Despite all the chatter surrounding LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors this offseason, NBA fans may want to prepare to see him join forces with a Finals MVP who isn't named Steph Curry.
James informed the Los Angeles Lakers before the start of free agency that he won't be coming back for the 2026-27 season. He spent eight years in Los Angeles, averaging 25.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. Of course, the highlight of his time with the Lakers was his championship run in 2020.
Now that James is an unrestricted free agent, NBA fans are eager to know what's next for him.
During an appearance on "NBA Today," ESPN insider Brian Windhorst floated a scenario where the Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. He believes the All-Star swingman would make Cleveland a more attractive landing spot for James.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers learned today that LeBron James will be willing to play for less than his market value salary. That changed everything. So how does Cleveland get LeBron James' attention? Do they show him their beautiful, brand new practice facility they're building? It is awesome. I saw it this week in Cleveland. That is not gonna impress him," Windhorst said.
"What's going to impress him is what they do with their roster. So what can the Cavs do? James Harden opted out yesterday. He, from what I understand, is willing to partner with the Cavs to figure out a way how to improve the roster. Jaylen Brown is out there. Can the Cavs make a move for Jaylen Brown, then come to LeBron, and say, 'How do you feel about us now?' That's the type of move that you're gonna do to get LeBron James' attention."
© Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images.
What would it cost to acquire Jaylen Brown?
The Celtics were the No. 2 seed in the East this past season in large part due to Brown, who averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Celtics want at least four first-round picks in order to part ways with Brown.
If the Cavaliers are truly interested in pairing Brown and James for next season, they'd have to at least offer Evan Mobley and draft picks to the Celtics.
We'll keep an eye on the Cavaliers in the coming days, make no mistake about it.
