After a disappointing postseason exit, the NBA world waits to see how the Cleveland Cavaliers react.
After winning an astounding 64-win season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were shortened once again in the NBA playoffs.
There was a furious debate over whether the Cavaliers would make a big move in the second round of five games, losing to the Indiana Pacers.
There was even a trade proposal involving Youngster Evan Mobley, the ruler’s defensive player of the year.
And recently, former star Vernon Maxwell argued that the Cavaliers should consider disbanding Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland’s Starbackcoat pairing.
Lot’s wildest moves for the Cavaliers are nothing new. How about your second reunion with LeBron James?
Nearly seven years after he left for the second time, James remains a bigger figure than Cleveland’s real thing. Returning in 2014, LeBron returned the Cavaliers to the basketball map, making his fourth consecutive final appearance in 2016, winning the franchise’s first NBA title.
Amid speculation on James’ dream of making another Cleveland homecoming, Bill Simmons proposed a hypothetical deal that would eventually reunite the two, starring Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Hunter.
“It’s a really interesting last act for him,” Simmons began about James.
“I’m wondering if it’s going to end with him returning to Cleveland… how did it end for Cleveland, that’s right, what could they do?” “There are a few different ways.
“First of all, I don’t think I’m wrong, can they trade Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Hunter for LeBron James and enter his second year of his deal and give him a year extension?
“We think that’s a trading machine that’s still working on ESPN,” he said.
Simmons also proposed another interesting and potential move.
“So, it could be LeBron for Jarrett Allen, who isn’t sure Cleveland wants to do it, as Cleveland will turn 41 next year.
“Or he could opt out of his deal and sign them at the intermediate level of $12.9 million.
James holds a $52.6 million 2025-26 player option. Reports suggest that he plans to opt out and re-sign through a new deal worth $105 million for two years.
Another route will see James make a huge financial sacrifice like Carl Malone in 2003.
After losing in a big first-round upset with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nick Wright previously campaigned for LeBron’s comeback to the Cavaliers, claiming he had a chance to win another championship than staying in LA and West.
It is still unclear whether James will consider returning to Cleveland to consider an unexpected pay cut, but Simmons is sure that this scenario will be a major twist in the NBA-wide plot.
“Essentially, if you could add LeBron to keep Garland, then let’s say he did the minimal. ‘____that, let’s stack the cabs.’
“I don’t think that will happen, but it was the craziest thing I could think of wouldn’t be like ‘Oh God’ like in Luke’s trade.
“If he feels he has a year left, it’s an interesting way to end his career.”