Perkins Claims Mitchell, Harden Recruiting LeBron to Cavs

Veteran NBA analyst says sources tell him Cavaliers stars are pushing for James reunion in Cleveland.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins revealed on a podcast that his sources have told him Cavaliers stars Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are actively recruiting LeBron James to return to Cleveland when he becomes a free agent after the 2025-26 season. Perkins said the Cavaliers' recent trade for Harden has fueled speculation that the team is positioning itself to make a run at signing James.

Why it matters

LeBron James' future has been a constant source of speculation, and a potential return to the Cavaliers would be a major storyline in the NBA. The Cavaliers have emerged as a top contender in the Eastern Conference, and adding James could make them an instant championship favorite.

The details

Perkins said on "The Road Trippin' Show" podcast that his sources have told him Mitchell and Harden have "started the push" to recruit James to Cleveland. The Cavaliers made a blockbuster trade to acquire Harden, pairing him with Mitchell, and Perkins believes this is part of an effort to lure James back to the team he led to an NBA title in 2016.

  • LeBron James will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

LeBron James

A 4-time NBA champion and 4-time NBA Finals MVP who is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. James previously played for the Cavaliers from 2003-2010 and 2014-2018, leading the team to an NBA title in 2016.

Donovan Mitchell

An All-Star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has emerged as one of the top young players in the NBA.

James Harden

A former NBA MVP and 10-time All-Star who was recently traded to the Cavaliers, forming a formidable duo with Donovan Mitchell.

Kendrick Perkins

A former NBA player who is now an ESPN analyst and podcast host.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My sources told me that Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are starting the push to go and recruit LeBron James this offseason. I'm just telling you, my sources tell me, as soon as James Harden got on the phone, or got around the team, the initial was 'Alright, we about to make this run, we about to go all out, we want LeBron James.'”

— Kendrick Perkins, ESPN Analyst (The Road Trippin' Show)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will need to continue building a championship-caliber roster in order to have a realistic chance of luring LeBron James back to Cleveland. Their success this season and in the playoffs could play a major role in James' free agency decision.

The takeaway

The possibility of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers has been a persistent rumor, and Kendrick Perkins' claims about Mitchell and Harden's recruitment efforts add further intrigue to the situation. While James' future remains uncertain, the Cavaliers have positioned themselves as an attractive destination for the future Hall of Famer.