LeBron to Cleveland with Harden & Mitchell? Why It Likely Won't Happen
As the 2025-2026 NBA trade deadline nears, analysts and fans are probably still shocked by how active it got within the last 72 hours. Between the Dallas Mavericks pulling off another surprise in shipping Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, Chris Paul being picked up by the Toronto Raptors, and James Harden leaving the Clippers behind for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s been busy around the NBA world.
Now, as the second half of the season readies to kick off, many people are looking ahead past the NBA playoffs to the summer. In particular, questions are swirling around what LeBron James plans to do. In the wake of that explosive ESPN article, in which it was reported that Lakers head honcho Jeanie Buss had soured on James, it seems inevitable that should James continue on with his NBA career next season, it likely won’t be in Los Angeles. To add, King James is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
With all that being said, speculation is revving up that the Cavs may be preparing to welcome James home… Again. Furthermore, the top recruits in trying to make this happen are going to be Donovan Mitchell and recently acquired Harden. However, while many people are embracing the idea, I actually think it falls in the land of fantasy. Here’s why.
LeBron James and Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Have a Rocky History
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The rollercoaster relationship between James and the Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, is well-documented. Back in 2010, when James waved goodbye to Cleveland and hello to the Miami Heat, Gilbert was livid. As reported by ABC News, Gilbert labeled James a “quitter” and called James’ infamous “Decision” announcement a “heartless and callous action” and a “shameful display of selfishness and betrayal.”
Somehow, the two men managed to patch things up, which is how James wound up back with the Cavs in 2014. However, when he again left the team and headed to the Lakers in 2018, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith alleged:
“According to a couple of owners I’ve spoken to and a few executives I’ve spoken to, Dan Gilbert is known for not being particularly fond of LeBron James. He doesn’t mind the thought of LeBron James leaving at all. As a matter of fact, I had one executive tell me, ‘Excuse me, I can’t wait until he leaves, because I’ll get my team back.’ This is something Dan Gilbert has actually echoed.”
So if the history between James and Gilbert is so contentious, I have to wonder if James wants to go through the headache of playing for Gilbert again. Yes, Ohio is home for the NBA superstar, and the Cavs in many ways will always be his team, but nostalgia may not be worth the potential headache for him.
James-Harden-Mitchell Trio Doesn’t Necessarily Equate to a Championship
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A true NBA fan has to respect the regular season grind and hustle of greats like Harden and Mitchell. However, it’s hard to ignore that neither has a championship ring. While Harden has at least been to the NBA Finals with the Oklahoma Thunder, the team ultimately lost to the James-led Heat in a gentleman’s sweep. Harden and Mitchell probably really want a championship win to cement their legacies as top players, and have the talent to get one, but so far, that’s not been in the cards. Does adding James to the equation change that?
Before answering that, you have to consider that a lot of the Cavs recent success over these few years has to be credited to their younger roster featuring Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Unless James is willing to take a pay cut, is the current Cavs roster worth gambling to acquire him? They already lost Darius Garland in the Clippers trade. So simply put, should the Cavs risk their more long-term future to make a James-Harden-Mitchell trio happen?
LeBron James and Steph Curry Seem Destined to Play Together in The Bay
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One of the worst-kept secrets in basketball is that James would love to play with Steph Curry. Considering Curry is likely a lifer with the Golden State Warriors, in order for that partnership to happen, James would have to join the California franchise. Adding to this, leading up to this year’s trade deadline, reports have run rampant that the Warriors want LeBron in the offseason, and if they can secure him alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, even better.
Plus, I personally feel it may be a safer bet for James to join Curry (and possibly Draymond Green if the Warriors can manage to keep him) if he wants another championship ring. Golden State may not have gone very far in the playoffs in recent years, but under coach Steve Kerr, the team still has a championship pedigree.
So what do you think? Does LeBron go to the Cavs or the Warriors? Heck, or will he decide to ultimately retire after this season?