LeBron Praises Cavaliers' Moves, Fueling Reunion Rumors

James' comments on the Cavs' recent trades and roster additions have intensified speculation about a potential return to Cleveland.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Rumors of LeBron James potentially ending his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers gained momentum after he praised the team's recent moves, including the trade for James Harden and the additions of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. James, who played for the Cavaliers from 2003 to 2018, went out of his way to commend the team's efforts to build a contender, leading many to believe a reunion could be in the works.

Why it matters

LeBron's comments have fueled speculation that he could be eyeing a return to the Cavaliers, the team he led to an NBA championship in 2016. A reunion would be a storybook ending to his illustrious career and would give the Cavaliers a chance to contend for another title with James as the missing piece.

The details

James praised the Cavaliers' recent trades, including the acquisition of James Harden, which he believes will help Donovan Mitchell and the team's chances of winning a championship. He also praised the additions of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, calling them 'dogs' who will compete every night. The Cavaliers have certainly raised their ceiling for this season, but they'll also have the flexibility to make more moves in the offseason, which could make them an attractive destination for LeBron.

  • LeBron James made the comments praising the Cavaliers' moves on his Mind the Game podcast on February 18, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old NBA superstar who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2018 and is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Donovan Mitchell

The star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who was acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz prior to the 2022-23 season.

James Harden

A perennial NBA All-Star who was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dennis Schroder

A veteran NBA point guard who was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade with the Sacramento Kings.

Keon Ellis

A young NBA player who was also acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the trade with the Sacramento Kings.

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What they’re saying

“They're going for it. They felt like they needed another playmaker, someone that's been there, kind of been in this situation before, and they added James (Harden), perennial All-Star who's still putting up All-Star numbers. (Harden) gives Donovan Mitchell another, like, ball handler guy who can make shots late in the game.”

— LeBron James (Mind the Game podcast)

“Those pickups that they got from Sac as well, you know, Schroder, a former teammate of mine, you know that's going to compete every single night, and Keon Ellis, the guy's going to compete, make shots. Like, those guys are going to be, I think, really, really good for that team, especially in the East, where it's a lot of bulk. You've got to have some dogs in there, so I think they added a lot.”

— LeBron James (Mind the Game podcast)

What’s next

The upcoming NBA free agency period will be crucial in determining if LeBron James ultimately decides to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers to finish his career.

The takeaway

LeBron James' strong praise for the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent roster moves has intensified speculation that he could be eyeing a reunion with the team that drafted him and that he led to an NBA championship in 2016. A return to Cleveland would provide a storybook ending to his illustrious career and give the Cavaliers a chance to contend for another title.