​The Sporting News first reported that the Cavaliers are targeting a released $73 million six-time All-Star to entice LeBron James back home, and you can add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The hunt for LeBron James is in full swing, with a decision potentially on the horizon. The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers are widely regarded as the three main contenders in this race. James is a free agent for the fifth time in his career, and as with every previous choice, the basketball world is closely watching to see where he will sign. One thing is clear: he told the Lakers at the start of free agency that he planned to move on.
“For the first time since 2018, LeBron James is available in free agency. James informed the Los Angeles Lakers last month that he intends to play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, ending his eight-year run with the franchise. The 41-year-old is now an unrestricted free agent, coming off a season in which he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds on 51.5% shooting. In other words: James can still help a team, which is exactly what he intends to do,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks wrote.
While some have counted the Cavaliers out, head coach Kenny Atkinson hinted Sunday that Cleveland remains very much in the mix. “You guys know there’s a little free agency thing going on right now. That could be our real jump and you know what I’m talking about. That’s exciting too,” Atkinson said.
The Cavaliers are pulling out all the stops to bring James back for one final championship run. Bringing in DeMar DeRozan could be the move that helps seal the deal. “DeRozan could give Cleveland immediate relief either off the bench or in a more feasible rotational role, which was something the Cavaliers struggled with at times either in the size category or in production. There may not be a lot of basketball left in his future, so why not pursue a veteran like DeRozan, who is still chasing his first NBA title? Not to mention, if the Cavs can also bring back James Harden, that could be a dynamic pairing for LeBron with two seasoned veterans,” SI’s Dominic Pagura wrote.
DeRozan became a free agent last week after Sacramento released him following an unsuccessful attempt to trade him. Contenders always value experienced veteran leadership, making him an appealing option on the open market. DeRozan was on a $73 million contract before being released by the Kings. The Cavaliers could likely sign him for significantly less, while James is also expected to command far less than his previous deal. Adding DeRozan could be Cleveland’s final move in its mission to bring James home.