Cavaliers LeBron James trade rumor raises questions about Cleveland's future

Nothing tangible has happened between LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the yearly cycle of a possible James homecoming is still ongoing.

King James has made NBA history, winning a Finals MVP with three separate franchises. Since his 2016 comeback with the Cavaliers, though, LeBron cemented his legacy as the hometown kid who fulfilled the promise. Despite a bumpy road to the historic win, James' spot in Cleveland sports history is undeniable. That mythic status James holds has made the thought of a final run with the new core in a farewell tour a constant storyline fans and onlookers discuss.

As LeBron's relationship the Los Angeles Lakers sours this summer with the franchise shifting directions away from a desperate attempt to win now by selling off the future, the chances of James departing the City of Angels is the most possible ever. While not likely, considering his no-trade clause and $52.6 million salary, there has never been a time in his Lakers tenure more fraught with potential divorce.

A lot of rumors have swirled, and James' not-so-subtle social media cryptology has only stoked the flames. While he may have spoken out once, it has not stopped the constant whispers and stories.

Most recently, NBA insider ScoopB divulged that the Cavaliers were among four teams who have contacted James' agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, about making a trade for the 21-time All-Star.

Trading for LeBron, while possible, would cause a seismic shift in the Cavaliers' present and future roster. Sitting above the second apron threshold, Cleveland cannot stack salaries in a trade unless the deal sheds enough salary for the Cavs to dip below the apron once the trade is completed. With this limitation and James' price tag, Cleveland would have to include at least two core players, likely Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, alongside a plethora of role players like Max Strus and Dean Wade.

Since Sam Merrill, Tyrese Proctor, Larry Nance, Jr. and Lonzo Ball are not trade eligible right now, the Cavaliers could potentially view the aftermath of a James trade as still being a contender if other top depth pieces like De'Andre Hunter are not included in the move. Still, the Cavaliers would have to trade a cohesive, young squad for an all-in rental of the franchise's greatest talent.

The Cavaliers know this. They knew this before calling Rich Paul. No front office enters any trade discussions without full understanding of their salary cap positioning and the theoretical ways to accomplish the trade. Beyond the LeBron news alone, though, the Cavaliers' offseason rumors signals a paradigm shift in the core four's future in Cleveland.

Cleveland is willing to trade the future to be Finals favorites this season

ScoopB's LeBron update is the second time the Cavaliers have been linked to real trade talks surrounding an aging superstar on an expiring deal. Earlier this summer, the Cavs were confirmed to have discussed a Kevin Durant deal with the Phoenix Suns. According to Brian Windhorst, those talks went beyond one phone call. The Cavaliers were prepared to dump salary in order to move Garland for Durant and draft picks.

In the Durant deal, Cleveland would have regained control of some of their future draft picks while also adding a former MVP and two-time NBA Champion. Despite Durant's highly-unfavorable standing with Cavs fans, Cleveland's front office would have been foolish not to explore the option. In the end, Durant's lack of interest in playing for the Cavaliers and Cleveland's financial restrictions killed the talks.

With two confirmed explorations of blockbuster trade discussions, the Cavaliers' perspective of the core four has clearly shifted since last offseason. A year ago, Cleveland refused any trade discussions around the core even as rivals called incessantly. Now, the Cavs - perhaps inspired by Kawhi Leonard's one-year run with the Toronto Raptors or out of fear of the second apron - are willing to break up the core if it secures a proven all-time great.

Acquiring Durant and James would not only give the Cavaliers a definitive superstar alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, but it would loosen their cap space this season and the in the future. Making a trade for either player would force the Cavs to fall below the second apron and prohibit themselves from re-entering it this season. With both James and Durant on an expiring contract, Cleveland could move on from either star the next season and open up a wealth of cap flexibility in the 2026 offseason.

Unless a LeBron trade comes to fruition, the Cavaliers will spend at least the first half of the season as a second apron club. The deadline to drop below is the early February trade deadline, meaning Cleveland's recent interests in adding a massive expiring contract could signal that the core will be on the market again if the early season is not promising or injuries plague the Cavs.

As of right now, the Cleveland Cavaliers are likely not bringing LeBron James home, but anything can change in an instant in the NBA. If Luka Doncic can be dealt in the dead of night without any prior rumblings, then nothing is impossible. The Cavs have serious restrictions burdening them this year with the second apron, but Durant and James would offer the franchise a superstar and cap relief. Getting a better and cheaper at the same time is a unicorn in trades. The Cavaliers cannot ignore the opportunities, but that willingness to explore these trade talks could say more than just a savvy front office doing their due diligence.