The Cleveland Cavs reportedly have eyes on Jonathan Kuminga, who has been tied to the Los Angeles Lakers, as a potential destination amid their free-agent pursuit. Cavs landing a free agent will get James’ attention, especially someone like Kuminga, following the Philadelphia 76ers trading for All-Star Jaylen Brown.
As the rest of the Eastern Conference teams prepare to bolster their roster, James’ pending decision via free agency will give the Cavs a significant boost, while adding Jonathan Kuminga helps, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“And yes, that includes the pursuit of LeBron James, and I’m told behind the scenes, he has made it clear that he would embrace LeBron coming to the Cavaliers and joining him in Cleveland,” Charania said. “So LeBron James is the first priority for the Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell is fully on board with that and upgrading the Cavs roster overall after they made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly making LeBron James their "first priority" in free agency this summer, per @ShamsCharania
"And yes that includes the pursuit of LeBron James and I'm told behind has made it clear that he would embrace LeBron coming to the Cavaliers and… pic.twitter.com/QapTSA3yTG
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) July 7, 2026
With the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers considered favorites, alongside the Cavs, to land LeBron James this summer, the Cavs are willing to do everything they can to stand out versus the competition.
How Donovan Mitchell feels about LeBron being Cavs’ priority
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell came one step closer to reaching the NBA Finals when his season ended against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Mitchell is on board with the Cavs adding James, as winning the first title of his career means everything to him.
Mitchell wouldn’t mind joining forces with LeBron to do so, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“So LeBron James is the first priority for the Cavaliers, and Donovan Mitchell is fully on board with that and upgrading the Cavs roster overall after they made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals,” Charania said.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly making LeBron James their "first priority" in free agency this summer, per @ShamsCharania
"And yes that includes the pursuit of LeBron James and I'm told behind has made it clear that he would embrace LeBron coming to the Cavaliers and… pic.twitter.com/QapTSA3yTG
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) July 7, 2026
It’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds, as LeBron James will pick what’s likely to be the final team he’ll play for in his Hall of Fame career.