'99%' LeBron Return to Cavs Scenario Explained by Windhorst After James Harden Trade amid NBA Rumors

A LeBron James reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers could be in play next season — under the right circumstances.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst explained Wednesday that the Cavs could bring James in this offseason, but he would have to join the team on a discounted rate, which Windhorst said could be either the veteran minimum or a mid-level exception.

"If he's able and willing, and is willing to accept that money, I think it's 99 percent," Windhorst said.

While James would be giving up a significant amount of his potential earnings to return to Cleveland, Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland noted that a retirement tour would still be very lucrative:

Whether James wants to continue playing beyond the 2025-26 campaign is still unknown, but the 41-year-old certainly seems capable of doing so. While he's lost his step in some areas, he's still putting up 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Assuming he's around that level again next year, he could be a key piece alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden as Cleveland chases its first title since 2016.

Closing out his career with the Cavs — his hometown team and where he spent most of his career — could be a storybook ending for James, but he's also grown comfortable in Los Angeles. The Lakers reportedly are open to another season of James if he chooses to stay.

James will have to make a big decision over the summer, but for now he'll look to continue aiding the Lakers in their quest for another championship.