Proposed 5-Team Trade Has Lakers Cut Ties With LeBron for $195 Million Star

LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to be a popular topic of discussion as the NBA offseason continues. One team that has been floated as a potential fit for James is a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz floated a wild five-team trade proposal that gets King James back to the state of Ohio. The blockbuster deal also involves the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets.

The trade pitch has the Cavaliers land James, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and a 2027 first-round pick (lottery-protected via the Miami Heat), all while saving more than $27 million. Los Angeles acquires Lauri Markkanen, De’Andre Hunter and Max Strus as part of the deal.

Let’s dive into the details of this wild blockbuster proposed trade for the Lakers and Cavs.

The NBA Trade Pitch Has the Lakers Taking on Lauri Markkanen’s $195 Million Contract

While the Jazz give up Markkanen, the team receives Darius Garland and Maxi Kleber as part of the deal. The Hornets land center Jarrett Allen, while the Nets receive Grant Williams, Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2027 first rounder (top-2 protected via the Dallas Mavericks).

It would be a massive decision for the Lakers as the team would be cutting ties with both James and Reaves. Los Angeles would also be taking on Markkanen’s massive four-year, $195.8 million contract that is slated to go through the 2028-29 season.

The Cavaliers Land LeBron James & Austin Reaves From the Lakers in the Proposed Trade

It remains to be seen if the Lakers will trade James or simply wait for the superstar’s deal to expire in 2026. The Cavaliers would be blowing up their roster and banking on James being a fit alongside Donovan Mitchell.

“A LeBron James trade to the Cavs needs three teams, although growing to four or even five franchises is entirely possible,” Swartz wrote in a July 23, 2025, story titled, “3 Trade Packages To Bring LeBron James Home to Cleveland Cavaliers.”

“This is a complete blow-up of the roster for Cleveland while still keeping Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley around James. Reaves (20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists) takes over Garland’s starting spot in the backcourt next to Mitchell, and Kessler (11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) is the successor to Allen at center.”

There Were ‘Whispers’ LeBron James Wanted to Join Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis & Cooper Flagg on the Mavericks: Insider

The Athletic’s John Hollinger reported that there were “whispers” around The Association that James wanted to reunite with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis on the Dallas Mavericks. It is a situation worth monitoring during the season, per Hollinger.

“In particular, the whispers about him having eyes for Dallas — a place where he could have teamed up with former teammates Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving and young phenom Cooper Flagg — before opting into his deal were hard to ignore,” Hollinger detailed in a July 21, article titled, “What I heard about Damian Lillard, LeBron, NBA expansion and more at summer league.”

“Obviously, James wasn’t willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE (mid-level exception) or something similar from the Mavericks or another team. A buyout seems similarly unlikely. Additionally, the tax aprons on both sides will make any in-season transaction with a contender-class team challenging.”

The Cavaliers Could Be Worried About LeBron James Being a 1-Year Rental

Ideas like the proposed five-team trade that allows James to finish his career with the Cavs is a fun thought exercise. Yet, there is little indication that the Cavaliers are interested in acquiring James, especially at the massive price this trade pitch would require.

With James remaining non-committal to playing beyond this season, the Cavs would be in danger of blowing up their roster for a one-year rental. If the Lakers season does not go as planned, the Cavaliers are still sure to be mentioned as a possible landing spot for James.