The race for LeBron James might not be over yet officially, but around the NBA, there seems to be a sense of acceptance that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the team to beat.
Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, Senior ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst revealed that the optimism for chasing teams around the league had taken a huge hit.
“Philly, as soon as the Jaylen Brown deal was done, immediately reached out. They’re going for it. They made their pitch. They reached out right away. I talked to people in Philly and asked them, ‘What do you think?’ They said, ‘We’re afraid it’s Cleveland.’ Everybody I talked to was saying the same thing. ‘We’re afraid it’s Cleveland.’ Nobody seems to have much optimism.”
That’s a pretty remarkable admission. The Philadelphia 76ers were considered one of the frontrunners, especially after landing Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade. They had hoped a trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Brown could be attractive enough for LeBron to sign with them in what is expected to be the final chapter of his career.
But in league circles, there is a sense of belief that a return to Cleveland is imminent.
Recent reports suggest strong signs. The Cavaliers were reported to be in the lead for LeBron, just as prediction markets strongly suggested odds favoring Cleveland. Rich Paul openly discussed possible landing spots for LeBron and pointed to Brandon Weems as the Cavaliers’ X-Factor. Weems is one of LeBron’s closest friends, and he is currently the assistant general manager of the Cavaliers.
LeBron himself added fuel to the fire, as he was spotted in Cleveland with several of his old high school teammates, including Weems. The Cavaliers are keeping roster flexibility open to land Bronny James as well, just in case LeBron decides to return.
The basketball part is quite easy to understand. The Cavaliers are expected to feature a starting lineup of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Add LeBron into that mix, and they are instantly the biggest threat to the New York Knicks in the East.
There is an emotional side to the story. James arrived here in 2003 and helped bring the first championship in 2016. He has spoken multiple times about how he wanted to retire back in Cleveland. Finishing one of the greatest careers the league has ever seen at the place where it all started could be the ideal storybook ending for LeBron.
But that doesn’t mean a decision has already been reached.
The Miami Heat also stand out as a unique option, especially after adding Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Golden State Warriors have been linked for weeks and are aggressively exploring moves to lure LeBron. The Sixers still remain a strong option with their star-studded squad, and they could even explore a potential Anthony Davis-Joel Embiid swap deal to lure LeBron. The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets also remain in the mix.
Despite all that, none of the teams can match what Cleveland has always represented for LeBron: a place that has always felt like home.
Until LeBron makes his decision, the league will hold its collective breath. But if executives around the league are losing hope, Cleveland’s long-awaited homecoming may be closer than ever.
