Terry Pluto Dismisses Rumors of LeBron James Returning to Cavs

Veteran columnist says Cavs fans need to let go of the dream and focus on the team's current success.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:15pm

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In his latest podcast, longtime Cleveland.com columnist Terry Pluto firmly rejected the persistent rumors of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers. Pluto argued that the 41-year-old James, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, would not be the same dominant player that led the Cavs to an NBA championship in 2016. He also questioned how James and the aging James Harden, who the Cavs have reportedly committed to for next season, would fit together on the roster. Pluto believes Cavs fans should instead focus on appreciating the team's current success and building for the future.

Why it matters

The constant speculation about LeBron's potential return to Cleveland has overshadowed the Cavaliers' strong performance this season. Pluto wants to shift the narrative to the current team's accomplishments and away from the unrealistic dream of bringing back a diminished LeBron James.

The details

Pluto pointed to James' declining stats and injury issues with the Lakers as evidence that the four-time MVP is no longer the dominant force he once was. He also questioned how James and the 37-year-old James Harden, who the Cavs have reportedly committed to for next season, would fit together on the roster. Pluto believes adding an aging LeBron to the current Cavs team would create an "expensive nostalgia act" rather than a true contender.

  • LeBron James last played for the Cavaliers in the 2017-18 season.
  • The Cavaliers are currently in the midst of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

Terry Pluto

A longtime columnist for cleveland.com who has covered the Cavaliers for decades.

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who previously played for the Cavaliers from 2003-2010 and 2014-2018, winning an NBA championship in 2016.

James Harden

A 37-year-old NBA veteran who has reportedly committed to playing for the Cavaliers next season.

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What they’re saying

“'Of course LeBron loves to have that going,' Pluto said. 'I'm like, 'Give it up, let's talk about this in the summer.' Just stop.'”

— Terry Pluto, Columnist (cleveland.com)

“'So let's take the floor with a 41-year-old LeBron James and a 37-year-old James Harden. Hey, let's see if Jim Chones wants to play; Austin Carr. ... I'm serious. You know, you can't just run these guys out there.'”

— Terry Pluto, Columnist (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Pluto believes the Cavaliers should focus on building around their current young core and not get distracted by unrealistic dreams of a LeBron James reunion.

The takeaway

Pluto's message is clear - it's time for Cavaliers fans to move on from the idea of LeBron James returning to Cleveland. The team has found success without him and would be better off investing in its current roster rather than chasing an aging superstar.