While LeBron James has not asked for a trade, even Cavaliers fans are mixed on if there is one that makes sense.
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LeBron James opted into his contract, typically meaning he will be a Laker next year. For most players, the story would end there. However, nothing about LeBron is ordinary.
But LeBron isn’t the typical player and this isn’t a typical situation. His accompanying statement with his decision to opt in sure felt like he soft-launching a trade request, which prompted his agent Rich Paul to make it clear that they weren’t doing that.
This hasn’t stopped people from speculating on where a swan song for LeBron outside of Los Angeles makes sense.
When looking at destinations that make sense for LeBron, Cleveland is one to consider. They are a contending team in the Eastern Conference and he has obvious ties there.
In our latest SB Nation Reacts Poll, Cavs fans were asked if they should trade for LeBron.
The idea of LeBron returning to Cleveland is compelling, whether you are for or against the move.
For those in favor, it’s likely because the Cavs have failed to make it out of the East despite having deep playoff runs, trading for stars like Donovan Mitchell and developing their young talent like Evan Mobley.
If you think this core will never be enough to overthrow teams like the Knicks in the East or OKC out West, then perhaps you make an all-in deal for LeBron and give it a go.
On the opposing side, the Cavaliers have been building a team responsibility and if they stay the course, a title could be on the way.
This season, the Cavs won 64 games. Had Mitchell not gotten hurt, perhaps they could’ve made a deeper run or even won it all and a LeBron trade would be a ridiculous proposition.
If you are in this camp, then you don’t make a wild bet that you should trade multiple players to acquire the oldest guy in the NBA, hoping he can take you where you are already heading.
No one knows how much longer LeBron will play, but we must be nearing the end. If you trade for LeBron when you are a top contender the only way it ends well is with an NBA championship. Anything less and you’ll be wondering if you’ve sabotaged your franchise in an attempt at some fairy tale ending.
Considering LeBron has a no-trade clause and it has been made clear that he is not currently asking to be traded, this is just fun summer pondering.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.