Cavs Insider Reveals One Move That Would Signal LeBron James' Return
LeBron James is officially a free agent, the first time since 2018, after telling the Los Angeles Lakers they can move on without him. Even at 41 years old, and with this likely being his final NBA team, James has become the most coveted player on the market.
Since announcing his decision to leave LA, the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers have been the three most rumored teams. James has a strong relationship with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr, and he also has a long history with Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra down in South Beach.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been named as a potential sleeper too after their blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown.
But the Cavs remain at the head of the pack for several reasons. It’s where he began his NBA career 23 years ago, where he won the franchise’s first NBA title in 2016, and it’s in his home state of Ohio. It would be the ultimate homecoming for arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, there’s even a growing belief among competitors around the league that James will be finishing his career in Cleveland and that it’s become “the scenario to beat.”
Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently said on his radio show he believes that “the vibes are pointing towards Cleveland.”
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Still, no decision has been made, and James’ agent, Rich Paul, has noted that he’s going to take his time with a decision.
But on Wednesday, Windhorst highlighted one move fans should watch for that might signal James’s return to Cleveland.
“If you see the Cavs trade Max Strus, you will know that there’s some sort of action there,” Windhorst said on “ESPN Cleveland.”
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Strus, a 6-foot-5 sharpshooting wing, has been with the Cavs since 2023 after signing to a four-year, $63 million deal in a sign-and-trade with Miami.
But he’s also set to earn a base salary of around $16.6 million next season, which is the fourth-highest salary on the team behind Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Donovan Mitchell.
He’s a quality role player and a 40% 3-point shooter, but he’s also far less valuable than the other three players, making him the most moveable contract on the roster to free up cap space.
If the Cavs trade him, it likely means they’re clearing money specifically to make room for James.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 8:48 PM.