LeBron James’ next move is still hanging out there, and the latest buzz points to Miami as the team sitting in the best position if he decides to leave the Lakers. The Heat are now being described as the frontrunner, while the Cavaliers and Warriors have both reportedly passed on the idea of trading for Anthony Davis.
That detail matters because James and his camp, according to Dallas Hoops Journal, have been trying to engineer a reunion with Davis in either Cleveland or Golden State, the two teams still left with the ability to make that kind of deal. But the answer from both places has been no.
“Klutch is trying to get AD to Cleveland or Golden State,” a source told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Neither team wants to do it.
Miami is the frontrunner now. Giannis and Bam have been in LeBron’s ear nonstop.
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The push is being driven by Klutch Sports Group, the agency run by Rich Paul, who represents both James and Davis. Paul has long been part of LeBron’s inner circle, and he was likely involved when the two stars were brought together in 2018. Now the same machinery is working again, with both players looking at a possible reunion late in their careers.
The next key date is Davis’ extension talks next month. The 10x All-Star is expected to get an extension from the Wizards this summer, and if there isn’t an offer in place by August 6th, that could create real tension inside the organization. It would also give Rich Paul a path to push for a move and try to land Davis in a more appealing spot, ideally alongside James again.
Davis, 33, never asked to be traded to D.C., and there are questions about whether he ever wanted to leave the Lakers at all. He also has a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28, which only adds to his leverage as he looks for a finish to his career that fits what he wants.
LeBron’s interest in Davis isn’t hard to understand. Even with the injuries and the uneven stretches, he still trusts him. Davis is coming off averages of 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 52.2% from the field and 29.5% from three.
The problem for Cleveland and Golden State is that the basketball fit comes with a steep price. Under the new CBA rules, teams are being forced to think harder about where they spend, and they’re less willing to pay big money for players who can’t consistently stay at a high level. Then there’s the matter of what they’d have to send back to the Wizards.
So while the Cavs and Warriors may be making the practical call, that decision could end up pushing James elsewhere. Miami, even without Davis, has a frontcourt that already includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins. With Erik Spoelstra coaching that group, the Heat can offer LeBron something simple: meaningful basketball, and a team where he wouldn’t be forced to carry everything every night.
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