The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to LeBron James in recent months due to the storybook ending it would provide LeBron if he were to sign with Cleveland to close out his career. But there hasn't been any real significant Cavs-LeBron buzz lately, somewhat because LeBron and the Lakers' relationship improved this spring, but also because it's become clear that Cleveland doesn't have the cap space to sign Bron.
The Cavs are the only NBA team in the second apron, and they're likely looking to change that this summer, or at the very least, cut some costs. All they could realistically offer LeBron at the present moment is the veteran minimum, and we all know James isn't going to go for that. Could the Cavs theoretically make a bunch of moves that clears enough salary to give LeBron a midlevel exception? It's possible, but still not at all probable.
Cavaliers' commitment to James Harden pretty much rules out a LeBron James reunion
From a basketball standpoint, having both James Harden and LeBron on the same team in 2026-27 wouldn't make any sense for Cleveland. The Cavs are already compromised defensively by their backourt of Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Adding a 41-year-old body to that mix on the wing wouldn't make sense, even if Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen can erase some of Cleveland's perimeter weaknesses.
And the Cavs are, indeed, looking like they're about to re-sign Harden to a multi-year contract this summer. He has a $42.3 million player option, and the plan all along has been for Harden to decline that option and re-sign with Cleveland on a deal that has him making a lower AAV, which helps the Cavs' cap health in the immediate future.
"Sources say that the Cavaliers are confident that they will re-sign Harden on a multiyear deal at a lesser number than Harden's $39.4 million salary this season," NBA insider Marc Stein reported this week (subscription required). "There are rough early estimates in circulation in the $30 million range annually."
James Harden closing out his career in Cleveland means LeBron James won't
If Harden had never welcomed this situation with the Cavs (back when trade talks were happening in February), or if he had performed badly enough for Cleveland to re-consider the entire plan, we might be looking at a different offseason outlook for the Cavs that includes potentially going after LeBron.
But Cleveland is ready to move forward with Harden as the Cavs "run it back" in 2026-27 with their core four stars. There's absolutely no room (financially or basketball-wise) for LeBron in Cleveland. If Lakers fans want to thank anyone for this outcome, they can start by thanking Harden.
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