario of him potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers doesn't seem to be on the table right now.
Per NBC Sports' Kurt Helin, the Cavs are "are not that interested" in trading for James if he decided to leave Los Angeles.
James opted in to his $52.6 million salary for next season, but that decision also came with an interesting note from his agent, Rich Paul, to ESPN's Shams Charania about the state of the Lakers:
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career."
Those comments raised a lot of eyebrows because it at least suggested the possibility that James might not be all the way in on the Lakers. NBA insider Chris Haynes noted there has been no trade request by the four-time MVP at this point.
If a trade request to happen, James would control where he ends up by virtue of having a full no-trade clause in his contract. The Cavs are a team that has been talked about as a potential fit because they are a ready-made title contender that also has assets to satisfy what the Lakers might want in a deal.
Even in a scenario where the Cavaliers tried to acquire James, they would have to do a full salary match of his $52.6 million because they are limited by the second apron.
One hypothetical package proposed by NBA insider Yossi Gozlan had the Cavs offering Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and De'Andre Hunter.
This would raise the question for Cleveland, though, if that's worth it for James. Garland would be the best Cavs player going out in the deal. He's only 25 years old and already a two-time All-Star.
On top of that, Allen and Hunter are quality starters who helped the Cavaliers win 64 games last season. Allen is under contract for three more seasons. Allen is signed through 2027-28.
James is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, but he's going to turn 41 on Dec. 30 and presumably doesn't have that much time remaining in his NBA career.
Giving up three players in the prime of their careers who are under contract for multiple seasons in exchange for James, who could leave if he becomes a free agent next summer or retire, may not be the best use of resources for a Cavs team that is going to enter the 2025-26 campaign as one of the favorites to win the East as presently constructed.
