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LeBron James Opts In, Cavs Workout Fuels Trade Chatter

League financial rules alongside his no-trade clause have frozen concrete trade negotiations

Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Overview

  • LeBron exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, locking in his return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • A July 4 sighting at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ practice facility prompted reunion and trade rumors before James dismissed it as a routine summer workout.
  • Agent Rich Paul confirmed that four teams have reached out about potential trades as James evaluates his final championship window.
  • Sources say the combination of the new CBA, Lakers’ salary-cap limitations and James’s no-trade clause have stalled any meaningful trade discussions.
  • With speculation still active but constrained, James remains under contract with the Lakers as he targets another NBA title.