The future of NBA icon LeBron James is one of the top storylines in this summer’s free agency. While James hasn’t made an official decision, all signs point to him returning for a historic 24th season instead of retiring.
While the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a strong offer to retain James, top league insider Brian Windhorst shared an update on an alternative plan many have speculated about.
Brian Windhorst Doesn’t Believe Cavaliers Have Enough Cap Space To Sign LeBron James
Windhorst discussed James’ rumored reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers on “The Pat McAfee Show,” and said he believes it’s highly unlikely to occur.
“Right now, the Cavs can only offer LeBron four million bucks,” Windhorst said. “One of the things I’ve learned about LeBron is you never count his money and never spend his money. So, making assumptions that LeBron would take a lot less money, I see people making that assumption, and I just don’t think it’s smart.”
Windhorst added, “He is still a max-level player. … The only real way that I can see that the Cavs could get LeBron the money would be to do a trade with Jarrett Allen. … But I don’t think that would improve the Cavs. … I don’t see the pathway.”
“Right now the Cavs can only offer LeBron James $4M..
The only real way I can see the Cavs being able to get LeBron James would be trading Jarrett Allen..
I don’t see the pathway for that to happen”@WindhorstESPN #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/PxgfAtZKb0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 25, 2026
Windhorst believes James is still one of the league’s best players, and the four-time MVP showed that he’s still able to take over games while Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves were injured.
James was named an All-Star this past season, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He raised his averages in the playoffs to 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, taking on a heavier role with Dončić out.
As a result, Windhorst considers it unwise to assume James isn’t seeking fair market compensation. As expected, the Lakers took care of Reaves, reaching terms on a four-year, $185 million deal, which is the most lucrative contract for an undrafted player in NBA history.
While the Lakers will attempt to meet James’ salary demands, there are also potential questions regarding the fit. The 41-year-old’s end-of-season comments appeared to reveal slight annoyance at being reduced to a third option at points during the season. Many fans believe James hinted that he’s ready to move on.
Windhorst doesn’t believe the Cavaliers are a legitimate suitor at the moment, as they deal with another offseason of questions following an underwhelming playoff run. Many insiders speculated that Cleveland would eventually have to choose between Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, and they chose Mitchell, trading Garland for James Harden. Now, insiders believe a similar division awaits in the frontcourt, as the Cavaliers may have to choose between Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Windhorst believes Allen, who is slightly older than Mobley, could be the one to go if Cleveland wants to make a serious run at James. His belief that the Cavaliers would become worse if they got rid of Allen is an interesting shot in the direction of Mobley, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, who would likely play more minutes at center.
Perhaps another suitor will step up if James ultimately decides to leave Los Angeles.
