Apparently, LeBron James is trying to orchestrate a blockbuster trade before he chooses his next NBA team.
James has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers ever since he hit the open market. While it's unclear when he'll make an announcement, the rumors just keep on swirling.
A little over 24 hours ago, Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports reported that James is holding out hope that one of his suitors could land Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving in a trade.
"The popular theory around the league is that LeBron has been slow-playing his decision to see if any of his suitors could find a way to land Irving or Davis," O'Connor wrote. "If a team proved capable of acquiring one of his championship teammates, sources say, it might sway him in that direction."
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On Friday morning, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill had similar information to report. He added that James wants the Cavaliers to acquire Irving in a blockbuster deal. The issue, however, is the Dallas Mavericks have no interest in trading their All-Star point guard.
"League sources said James had been angling for former teammate Irving to join him in Cleveland, but the Dallas Mavericks have had no interest in engaging the Cavaliers in a trade, and Irving is believed to be comfortable where he is," Goodwill wrote.
Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. He looked sharp prior to that injury, averaging 24.7 points and 4.6 assists per game during the 2024-25 season.
Where will LeBron end up?
Goodwill believes the Miami Heat make the most sense for James at this point in time.
"By no means are the Heat title-ready, but the deficiencies are clearer and easier to address. Finding shooting along the margins is somewhat of a franchise staple, with the likes of Max Strus, Duncan Robinson and Gabe Vincent among recent examples of Miami turning unheralded players into bona fide sharpshooting contributors," Goodwill said. "James won't have to coach and won't have to manage. He just has to go hoop. And at his age, that's the best possible use of his time."
In theory, James could take a lighter workload in the regular season since the Heat have two other All-Stars in Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Is he confident in Pat Riley's ability to build out the rest of the roster? If so, then a return to South Beach makes sense.
