Despite having the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have largely flown under the radar this season. They have multiple all-stars in Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Jarrett Allen but are still fringe contenders. However, that may soon change.
Current Los Angeles Lakers star and former Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James isn't expected to re-sign with L.A. this summer. That means he will be a free agent for just the third time in his future Hall of Fame career.
Secretly, Cavs fans have been hoping that LeBron will make one last homecoming and sign with Cleveland this offseason. That might have seemed far-fetched heading into last season, but it seems increasingly likely now.
The Cavs could bring LeBron James home this summer
In fact, The Athletic's Sam Amick recently predicted (subscription required) that he would either end up with the Cavaliers or the Golden State Warriors this offseason.
Either seems like a good bet, but LeBron ending his career with the Cavaliers seem like too good of an opportunity to pass up. He is already the best player in franchise history and could further endear himself to Cleveland by taking far less to make a homecoming possible.
Whether that be the taxpayer mid-level exception or even a veteran's minimum contract, either would be well received and could ultimately make the Cavs a serious contender next season.
LeBron James could be the Cavs' missing championship piece
That's not to say that the Cavs aren't contenders now, but they are a clear rung below the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks in the east. And to be clear, LeBron isn't the same player that he was when he left Cleveland back in 2016.
He isn't the best player in the NBA anymore or even a top 10 player. Still, he is capable of having big performances. Hopefully for the Cavs, he is willing to take a steep pay cut to end his career the right way.
If he is, then Cleveland could soon see their best player in franchise history return.