Let’s break down the one major move the Cavaliers should still consider to elevate their roster during the 2025 NBA free agency.
The 2025 NBA offseason has already brought plenty of dramatic changes, but for the Cleveland Cavaliers, one potentially franchise-defining move still hangs in the balance. After dominating the regular season but faltering in the playoffs, the Cavs find themselves at a pivotal moment. With traditional Eastern Conference powerhouses restructuring and a legendary 40-year-old superstar possibly on the market, Cleveland has a golden opportunity.
That superstar? LeBron James.
James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is uncertain. If Cleveland is serious about maximizing its current championship window, pursuing their hometown hero for one last run should remain a top priority.
A Season of Change and Challenges
The Cavaliers had an incredible regular season, finishing with a franchise-best 64 wins and claiming the Eastern Conference’s top seed. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley both earned All-NBA honors, while the team sent three players to the All-Star Game. Still, their playoff dreams were cut short in a stunning second-round loss to the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers.
In response, the Cavs have made bold moves this offseason. With key Eastern rivals like Boston, Milwaukee, and Indiana dealing with injuries to their stars (Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard), Cleveland doubled down on versatility and defense.
They re-signed sharpshooter Sam Merrill and sent Isaac Okoro to Chicago in a deal for Lonzo Ball. While Okoro was a strong defender, his limited offensive game held him back. Ball, however, brings elite perimeter defense and high basketball IQ, making him an ideal fit for Cleveland’s faster, smarter system. The return of Larry Nance Jr. also strengthens the team’s identity.
Yet, for the Cavs to take the final step toward a title, landing another superstar—possibly the biggest name in basketball—could make all the difference.
Why LeBron Still Moves the Needle
Even at nearly 41, James remains one of the league’s most impactful players. His combination of experience, leadership, and still-elite athleticism makes him a rare asset. After opting into the final year of his Lakers deal, LeBron holds a full no-trade clause, fueling speculation that he could engineer a move to a contender.
His longtime agent, Rich Paul, recently added fuel to the fire:
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He understands the Lakers are planning for the future, but his focus is on winning now.”
The Cavaliers can offer him exactly that.
With Boston shedding key contracts and the East suddenly wide open, Cleveland is positioned as one of the conference’s deepest, most talented teams. Adding James to the mix could turn them into clear favorites. His veteran presence and big-game mentality are precisely what this roster needs to make the leap.
What a LeBron Trade Could Look Like
Speculative trade scenarios have already surfaced. One possibility: Cleveland sends Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and De’Andre Hunter to Los Angeles for James.
It’s a hefty price. Garland, a two-time All-Star at just 25, is a cornerstone talent. Allen anchors the defense, and Hunter is the type of modern two-way wing every contender craves.
But the question for Cleveland’s front office is simple: Are they content with regular-season dominance, or are they willing to gamble for playoff glory?
LeBron’s postseason track record speaks for itself. He wouldn’t need to carry the same burden he once did. Surrounded by Mitchell and Mobley, James could focus on leading and stepping up in crucial moments.
The Risks and Rewards
There are obvious risks to trading for a 41-year-old superstar. James could leave in free agency next summer or even retire. However, Cleveland’s championship window is wide open now. Mitchell’s long-term commitment to the franchise isn’t a lock, and Mobley’s looming max extension will tighten the cap.
Bringing back LeBron would also be about more than basketball. It would mark a poetic homecoming for Cleveland’s greatest player, electrify the fanbase, and give the team a legitimate shot at raising another banner.
A Shot Worth Taking
The Cavaliers have already made savvy moves this summer, shoring up weaknesses and strengthening their identity. Still, one bold swing remains: a reunion with LeBron James.
It won’t be easy, and it carries risk. But championship opportunities don’t last forever. If Cleveland wants to go all-in, this might be their best—and last—chance.
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