ESPN insider reveals growing belief about LeBron James’ next team originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LeBron James hasn’t announced where he’ll play next season, but the speculation continues to intensify. According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, there is growing league-wide belief that James could be heading back to where it all began.
Windhorst reported there is a “vibe” around the NBA that LeBron may be leaning toward a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, though no decision has been made and multiple contenders remain hopeful.
Cavaliers buzz continues to grow
The idea of James returning to Cleveland isn’t coming out of nowhere. Windhorst noted that LeBron has spent more time in Akron this offseason while also reconnecting publicly with members of the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team.
Those moments haven’t gone unnoticed around the league. At the same time, Cleveland is coming off its best season without James in more than three decades and recently committed to Donovan Mitchell with a massive four-year extension.
That combination has fueled growing speculation that one final homecoming could make sense.
MORE: We know how Luka Doncic feels about Lakers after LeBron James’ departure
Plenty of teams still believe they have a chance
Despite the Cleveland buzz, the race isn’t over. According to ESPN, the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers all believe they can make a compelling pitch to James.
One executive described communication with James’ camp as largely one-way, making it difficult for teams to know exactly where they stand. That’s been typical throughout LeBron’s career.
He has historically kept free-agency decisions extremely private before revealing them only after his choice has been finalized. Until then, the rumors will continue.
