LeBron James has not yet revealed his plans for the 2026-27 season, but fans are convinced he mad his decision a long, long time ago.
After the Los Angeles Lakers were informed that James wasn't coming back for next season, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat were named the top suitors in this year's free agency sweepstakes. The Philadelphia 76ers have also been mentioned as a potential option, but there isn't a ton of smoke surrounding them right now.
While it's possible James puts on a fourth different uniform in his NBA career, fans are convinced he's heading back to Cleveland. Although he hasn't given any indication that he's returning to the Cavaliers, there's an old article that has resurfaced this Friday.
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When James returned to the Cavaliers in the summer of 2014, he spoke to Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins about his decision. The four-time champion said he always thought he'd finish his career in Cleveland.
"I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when," James wrote. "After the season, free agency wasn’t even a thought. But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown. I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy."
Well, James has the chance to do just that this summer.
Do the Cavaliers have enough firepower to land James?
Brian Windhorst, who has followed James since his high school days, recently said the Cavaliers aren't a "realistic option" for the NBA legend.
“I don’t think the Cavs are a realistic option,” Windhorst said. “I’ve not heard the Cavs are out but I’ve certainly not heard that they’re in. So, I’m not considering that as an option at the moment."
While it's possible the Cavaliers need to make a few tweaks, a core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen should be viewed as enticing for James.
Only time will tell if James is interested in another reunion with the Cavaliers.
