LeBron James Likely to Join Cavs If He Accepts Pay Cut

ESPN insider says it's 99% likely LeBron will return to Cleveland if he's willing to play for minimum or mid-level exception

Feb. 24, 2026 at 6:23pm

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There is growing speculation that LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers after this season, with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as the most likely destination. ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes that if the 41-year-old NBA legend is willing to accept a significantly smaller contract, he would almost certainly sign with the Cavs.

Why it matters

LeBron's potential return to Cleveland would be a major storyline in the NBA, as he previously led the Cavaliers to an NBA championship in 2016 before departing for the Lakers. His willingness to take a pay cut to play for the Cavs again would demonstrate his desire to finish his career in Cleveland.

The details

Windhorst explained that the only way the Cavaliers could add LeBron is if he's willing to play for either the league minimum or the tax mid-level exception, which would be a major pay cut from his current Lakers contract. The Cavaliers have told LeBron that if he wants to play for them, this is the financial arrangement they can offer.

  • This season, the 41-year-old LeBron James is averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in around 33 minutes per game for the Lakers.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA legend who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considering a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he previously won an NBA championship in 2016.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN NBA insider who believes there is a 99% chance LeBron James will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers if he is willing to accept a significantly smaller contract.

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA team that is reportedly the most likely destination for LeBron James if he decides to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, provided he is willing to accept a pay cut to play for them.

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What they’re saying

“The only way the Cavs could add him is to get him to play at either the minimum or maybe make some moves to create flexibility with the tax mid-level exception.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN NBA Insider

“If he's able and willing to accept that, I think it's 99%.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN NBA Insider

The takeaway

LeBron James' potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers would be a major storyline in the NBA, as he previously led the team to a championship in 2016. His willingness to take a significant pay cut to play for the Cavs again would demonstrate his strong desire to finish his career in Cleveland, where he first found championship success.