James Harden Wants LeBron James to Play With Him On the Cavs: “I Hope He Comes”

James Harden is looking forward to LeBron James possibly returning home to Cleveland Cavaliers.

James Harden Wants LeBron James to Play With Him On the Cavs: “I Hope He Comes”

James Harden and LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

LeBron James will undoubtedly go down as the greatest player ever for the Cleveland Cavaliers. When he was drafted by the Cavs as the number one pick in 2003, not only did they pick a player straight out of high school, they got a player who hailed from there as well.

It had been eight years since James left the Cavs for a second time as a free agent. Fast-forward to 2026, he is an unrestricted free agent once again after not signing a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since then, many reports and rumors have emerged about his future.

Just like James, James Harden is currently a free agent as well after completing the 2025-26 campaign with the Cavs. In a recent interview, Harden was asked what he thinks James will decide to do in free agency. The former MVP publicly expressed his desire to see the King back in Cleveland for his third stint.

I hope he comes to Cleveland. It’s a perfect storybook finish, he’s at home for maybe his last year. But, he’s going to decide. He’s smart enough. I don’t think anybody’s pitch is going to move him. Wherever he decides, obviously the team is going to be a lot better.

James Harden in an interview at Fanatics Fest

The Cavs just had their best postseason finish since James’s departure in 2018. While they did reach the Eastern Conference Finals, they were clean-swept by the New York Knicks. Harden received a fair share of criticism for his poor performances in the playoffs, which has been an issue for him for the majority of his career.

James Harden did not sign the player option, but he is widely expected to re-sign with the Cavs. He joined the Cavs at the trade deadline in February in a move that showed the Cavs were going all in to win the championship this year. Unfortunately, they were heavily exposed by the eventual champions in the Conference Finals. But with a player like James in the lineup, the Cavs will fancy their chances in the East next year.

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Donovan Mitchell makes his pitch to LeBron James

The Cavs are yet to make any big moves in the offseason. However, they did agree on a four-year, $273 million deal with Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell joined the Cavs in 2022 and has struggled to take the Cavs on a deep postseason run till this year. However, his poor showing against the Knicks felt like the Cavs ended their season on a disappointing note.

With James heavily linked to the Cavs, Mitchell was asked to make a pitch to convince him to get back to Cleveland for the second time.

I mean it’s home, we’ve done it once, let’s do it again, simple as that.

Donovan Mitchell to LeBron James

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson has made it clear that they are in the hunt to sign James. If James does join the Cavs this year, it will be interesting to see if the Cavs re-sign Harden for next season.

LeBron James can do no wrong if he joins the Cavs

LeBron James brought relevancy to the Cavs ever since he stepped foot into the NBA. His impact on and off the court transformed the franchise and the city. After spending seven years in his first stint, he returned to the club in 2014 to redefine his legacy. He led them to four NBA Finals in four years and won them their first and only championship in 2016.

LeBron James and Cavs guard James Harden
LeBron James and James Harden (Image via ESPN Cleveland/X)

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that if James joins the Cavs, everyone in the organization will be working for him.

If LeBron goes to Cleveland it’s his shot. He ain’t working for Kenny Atkinson, Kenny Atkinson is working for him. He ain’t working for Koby Altman, Koby Altman is working for him. Dan Gilbert is the owner cutting the checks and he still working for LeBron James. Don’t get me started with James Harden and who he working for. Donovan Mitchell getting ready to sign a 4 year $273 million extension and he will still be working for LeBron James.

Stephen A. Smith on The Stephen A. Smith Show

James returning to the Cavs for his third stint would be the perfect ending to his illustrious career. As Harden said, it would be a storybook finish to the 41-year-old’s career.

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