After LeBron James' stunning decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, the Cleveland Cavaliers must pivot quickly. There are moves to be made to fill out the roster.
The Cleveland Cavaliers missed out on LeBron James coming home for a third stint and now have to move forward this offseason. Spencer German and Spencer Davies break down the big news in Courtside with Cavs.
To the chagrin of the Cleveland Cavaliers' fans and surprise to many, LeBron James announced his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers late Friday morning, thus ending a month of speculation and rumors as to where the 41-year-old superstar would land.
With LeBron making that choice, the Cavs must move forward with their offseason, as there are still roster spots to claim. Dean Wade is already in Philly, Keon Ellis agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, and Larry Nance Jr. elected to sign with the Indiana Pacers.
James Harden remains unsigned, although the prevailing belief is that he'll be back with the Wine and Gold soon. Aside from re-signing Thomas Bryant, taking Meleek Thomas with the 34th overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, and picking up Ernest Udeh Jr. on a two-way contract, there's been radio silence on Cleveland's part.
Spencer German and Spencer Davies react to the stunning news, what's next for the team, and more in the latest edition of Courtside with Cavs.
Topics of the latest show include the following:
- Why did LeBron decide that Philadelphia was his next destination? There were opportunities to reunite with the Cavs, team up with Stephen Curry to play with the Golden State Warriors, or return to the Miami Heat alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. What made the Sixers so appealing?
- Should anybody actually be pointing the finger at the Cavs? It's understandable to be frustrated with the front office for not being active for this long, but did Cleveland truly do anything to turn LeBron away from the organization?
- The Cavs have their work cut out for them in terms of building out this roster now. Harden will be the first domino to fall, then there will be openings. At least one of those signings/acquisitions has to be significantly impactful, particularly at the wing. The Wine and Gold are lacking athleticism and size, which is a great concern with Wade gone.
- Jonathan Kuminga is a popular name that has surfaced, and he would address the positional need, but is he a stylistic fit for Cleveland? Who else is left in free agency that would make sense? Are there trade targets to tap into?
- As tough of a pill Friday is to swallow, the Cavs have a strong belief internally that their team is only going to get better after an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Evan Mobley is at the top of that list, Jarrett Allen is right there, too, as the talent surrounding Harden and Donovan becomes critical to their success.
