After missing out on LeBron James in NBA free agency, the Cleveland Cavaliers have landed a heartbreaking update on his decision.
Entering the 2026 NBA offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed to be the front-runners to bring LeBron James back home. Following his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, most expected him to finish his career where it began.
Throughout James' decision process on where to sign for the likely final chapter of his NBA career, the Cavaliers remained the favorite. Unfortunately, the storybook ending did not happen.
When all was said and done, James decided to take his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers to team up with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey.
To say that the city of Cleveland was devastated would be an understatement. Not only did LeBron choose to not sign with the Cavaliers, he signed with an Eastern Conference opponent. Seeing him finish his career in Philadelphia will feel strange.
Losing out on James was a big blow in and of itself. However, a new update has been shared about James' decision that will cause more heartbreak.
During a segment of the "Bill Simmons Podcast," Bill Simmons shared some information that he had heard. He revealed that James was headed to Cleveland before something changed.
“Listen, he was going to Cleveland. I don’t know what happened. I can’t wait for the story. Something happened," Simmons said.
At some point in time, James will likely speak out on his decision to pass on the opportunity to play for the Cavaliers again. That day may not be seen, but it will come.
Now, the question becomes, what does James have left in the tank with the 76ers?
Last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James played in 60 games. He averaged 20.9 points per game to go along with 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. James also shot 51.5 percent from the floor and knocked down 31.7 percent of his three-point attempts.
Granted, he isn't the same player that he was during his last go-around with Cleveland. But, he's still more than capable of being a high-impact player.
During the playoffs last year in 10 games, James averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, while shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 32.7 percent from the three-point line.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Cavaliers will face off against the 76ers for the first time on October 22. It will be the second game of the season for both teams. The game will be in Philadelphia.
All of that being said, it's a shame that James won't be closing out his career in Cleveland. That would have been a fitting end to a legendary career. Instead, all the Cavaliers and their fans can do is dream about what could have been and hear about how close it was to happening.
