The speculation surrounding LeBron James and a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers has reached a fever pitch.
At 40 years old and entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has once again ignited dreams of a third chapter in Northeast Ohio through cryptic social media activity and appearances at the Cavaliers’ practice facility.
Local analyst Bruce Drennan recently shared insider information about the situation during a podcast segment.
“The word is that the Cavs are not interested in a LeBron James deal. Now here’s the reality, financially and cap wise: In order for a trade for LeBron James to work and to be legal, according to the CBA, is that the Cavs would have to trade Darius Garland, and two of the following players, Jared Allen, DeAndre Hunter and or Max Strus,” Drennan said.
Bruce Drennan’s inside sources say the Cleveland Cavaliers are NOT interested in LeBron James. #LetEmKnow
“Word is that the Cavs are NOT interested in a LeBron James deal.”
Presented by #mentornissan https://t.co/ouNQklEmQD pic.twitter.com/X7DT9dvB3Z
— Bruce Drennan Show (@Bruce_Drennan) July 9, 2025
Drennan posed a direct question to fans clinging to hopes of James returning to deliver another championship, asking whether they would support gutting the current roster for a one-season gamble at title contention.
Cleveland just completed a remarkable 64-win campaign while returning their entire starting lineup.
The addition of Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. has strengthened their depth, creating a formidable roster built around the core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
While James would bring invaluable leadership and championship experience to a team positioned as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference, the financial obstacles appear insurmountable.
His $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season creates significant salary cap complications for Cleveland, which currently sits against the second apron under the NBA’s restrictive collective bargaining agreement.
The new CBA limitations severely restrict the Cavaliers’ ability to combine contracts in trades, making any deal for James practically impossible without dismantling their young, cohesive core.
