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Speculation around the league continues to swirl that LeBron James could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/p>\n
Now in his 23rd NBA<\/a> season, the basketball world is anxiously waiting for LeBron James<\/a> to reveal when his legendary career will come to an end. As fans and analysts continue to toss out theories regarding how it will end, one key talking head downplayed the idea of him once again reuniting with his hometown.<\/p>\n After opting into his player option over the summer, LeBron James is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. With the LA Lakers securing a new franchise pillar in Luka Doncic<\/a>, speculation has arisen that the four-time MVP could be on the move again for what might be his farewell tour. Given his deep connections to the area, the Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> have been tossed out regularly as a possible landing spot.<\/p>\n As a former No. 1 pick of the franchise and a hometown hero, LeBron finishing things out where it all began has the makings of a storybook ending. However, Bill Simmons isn\u2019t putting much stock into this becoming reality. During the February 23rd episode of his podcast, the longtime analyst gave a plethora of reasons why Cleveland might not want to take on all the extra attention that comes with having LeBron on the roster.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think LeBron goes to Cleveland next year. I don\u2019t see it,\u201d Simmons said. \u201cI think Cleveland is a team that could win the title this year or next year. I think they have a player that is one of the best six or seven, eight, nine guys in the league who has never made the finals, and I think they\u2019re close. They\u2019re gonna re-sign Harden and I think just being like oh by the way we\u2019re gonna add the LeBron farewell tour to this, it just doesn\u2019t pass the smell test.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think LeBron goes to Cleveland next year.\u201d LeBron James Would Have to Take Historic Pay Cut to Sign With Cavaliers<\/p>\n There are many obstacles in the way of LeBron going back to Cleveland, with money being one of them. Though he\u2019s in his age-41 season, the Lakers forward is still one of the paid players across the association. With the majority of the Cavs\u2019 cap space being tied up in their core, he\u2019d have to leave a lot on the table financially to sign a deal in free agency.<\/p>\n While breaking down the scenario for HoopsHype, Frank Urbina<\/a> revealed just how much of a pay cut LeBron would have to take to land with the Cavs. The most they can offer him is the veteran minimum, which sits at $3.9 million. This is just under $49 million less than what he\u2019s making for LA this season ($52.6 million), resulting in by far the biggest salary reduction in league history.<\/p>\n NBA Insider Weighs in on LeBron James Return Rumors<\/p>\n As of now, there has been no clear reporting that there is interest of a reunion from LeBron or the Cavaliers. That said, based on recent developments, it appears people around the league think it could actually happen.<\/p>\n While on ESPN\u2019s \u201cNBA Today\u201d on February 13th, insider Tim MacMahon gave his thoughts on the situation. He added fuel to the fire regarding this narrative, claiming that many across the NBA believe that LeBron is gonna pull off an iconic farewell tour by going back to Cleveland for a third stint with the franchise.<\/p>\n \u201cI know what the ramping speculation around the league,\u201d MacMahon said<\/a>. \u201cThat is this summer, there is going to be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers next year.\u201d<\/p>\n Still months away from the start of free agency, only time will tell if LeBron shocks the masses by taking the pay cut for one last run in a Cavaliers uniform.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tKevin McCormick<\/a> is a veteran sports writer covering the NBA for Heavy.com. After writing for Heavy briefly in 2022, he’s returned to the publication in 2026. McCormick brings with him over seven years of experience writing about the NBA in a newsroom and served as a credentialed reporter of the Philadelphia 76ers for 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, and On SI. More about Kevin McCormick<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Cavaliers\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t
\n@BillSimmons<\/a> on why the Warriors, not the Cavs, make the most sense for LeBron\u2019s potential farewell tour next season. <\/p>\n