LeBron James still hasn’t revealed where he’ll play next season, but speculation around his future continues to build after Fanatics Fest, where one of the NBA’s biggest stars openly backed the idea of a Cleveland reunion.
James attended the event over the weekend but chose not to announce a decision on his free agency. Instead, much of the attention shifted to what other players had to say about the four-time NBA champion’s future.
Among them was Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, who sounded optimistic about the possibility of James returning to his hometown franchise.
“That’s the goal, that’s the plan,” Harden said when ESPN Brazil asked if he could envision a trio featuring himself, Donovan Mitchell and LeBron James. “Hopefully, we’ll see [that] in the next few days.”
Harden didn’t stop there, doubling down on his belief that Cleveland would be the ideal destination for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“I hope he comes to Cleveland,” Harden said in a separate interview about James this weekend. “It’s a perfect storybook finish. He’s at home for his last year. But you know, he’s going to decide. He’s smart enough. I don’t think anybody’s pitches are going to move him.”
While Harden’s comments have added fuel to the Cavaliers rumors, Cleveland isn’t the only franchise reportedly confident about landing James.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas claimed during a live recording of his podcast that he recently discussed James’ free agency with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“They’re thinking in Miami that they’re getting him,” Arenas said.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers continue to make their interest known. Flickinger reported that Sixers owner Josh Harris had a “brief, friendly conversation” with James during Fanatics Fest as Philadelphia remains in the mix.
Despite the growing speculation from players, executives and former stars, James has continued to keep his plans private. No announcement came during his scheduled appearances over the weekend, and for now, every team chasing the future Hall of Famer remains in wait as one of the biggest free agency decisions in recent NBA history edges closer.
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