The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of three finalists for LeBron James this summer. Given their extensive history together, it makes sense why LeBron would consider returning there for the final stretch of his career.
Even so, LeBron has yet to make up his mind, leading some to believe he still needs convincing before making a final commitment. On paper, the Cavaliers check all the boxes as a premier landing spot for James, but their lack of success in the playoffs gives him reason to pause. Fortunately, there’s still time for Cleveland to act before he’s lured somewhere else.
While the Cavs don’t have the space to make big changes outright, they can shake things up by finding a sign-and-trade for James Harden, who declined his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27. Specifically, if they use Harden to trade for Kyrie Irving, there’s a pathway to a deal that could see the veteran guard reunite with his former championship teammate (LeBron James). On X, NBA insider Greg Swartz broke down the framework of a deal involving three teams and eight different players.
Potential Trade Scenario
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall
Miami Heat Receive: James Harden
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jarrett Allen, Nikola Jovic, Dennis Schroder, Davion Mitchell
By all accounts, this deal isn’t even being discussed, but it could benefit everyone involved. In exchange for giving up the last of their depth, the Heat can add a third star to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. At 36, James Harden isn’t capable of carrying anymore, but he can still produce big numbers, as we saw last season when he averaged 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 46.6% shooting from the field and 43.5% shooting from three. From there, the Heat can fill out the rest of the roster using veteran minimum contracts.
The Dallas Mavericks would not part with Irving easily, and Jarrett Allen would likely be a requirement for their involvement in any negotiations. With the team building around Cooper Flagg, getting younger is the way to go, and replacing Irving with Allen does just that. Plus, with the additions of Dennis Schroder, Nikola Jovic, and Davion Mitchell, the Mavericks would get some much-needed guard help to stabilize their backcourt.
The real weight of this trade would come from Cleveland’s side. Even after a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, there is a sense they still need to make more moves to catch up with the Eastern juggernauts. Kyrie Irving is hardly their only choice, but he’s arguably the best candidate to plug at point guard right now to lure LeBron James. They were a near-perfect fit when they played together, winning a championship and forming a bond that transcends the sport itself.
For LeBron, the opportunity to join forces with Irving again might just be too good to pass up, especially if it’s on a Cavs team that’s already stacked with depth and star power across the rotation. The only question is how Irving would feel about it. While he was noticeably absent from the Cavs’ 2016 championship reunion event, it’s not because he harbors any resentment toward his former teammates. In fact, if he’s given the chance to run it back in his old stomping grounds, we can expect nothing but his best as one of the greatest offensive point guards of all time.
