​An intriguing rumor has emerged as a potential pivot option for the Cleveland Cavaliers if they don’t land LeBron James this summer. The Cavs, who advanced impressively to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, were swept by a formidable New York Knicks squad in the playoffs, a setback that hasn’t dampened their lofty ambitions for the years ahead.
As the summer unfolds, there is a growing belief within the organization that re-signing James Harden could be a game-changing move. With a full training camp alongside Harden, Cleveland fans and front office minds anticipate even stronger performance in the 2026-27 season. Harden was projected to be the centerpiece of their summer plans, representing what many would view as Cleveland’s most significant addition this offseason. Yet, the landscape shifted when James told the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not return for a ninth season with the team, injecting an unexpected wrinkle into Cleveland’s strategy.
Over the past week, multiple reports have positioned the Cavaliers as the favorites to lure James back for a third stint in Cleveland. Still, the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers remain credible challengers in the race to sign the 22-time All-Star. That dynamic leaves Cleveland at risk of missing out on the prize.
In the event James doesn’t return, Heavy’s Sean Deveney proposed a backup plan that could keep the Cavaliers competitive and flexible. He suggested considering Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. as a potential acquisition. “It won’t be easy finding a team willing to match the $41 million Porter is owed in 2026-27. Interest is tepid, but Cleveland could be among the interested parties,” Deveney noted.
Recent reporting has indicated that if the Nets and Porter Jr. cannot reach an extension, a trade could be on the horizon this offseason. Porter Jr. is in the final year of his contract at 28 years old and enjoyed a career year last season, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. That production profile could appeal to Cleveland, offering a path to immediate talent while preserving cap flexibility for the following summer should the plan not work out.
So, what would it cost the Cavaliers to pull off such a deal? Evan Mobley would be off-limits, given his value and potential. However, a package built around Jarrett Allen and Max Strus heading to Brooklyn could satisfy the financial side of a trade. Allen would bring frontcourt versatility to the Nets, pairing with Julius Randle for a potential second stint in New York, while Strus could fill a complementary frontcourt role for Brooklyn.
Even so, this scenario would likely require more than just those pieces. If Cleveland attached a future first-round pick—perhaps their 2031 selection—to Porter Jr. and absorbed the remaining years on Allen’s contract, a deal could become plausible. Such a move would give the Cavaliers a credible star alongside Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell while maintaining options for the future.
This possible contingency plan highlights how Cleveland could adapt if the LeBron James pursuit does not come to fruition. The organization remains committed to competing at a high level and is weighing all avenues to maximize its roster for the short and long term. While the James sweepstakes captivate headlines, the Cavaliers appear prepared to explore alternative avenues that could keep them on a championship trajectory no matter how the summer unfolds.