NBA rumors: 3 reasons LeBron James will never return to Cavaliers

By Mark Powell | Feb 20, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks on court after a timeout during a 126-123 Lakers overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on November 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE. /

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PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 09: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

LeBron James might not make financial sense for Cleveland

Even in the later stages of his career, LeBron James is worth whatever number he wants on a blank check. The man still averages nearly 30 points per game in his age-38 season, and it’s unlikely that number will take a major hit next year.

Can the Cavaliers afford that?

Sure, if Altman is willing to change the entire look of a Cavaliers’ team on the rise. But why risk it? Unless James is willing to sign for the mid-level exception, it’s not worth potentially tearing apart a team that’s had years to gel together into a contender.

“I don’t play midlevel basketball,” James said. “I don’t come back for anything below the top.”

So, that’s a solid no from James side of things, and it’s tough to blame him.

LeBron will always be remembered as a legend in Cleveland. He’ll likely go into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a Cavalier, and his number will be retired in Cleveland’s arena sooner rather than later.

But it’s taken years for the Cavs to build up a young core that could sustain regular season success without James. Tearing it apart for a year or two tops with LeBron on a retirement tour makes no sense in the long-term.

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