With the NBA Draft in the rearview and a bunch of major trades having already happened, the focus of the basketball world is on LeBron James‘ latest free agent decision. Heading into the week, the favorites to sign the 22-time All-Star were believed to be the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. However, a wrench was thrown into the sweepstakes on Wednesday night.
According to Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, there is a rumor circulating that James would welcome a reunion with former teammate Kyrie Irving on the team he lands with. There was chatter in recent seasons that he also wanted the Los Angeles Lakers to bring in the nine-time All-Star. O’Connor’s report comes a few weeks after rumors that James would sign with the Warriors if they acquired Anthony Davis, another multi-time All-Star and former teammate.
Following the news, we take a look at five teams that might be able to make an Irving trade and lure James to their team this month.
Cleveland Cavaliers
cavaliers
June 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Cavaliers would certainly be open to the idea of an Irving and James reunion in 2026 because the duo helped bring the franchise its only NBA championship a decade ago. There is even reason to believe that Irving and Donovan Mitchell could be an effective backcourt duo.
The biggest issue is that Cleveland would need to send James Harden to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade. Dallas is unlikely to want the soon-to-be 37-year-old under a new long-term deal. The Cavaliers could offer Evan Mobley and pass on bringing Harden back. However, the front office is very high on the 25-year-old forward and may not want to hurt the franchise’s long-term plans for a short title run with the aging greats.
Detroit Pistons
pistons
Speed finger painter, Jarred Emerson, unveils the new Detroit Pistons logo on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at Campus Martius Park in Detroit.
Pistons Ec077
An intriguing team that could bring LeBron James and Kyrie Irving back together would be the Detroit Pistons. They are in a contract stalemate with All-Star Jalen Duren. The Mavericks would be all for a sign-and-trade to get the emerging star. But is Detroit’s management willing to make such a bold move for legends at the end of their career?
If they are, the trio of top star Cade Cunningham, Irving, and James would be formidable. And in a couple of years, the Pistons can start anew with both off their books. Trying to bring a title back to Mo-Town would appeal to the four-time MVP.
Houston Rockets
rockets
Mar 29, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Houston Rockets logo against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
There was a lot of speculation about the Houston Rockets heading into the offseason. However, the organization has been quiet this summer. They could change plans to maintain the status quo if they feel James and Irving are the final pieces in a title team with Kevin Durant.
Would the Mavericks be open to a deal for Jabari Smith, Fred VanVleet (to make the money work) and two future first-round picks? Possibly. They would prefer Amen Thompson, but he still seems to be off limits for the Rockets.
Orlando Magic
magic
Feb 8, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; A view of the Orlando Magic logo in the locker room hallway prior to the game of the Orlando Magic against the Atlanta Hawks at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic thought that adding Desmond Bane last summer would catapult them into being a legitimate title contender in the East. Instead, they disappointed in 2025-26 and blew a 3-1 series lead in the playoffs against the Pistons.
They badly want to matter again at an elite level. Especially after the Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Adding James and Irving would do that. They would need to give up Paolo Banchero in a trade, but rumors over the last year suggest Orlando may not be against that.
Phoenix Suns
suns
Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A general view of the Phoenix Suns logo on the court before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
After making bold moves that failed in recent years, the Phoenix Suns have pivoted to being more cautious with their acquisitions. However, you can never rule out owner Matt Ishbia if he could land both James and Irving.
James would obviously want Dillon Brooks included in a deal. Would a deal of Brooks, the recently acquired Miles Bridges — both in the final year of their deals — and two first-rounders be enough for Dallas? If they are thinking about building the roster around Cooper Flagg, it is a deal they should consider.
avatar
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos