Cavs Could Land LeBron James With Harden and Mitchell

Merlin sees Cleveland making a bold play. After trading for James Harden, the Cavs are now an "obvious destination" for LeBron if he leaves the Lakers, and Cleveland "would gladly" welcome him back. LeBron has a full no-trade clause and has teased that his Jan. 28 visit "very well could be" his last time in Cleveland. At 41, he knows the market realities and the $52.6 million he earns now will not be the norm, so free agency is the likeliest route. Merlin senses both promise and puzzles. A core of LeBron, Donovan Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is championship-caliber on paper, but payroll math and defensive fits matter. Keon Ellis and roster trimming will shape whether this dream trio is practical or just a vision after a postseason that will heavily influence Cleveland’s choices.