LeBron James is getting set to hit the free-agent market this offseason, and while the general consensus is that he will re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, there are some who believe he could potentially return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

To be clear, this is all conjecture at this point. James has given absolutely no indication that he is even considering the Cavaliers, and he hasn’t even really demonstrated that he is open to leaving Los Angeles. Not publicly, anyway. As a matter of fact, Rich Paul already shot down a rumor that James could be interested in teaming up with Kevin Durant in Phoenix on a veteran’s minimum deal.

So, the idea of LeBron turning down a $51.4 million player option to re-join Cleveland on a minimum contract is probably nothing more than a pipe dream. Is it possible James would do it for the Cavs and not the Suns? Maybe, considering Believeland certainly holds a special place in the superstar’s heart, but the chances still seem minuscule, at best.

How, then, could the Cavaliers bag James, and would it even be in the franchise’s best interest to do so at this point of the 39-year-old’s career?

Only one truly realistic option exists: a sign-and-trade.

There is a world—albeit, a bizarre one—in which Cleveland could send Darius Garland and other pieces to the Lakers in exchange for James, which would allow the Cavs to absorb the money they would have to pay him.

Obviously, this is a very rough draft of a possible trade package. We have no idea what Los Angeles would want in return for LeBron in a hypothetical deal, but if James forced the Lakers’ hand, the Cavaliers might be able to acquire him without completely gutting their roster.

But would it really be the right move for a Cleveland organization that finally appears to be headed in the right direction for the first time since James’ second departure in 2018?

As strange as it sounds, probably not.

James turns 40 years old next December. He has exhibited considerable signs of wear and tear since joining the Lakers, with the 2023-24 campaign representing the only time he has played in 70 games for the club. Three times, he has participated in less than 60.