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The 2025 NBA offseason has already seen its share of seismic shifts, but one potentially franchise-altering move still lingers on the horizon for the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a season filled with regular-season dominance but playoff disappointment, the Cavaliers now stand at a crossroads. The Eastern Conference landscape has shifted, longtime powerhouses are retooling, and a certain 40-year-old superstar might just be available for one last run at glory.
Yes, we’re talking about LeBron James. The King’s future with the Lakers is murky at best. If the Cavs truly wants to cash in on its window to win a championship, then trading for their hometown hero should still be on the table.
Retooling and Refocus
Last season, the Cavaliers secured the best regular-season record in the conference with a franchise-best 64 wins. It was a historic campaign highlighted by three All-Star selections and All-NBA nods for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Yet, all of that regular-season excellence evaporated in the playoffs as Cleveland fell in five games to the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Recognizing the need for change, Cleveland’s front office has acted decisively this summer. With the Eastern Conference wide open due to season-ending injuries to Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard, the Cavs prioritized defense and versatility. Their first move was re-signing sharpshooter Sam Merrill, who has grown into a reliable two-way wing.
They followed that by trading Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for 27-year-old Lonzo Ball. Sure, Okoro provided stout defense. However, his offensive limitations capped his ceiling. Ball, on the other hand, offers elite perimeter defense. His high-IQ, uptempo game perfectly complements Cleveland’s new identity. Having Ball and the return of Larry Nance Jr should reignite the team's core principles.
Moving forward, however, adding another big name, maybe the biggest one out there, can truly tip the scale for the Cavs.
Here we will look at the one move that the Cleveland Cavaliers still must make to improve their roster during 2025 NBA free agency.
Why LeBron Still Matters in 2025
James may be nearing 41, but his impact on winning remains undeniable. His blend of basketball IQ, leadership, and still-formidable athleticism makes him one of the most unique assets in the game. Now, after opting in to the final year of his Lakers contract, which comes with a full no-trade clause, rumors are swirling that he may be orchestrating a move elsewhere.
Rich Paul, LeBron’s longtime agent, recently confirmed the superstar’s mindset.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future… but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
The Cavaliers can give him exactly that.
With Boston unloading the contracts of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis due to cap constraints, the Eastern Conference is ripe for the taking. Again, these Cavaliers boast a deep, talented roster. They are one major piece away from becoming clear-cut favorites. Adding James could be that missing piece. He would provide the veteran presence and “bully” mentality the current core lacks.
The Trade That Could Make It Happen
Hypothetical trade packages for James have already begun making the rounds. One scenario involves the Cavaliers sending Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and De’Andre Hunter to the Lakers in exchange for James. It’s a steep price, no doubt. Garland is just 25 and a two-time All-Star. Allen is one of the league’s premier interior defenders, and Hunter fits the archetype of a modern two-way wing.
But what’s the goal here? To keep accumulating 60-win regular seasons? Or to finally break through in the playoffs?
James' postseason pedigree is unmatched. Of course, age is a concern. That said, his ability to elevate a team in high-stakes moments hasn’t waned. With Mitchell and Mobley entering their respective primes, the Cavs would possess a star trio with the perfect mix of experience, skill, and urgency. James doesn’t need to carry the same load he once did. He just needs to lead and occasionally dominate when it matters most.
The Risk and the Reward
Yes, trading three prime-age players for a soon-to-be 41-year-old isn’t a move made lightly. There’s also the possibility James could leave in free agency in 2026 or even retire. Still, title windows are fleeting in the NBA. Cleveland’s is wide open right now. Mitchell’s long-term future in Cleveland is not guaranteed. Mobley will command a max contract soon. Waiting for perfect conditions may leave the Cavaliers right where they’ve been, which is on the outside looking in come June.
Bringing back James would also be more than a basketball decision. It would be a full-circle moment for the franchise, the city, and the greatest player to ever wear a Cavs uniform. The storylines would write themselves. The energy in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse would be electric. And the chance to add one more banner to the rafters? That’s worth chasing, even at a high cost.
A Dream Worth Pursuing
The Cavaliers have already made smart, calculated moves this offseason. They’ve reinforced their identity and addressed key weaknesses. However, one move remains that could catapult them from contenders to champions: a reunion with LeBron James.
It won’t be easy. It won’t be without risk. That said, championship glory never is. If the goal is to hang another banner in Cleveland, then making a run at The King might be their best and last shot.
