The Cleveland Cavaliers are increasingly viewed around the league as the team most likely to sign LeBron James as the four-time NBA champion chooses his next destination, according to Brian Windhorst.
Appearing on Pardon My Take on Monday, Windhorst said rival teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, are concerned that James could return to Cleveland.
“I’ve talked to people in Philly, and I’m like what do you think? ‘We’re afraid it’s Cleveland,’” Windhorst said. “Everybody I talked to is like ‘we’re afraid it’s Cleveland’ — nobody seems like they have optimism.”
James is not expected to conduct traditional free-agent meetings with interested teams. Instead, his agent, Rich Paul, is handling discussions and will provide James with the information needed to make his decision.
“As of right now there are no plans for LeBron to engage in any meetings to allow teams to pitch him on the idea of coming to their prospective teams,” NBA insider Chris Haynes reported. “His agent Rich Paul is doing all the background work. He’s talking with teams and then he in return will relay all the intel and data to LeBron James in which LeBron will make a decision.”
The situation comes after James left the Los Angeles Lakers following eight seasons with the franchise. The 41-year-old remained productive during the 2025-26 season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the field in 60 games.
James’ departure accelerated the Lakers’ transition toward a roster built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games while finishing fourth in MVP voting, while Reaves averaged career highs of 23.3 points and 5.5 assists before signing a four-year, $185 million extension.
Cleveland represents the most significant potential reunion. James spent 11 seasons with the Cavaliers across two separate stints and delivered the franchise’s first championship in 2016, leading Cleveland past the Golden State Warriors after overcoming a 3-1 Finals deficit.
The Cavaliers also remain one of the league’s stronger teams after finishing the 2025-26 regular season with a 52-30 record and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the New York Knicks. Adding James would give Cleveland another veteran creator alongside its existing core.
Golden State remains another major contender for James’ services because of his relationship with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors, however, would need additional roster moves to create the necessary financial flexibility.
Other teams that have reportedly expressed interest include Philadelphia, the Miami Heat, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets. According to reports, 27 of the NBA’s 29 other teams have contacted Paul regarding James’ availability.
