Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is in his year 23 season and is set to hit free agency after this season wraps. Many are expecting next season in the NBA to be James’s final one in the league.
The idea of a return to the franchise that drafted him, the Cleveland Cavaliers, has also been floated around the rumor mill by league insiders. The Cavs recently traded for former MVP James Harden and are set to be a title contender next season, which would allow LeBron a chance for a storybook farewell tour and cap to his career.
However, it was previously reported that Cleveland wouldn’t be able to offer the sort of contract a player of his stature deserves.
“The Cavaliers are only able to offer LeBron James a minimum contract, per (Brian Windhorst),” reported NBA Central on Twitter.
Now, a more viable route for the Cavs to take in order to acquire James has been confirmed as a real option.
“There is “widely speculated” interest in a LeBron James return to the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer via sign-and-trade, per (Barry Jackson),” reported NBA Base on Twitter.
There is "widely speculated" interest in a LeBron James return to the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer via sign-and-trade, per @flasportsbuzz.
“LeBron James in a sign-and-trade with Cleveland — his widely speculated but uncorroborated preference — would be difficult, if not… pic.twitter.com/Dm4jBX4JTk
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) February 24, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Sign me up. Now we talkin. Love king and he’s still maybe an all-nba caliber player but he has most likely 1 more year at most Get what we can for the future after this year. Jarrett Allen and someone else,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Why gut the team? Just sign for the minimum or mid level and go win a couple rings,” someone else added.
“Why he tryna mess with Cavs roster just sign for less and chase a ring in your hometown for your last season,” one fan added.
It’ll be fascinating to see how the offseason unfolds around James.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.