Charles Barkley wants LeBron James back in Cleveland

Charles Barkley is never one to bite his tongue about anything, and the subject of LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers is no different.

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“”I’ve always thought he was going to go back to Cleveland. Nobody dislikes LeBron. I think LeBron made a huge mistake with that ‘Decision’ crap. He’s come back and since admitted that. That’s the only thing people hold against LeBron,” Barkley said on ESPN’s “SVP & Russillo” on Wednesday.

“”He’s a great player, a great person. I hope he goes back to Cleveland. Those fans in Miami are not real fans, those fans in Cleveland are real fans. I’ve always hoped he would go back to Cleveland. That would be a great way to finish his career.”

The Cavaliers won the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft for the second consecutive year, and look to build around point guard Kyrie Irving.

Last year the Cavs selected Anthony Bennett first overall, and faced heavy scrutiny after the draft and throughout the season as the Canadian under performed.

James, along with Miami Heat teammates Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, all have opt-out clauses in their contracts following this season.

The Cavs currently have $46.5 million in obligated salaries for the 2014-2015 season, as the expensive contracts of Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes will expire.

That number drops to $22.4 million in 2015-2016, although the team will likely look to extend the contracts of Irving and forward Tristan Thompson.