Hoops Wire

Author: Sam Amico

  • NBA Free Agency: Celtics, Neemias Queta, Pistons, Javonte Green, Sixers

    NBA Free Agency: Celtics, Neemias Queta, Pistons, Javonte Green, Sixers

    Celtics

    The Celtics are keeping one of their emerging big men in Boston for the foreseeable future.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Boston has agreed to a four-year, $56 million extension with center Neemias Queta.

    The new deal begins with the 2027-28 season after the Celtics exercised Queta’s $2.67 million team option for next year earlier this week.

    Queta enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025-26 after stepping into a much larger role following the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

    The 7-footer averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while appearing in 76 games, establishing himself as Boston’s starting center.

    The Celtics have since added Mitchell Robinson in free agency, but Queta is still expected to remain a major part of the frontcourt rotation and will have every opportunity to hold onto the starting job.

    Pistons

    The Pistons are bringing back one of last season’s most dependable role players.

    According to Charania, veteran wing Javonte Green has agreed to a one-year, $3.95 million contract to remain in Detroit.

    Green was the only Piston to appear in all 82 games last season, averaging 6.9 points while providing steady perimeter defense and knocking down 38.1 percent of his three-point attempts.

    Detroit has now retained Green and Kevin Huerter while adding John Collins and Isaiah Joe as it continues reshaping the roster around Cade Cunningham.

    76ers

    Philadelphia is taking a flier on another young wing.

    According to Charania, the Sixers have agreed to sign Rayan Rupert to a two-way contract.

    The 22-year-old former second-round pick spent parts of the past three seasons with Portland before finishing last year with Memphis.

    Rupert averaged 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 16 games for the Grizzlies after receiving an expanded opportunity late in the season.

    The Sixers still have two open two-way roster spots as they continue rounding out the roster following one of the busiest offseasons in the league.

  • Lakers could trade Bronny James after LeBron chooses next team

    Lakers could trade Bronny James after LeBron chooses next team

    LeBron James may not be the only member of the James family changing teams this offseason.

    According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, there’s a real possibility the Lakers could trade Bronny James after LeBron decides where he’ll continue his career.

    Bronny James, Lakers, NBA
    File photo

    The idea would be simple — reunite father and son if LeBron signs elsewhere in free agency.

    LeBron has already informed the Lakers he won’t return for a ninth season, with the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat viewed as the leading contenders. But wherever he lands, McMenamin suggests another move could follow.

    “LeBron has spoken at length about how meaningful it has been to be teammates with his son, and those feelings only grew late last season when they shared the court in competitive games,” McMenamin wrote. “It’s easy to think the James family would want that connection to continue.”

    He added that, “Once LeBron makes his decision on his next team, there could be a subsequent move made with Bronny.”

    Nothing has been decided, and Bronny could just as easily remain with the Lakers.

    Los Angeles fully guaranteed Bronny’s $2.3 million salary for next season, signaling the organization still values the former second-round pick as a developmental piece.

    But with LeBron preparing to begin the next chapter of his career, the possibility of keeping the father-son pairing together remains very much on the table.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position 

  • NBA Free Agency and Trade Tracker: Every team’s offseason moves

    NBA Free Agency and Trade Tracker: Every team’s offseason moves

    NBA free agency is underway, and teams around the league have been busy reshaping their rosters through both signings and trades.

    Here’s a team-by-team look at every reported move so far.

    Atlanta Hawks

    Boston Celtics

    Brooklyn Nets

    Charlotte Hornets

    Chicago Bulls

    Cleveland Cavaliers

    No reported moves.

    Dallas Mavericks

    Denver Nuggets

    Detroit Pistons

    Golden State Warriors

    No reported moves.

    Houston Rockets

    Indiana Pacers

    Los Angeles Clippers

    Los Angeles Lakers

    Memphis Grizzlies

    Miami Heat

    Milwaukee Bucks

    Minnesota Timberwolves

    New Orleans Pelicans

    No reported moves.

    New York Knicks

    No reported moves.

    Oklahoma City Thunder

    No reported moves.

    Orlando Magic

    Philadelphia 76ers

    Phoenix Suns

    Portland Trail Blazers

    Sacramento Kings

    No reported moves.

    San Antonio Spurs

    Toronto Raptors

    Utah Jazz

    Washington Wizards

    No reported moves.

  • NBA Rumors: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Pelicans, Trey Murphy III, Mavericks

    NBA Rumors: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Pelicans, Trey Murphy III, Mavericks

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers remain in the mix for Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga.

    According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Cleveland is among the teams that has discussed a potential sign-and-trade with Atlanta for the 23-year-old forward.

    The Bucks have also explored a similar scenario, while the Kings have reportedly renewed their interest after pursuing Kuminga a year ago.

    Atlanta declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option earlier this offseason, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his time with the Hawks is over. Scotto reports the move was designed to create financial flexibility while preserving Atlanta’s Bird rights, leaving the door open for a return at a lower salary or a sign-and-trade.

    Kuminga, the former No. 8 overall pick, has remained one of the more intriguing names on the free-agent market because of his age, athleticism and upside.

    RELATED | Cavs among potential Kuminga landing spots

    Pelicans

    With Jaylen Brown now off the trade market, league executives are wondering whether Trey Murphy III could become the next big-name player available.

    According to Scotto, New Orleans has lowered its asking price from the equivalent of four first-round picks to roughly three.

    Even that valuation has sparked debate around the league.

    Some executives believe Murphy is worth the price, while others point out players such as Kawhi Leonard and Brown were ultimately moved for less.

    Scotto reports the Warriors, Pistons and Hawks continue to show interest, while the Celtics and Clippers are also believed to be monitoring Murphy’s situation.

    Golden State’s pursuit, however, could hinge on what happens in the LeBron James sweepstakes before making another major move.

    Mavericks

    Dallas appears serious about bringing EuroLeague standout Tarik Biberovic to the NBA.

    According to Eurohoops, the Mavericks are expected to present the 25-year-old wing with a significant contract offer after acquiring his NBA rights in the Santi Aldama trade.

    Marc Stein of The Stein Line adds that Dallas has already begun discussions with Biberovic’s representatives.

    The biggest hurdle could be a reported $2 million buyout in his contract with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, though the Mavericks can contribute a portion of that under NBA rules.

    Biberovic helped lead Fenerbahce to the EuroLeague championship and is regarded as one of Europe’s better perimeter shooters after connecting on nearly 42 percent of his three-pointers last season.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Notes: Knicks, Landry Shamet, Hawks, Buddy Hield, Raptors

    NBA Notes: Knicks, Landry Shamet, Hawks, Buddy Hield, Raptors

    Knicks

    Things couldn’t have started much worse for Landry Shamet with the Knicks.

    A dislocated shoulder derailed the veteran guard early in his first season in New York, leaving him fighting simply to stay on the roster.

    Fast forward a year, and he’s an NBA champion with a new long-term contract.

    Per Jared Schwartz of the New York Post, Shamet’s turnaround culminated in a four-year, $24 million deal after he played an important role off the bench during New York’s title run.

    The veteran shooter was the final player to make last season’s roster before emerging as one of the league’s hottest perimeter threats. At one point, he knocked down six three-pointers in a game while scoring 36 points, helping revive a career that briefly appeared to be in jeopardy.

    Now the Knicks are betting that success wasn’t a fluke.

    Hawks

    Buddy Hield‘s name continues to surface in trade discussions.

    According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Atlanta is still listening to offers for the veteran sharpshooter despite guaranteeing his $9.7 million salary for next season.

    Hield saw a limited role after arriving from Golden State, and the Hawks have since added Aaron Wiggins while drafting Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick.

    Even if he remains in Atlanta, Hield’s expiring contract and proven outside shooting could make him an attractive trade piece later in the season.

    Raptors

    The Raptors have added another experienced veteran to their revamped roster.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Toronto has agreed to a one-year deal with forward Kyle Anderson.

    The 32-year-old will provide depth behind Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes after spending last season with Utah, Memphis and Minnesota.

    Anderson has never been known as a prolific scorer, but he’s built a lengthy NBA career through his versatility, basketball IQ and defense. He averaged 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season.

    The signing also reunites Anderson with Leonard. The two spent Leonard’s first four NBA seasons together in San Antonio before now reconnecting in Toronto.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Notes: Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Knicks, Jordan Clarkson, Nets

    NBA Notes: Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Knicks, Jordan Clarkson, Nets

    Raptors

    Seven years after leading the Raptors to their only NBA championship, Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto.

    Few around the league saw it coming.

    According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, many initially believed reports of Leonard’s interest in returning to the Raptors were simply leverage to help secure a richer extension from the Clippers. Instead, Toronto completed a blockbuster trade to bring the former Finals MVP back north of the border.

    Now the focus shifts to keeping him healthy.

    The Raptors are confident in their medical staff and believe they can manage Leonard’s workload better than anyone, hoping he’ll remain on the floor not only this season but beyond.

    According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, the expectation is that Leonard and the Raptors will eventually agree to a two-year extension worth roughly $126 million.

    It’s undoubtedly a gamble, given Leonard’s injury history. But Toronto also faced the reality of standing pat with a roster that wasn’t quite ready to contend in an increasingly loaded Eastern Conference.

    The move also accelerates the franchise’s timeline around Scottie Barnes and the team’s young core.

    Knicks

    The Knicks continue searching for frontcourt help after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics and Ariel Hukporti to the 76ers.

    According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, a reunion with veteran guard Jordan Clarkson remains a possibility after he spent last season in New York.

    Scotto also reports the Knicks showed interest in Marvin Bagley III before he ultimately agreed to a one-year deal with the Nuggets.

    New York has been active in the market for another big man, but the Pelicans have reportedly made it clear that Yves Missi isn’t available.

    Nets

    Brooklyn’s frontcourt has undergone plenty of changes this offseason, leaving second-year forward Danny Wolf with something to prove.

    After the Nets added Julius Randle in a trade and signed Moritz Wagner in free agency, Wolf’s role is less certain heading into training camp.

    Still, the 22-year-old says he’s spent the offseason getting stronger, improving his outside shot and working on his finishing around the basket.

    Wolf also developed a strong relationship with coach Jordi Fernandez during his rookie season, and the Nets still view his versatility as one of his biggest strengths as they continue reshaping the roster.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Spurs hiring Billy Donovan as top assistant

    Spurs hiring Billy Donovan as top assistant

    The Spurs are adding one of the NBA’s most respected coaches to Mitch Johnson’s staff.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Pete Thamel, San Antonio is hiring former Bulls coach Billy Donovan as its lead assistant.

    Billy Donovan, Bulls, NBA
    Getty

    Donovan, 60, spent the past six seasons as Chicago’s head coach after previously leading the Thunder for five years. He owns a career NBA coaching record of 469-413 and has long been regarded as one of the league’s better player-development coaches.

    Before making the jump to the NBA in 2015, Donovan built a powerhouse at Florida, winning back-to-back national championships and three SEC Coach of the Year awards during a 19-year run with the Gators.

    Donovan stepped away from the Bulls following the 2025-26 season, with both sides believing it was time for a fresh start as Chicago shifted toward a younger roster.

    Now he’ll join one of the league’s fastest-rising teams.

    The Spurs came within three wins of an NBA championship this past season and continue to build around Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and a talented young core. Donovan’s arrival gives Johnson another experienced voice on the bench after longtime Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney departed earlier this offseason to become the Magic’s head coach.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Free Agency: Rockets, Tari Eason, Thunder, Kenrich Williams, Suns

    NBA Free Agency: Rockets, Tari Eason, Thunder, Kenrich Williams, Suns

    Rockets

    The Rockets have agreed to a new five-year, $81.5 million contract with restricted free agent forward Tari Eason, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    The deal is fully guaranteed and includes a player option for the fifth season, along with a 10% trade kicker, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

    Houston selected Eason with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and while injuries have slowed parts of his career, the 25-year-old has developed into one of the league’s better young two-way forwards when healthy.

    Eason appeared in 60 games last season, averaging 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals while continuing to establish himself as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. He also shot 35.8% from beyond the arc, though he caught fire late in the year after a prolonged shooting slump.

    The Rockets reportedly discussed an extension with Eason before last season, but he chose to bet on himself by entering restricted free agency. That gamble appears to have paid off.

    Houston has now secured another major piece of its young nucleus, joining Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. on long-term contracts. Amen Thompson is widely expected to be next in line for extension talks.

    Thunder

    The Thunder are bringing back one of their longest-tenured veterans.

    According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Oklahoma City agreed to a new one-year, $5 million deal with Kenrich Williams after declining his previous team option earlier this week.

    Known around Oklahoma City as “Kenny Hustle,” Williams has become a respected locker room leader since arriving in the Steven Adams trade in 2020.

    His role has naturally shrunk as the Thunder’s young core has blossomed, but he remained a valuable rotation player last season, averaging 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 56 games.

    The new contract also gives Oklahoma City a little salary relief compared to his previous option while keeping an important veteran voice in place.

    Suns

    The Suns are adding another familiar name to their backcourt depth.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Phoenix has agreed to a two-way contract with guard Pat Spencer.

    Spencer spent the past three seasons with the Warriors and emerged as a reliable reserve last season, appearing in a career-high 66 games while averaging 7.2 points and 3.5 assists.

    The 29-year-old has one of the NBA’s more unusual paths, starring in college lacrosse before transitioning to basketball and eventually earning a spot in the league.

    Phoenix still has another two-way spot available as free agency continues.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Free Agency: Nuggets, Tyus Jones, Timberwolves, Enrique Freeman, Kings

    NBA Free Agency: Nuggets, Tyus Jones, Timberwolves, Enrique Freeman, Kings

    Nuggets

    The Nuggets are bringing back veteran point guard Tyus Jones on a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    Terms weren’t immediately reported, though it’s expected to be a veteran minimum deal for Denver.

    Jones, 30, endured a difficult 2025-26 season, splitting time between the Magic, Mavericks and Nuggets while averaging just 3.0 points and 2.4 assists in 67 games. He also appeared in three playoff games after joining Denver late in the year.

    Still, the Nuggets clearly believe last season was more the exception than the rule.

    Before last year, Jones had established himself as one of the NBA’s steadiest backup point guards. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 41.4 percent from beyond the arc with the Suns in 2024-25 and has long been regarded as one of the league’s safest ball-handlers.

    Denver also entered free agency without an established backup behind Jamal Murray after declining Jalen Pickett‘s option, making Jones a logical fit.

    Timberwolves

    Minnesota is bringing back forward Enrique Freeman on another two-way contract.

    Freeman appeared in only four NBA games last season but enjoyed a productive year in the G League with Iowa, averaging 16.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

    The former Akron star and 2024 second-round pick will continue developing with the Timberwolves organization while providing frontcourt depth if needed.

    Kings

    The Kings are rewarding Daeqwon Plowden with his first standard NBA contract.

    According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Sacramento is re-signing Plowden to a two-year, $5.1 million deal after he finished last season as one of the team’s better surprises.

    The former Bowling Green standout bounced around the G League and multiple organizations before finally carving out a role with Sacramento. He averaged 10.8 points in 32 games down the stretch while earning consistent rotation minutes.

    The Kings had already signaled this was coming by extending Plowden a qualifying offer before free agency.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Latest on LeBron James

    Latest on LeBron James

    It appears LeBron James isn’t rushing into anything.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the four-time NBA champion plans to take his time before deciding where he’ll play next after informing the Lakers he won’t return for the 2026-27 season.

    “LeBron James is not in a rush right now to make a decision,” Charania said. “He’s evaluating everything.”

    LeBron James, Lakers, NBA
    Getty

    Charania added that James’ priority is finding a team where he can compete for another championship rather than simply accepting the biggest contract available. Agent Rich Paul has reportedly received roughly a dozen pitches since free agency opened.

    League-wide, the Warriors, Cavaliers and Heat continue to be viewed as James’ primary suitors, though the Timberwolves, Nuggets and 76ers have also been linked to him in recent days.

    Charania said there is no timetable for a decision, though he expects James to evaluate his options over the next several days.

    Warriors, Cavs viewed as favorites

    While several teams have reached out, the race increasingly appears to be centered on two franchises.

    According to The Athletic insider Nick Friedell, it’s essentially “50/50” between Golden State and Cleveland.

    “It’s about a 50/50 right now,” Friedell said on 95.7 The Game. “It’s Golden State and Cleveland. I just don’t see another team that makes that much sense.”

    Friedell pointed to James’ relationships with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr as reasons Golden State remains a legitimate contender after the group won Olympic gold together in Paris.

    At the same time, a return to Cleveland would offer what many around the league view as a storybook ending.

    James began his NBA career with the Cavs in 2003 before returning in 2014 and leading the franchise to its first championship in 2016. A third stint in Cleveland would reunite him with the organization where he became a hometown hero and cemented his legacy.

    For the record, I think the Warriors remain a contender … but that the Cavs have a hometown and emotional edge. But as always with LeBron, we shall see.

  • NBA Free Agency: Sixers, Anfernee Simons, Knicks, Yves Missi, Lakers

    NBA Free Agency: Sixers, Anfernee Simons, Knicks, Yves Missi, Lakers

    Sixers

    The Sixers have added another scoring guard.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Philadelphia has agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million contract with free agent Anfernee Simons. The second season includes a player option.

    Simons reportedly drew interest from several teams, including the Warriors, Heat, Mavericks, Nuggets and Pacers, with The Stein Line reporting the Sixers ultimately made the strongest financial offer.

    Golden State reportedly offered only a veteran minimum contract as it continues waiting on LeBron James‘ free-agency decision.

    Simons averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 55 games last season while splitting time between the Celtics and Bulls. He now joins a Philadelphia roster that has undergone a dramatic makeover with the additions of Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade and Ariel Hukporti.

    Knicks

    The Knicks continue searching for frontcourt help.

    According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, New York has aggressively pursued Pelicans center Yves Missi but has been turned away each time.

    Haynes reported the Knicks have made multiple attempts to acquire the young center, though New Orleans has informed teams it considers Missi part of its long-term core.

    The search for another big man intensified after Mitchell Robinson left for the Celtics in free agency.

    Lakers

    The Lakers may not be finished reshaping their roster.

    According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, several league sources believe Los Angeles could explore a trade or waive-and-stretch scenario involving a player such as Jarred Vanderbilt or Deandre Ayton.

    The thinking is that such a move could create enough financial flexibility to re-sign free-agent forward Rui Hachimura.

    McMenamin stressed, however, that the chatter is based on league speculation rather than any concrete indication a move is imminent.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • NBA Rumors: Kings, DeMar DeRozan, Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith, Celtics

    NBA Rumors: Kings, DeMar DeRozan, Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith, Celtics

    Kings

    The Kings and veteran forward DeMar DeRozan appear headed toward a split.

    According to multiple reports, DeRozan is hoping his situation is resolved soon, whether through a trade or by being waived.

    The 35-year-old is owed $25 million next season, though only $10 million is guaranteed. Rival executives reportedly expect Sacramento to waive and stretch the remainder of his guaranteed salary if a trade cannot be reached.

    Such a move would make DeRozan an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with any team.

    At the moment, though, the Kings are exploring trade possibilities before making a final decision.

    Despite the uncertainty, DeRozan remains one of the NBA’s most dependable veterans. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds while appearing in 77 games last season.

    Rockets

    The Rockets continue listening to offers for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, though nothing appears imminent.

    According to Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko, Houston has explored multiple trade scenarios involving Finney-Smith, including deals designed to create additional cap flexibility and others that would bring back rotation players.

    However, none of those discussions have progressed far enough to result in a deal.

    Iko added that the Rockets’ urgency has eased after successfully agreeing to contracts with Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic without needing to free significant additional cap space.

    Celtics

    The NBA is still trying to make sense of Boston’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown.

    Speaking on ESPN, Brian Windhorst said rival executives viewed the Celtics’ blockbuster deal with the 76ers as one made “under duress.”

    “Other teams in the league felt like this looked like a trade that was made under duress,” Windhorst said. “You wouldn’t make this trade if everything was equal.”

    Windhorst questioned why Boston felt compelled to complete the deal immediately, particularly with a division rival, suggesting there would have been opportunities to revisit Brown’s trade market later in the offseason.

    The Celtics ultimately sent Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks after initially seeking a significantly larger return.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Celtics rejected offers for Jayson Tatum before dealing Jaylen Brown

    Celtics rejected offers for Jayson Tatum before dealing Jaylen Brown

    The Celtics made one thing clear before agreeing to trade Jaylen Brown: Jayson Tatum wasn’t going anywhere.

    According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Boston received trade inquiries on Tatum before ultimately agreeing to send Brown to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.

    Jayson Tatum, Celtics, Paul George, 76ers, Sixers, NBA
    AP

    “The Celtics received calls on Jayson Tatum over the last couple weeks,” Charania said on Get Up, via Hoops Rumors. “They shut those down completely, from my understanding. But when it came to Jaylen Brown, they were open to listening.”

    The move caps an offseason in which Brown’s name surfaced repeatedly in trade discussions. He was previously linked to deals involving Giannis Antetokounmpo before Boston ultimately expanded its search for potential trade partners.

    Charania added that Brown never requested a trade but believed he felt “a level of disrespect” after hearing his name mentioned in so many discussions.

    According to Charania, the Celtics initially sought as many as four or five first-round picks in return for Brown before gradually lowering their asking price when no team met those demands.

    That eventually opened the door for Philadelphia.

    New Sixers president Mike Gansey continued pursuing Brown while other teams backed away, ultimately landing the five-time All-Star in exchange for George and draft compensation.

    Meanwhile, Boston continues to view Tatum as the centerpiece of its future despite his injury-shortened 2025-26 season. The six-time All-Star is expected to enter next season fully healthy after returning late last year from a torn Achilles.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suggests LeBron James finish career with Cavs

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suggests LeBron James finish career with Cavs

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is all in on the Cavaliers. At least, he is when it comes to LeBron James‘ free-agency decision.

    Abdul-Jabbar indicated he believes James returning home to Cleveland would make for a fitting ending to one of basketball’s greatest careers.

    In a post on X, the former Lakers star thanked James for his eight seasons in Los Angeles while suggesting a return to the Cavs would allow his hometown fans to give him the sendoff he deserves.

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Lakers, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Getty

    “LeBron was a winner on and off the court, and Laker fans should appreciate his performance for the last 8 years,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote while tagging James. “If LeBron goes home to Cleveland, it won’t matter if they win the World Championship or not, because his hometown fans will get their opportunity to say their goodbyes to one of the greatest ever.”

    Abdul-Jabbar even added one final thought.

    “And who knows one day he may become Mayor of Cleveland!!”

    James, 41, informed the Lakers earlier this week that he plans to sign elsewhere in free agency.

    As Hoops Wire has previously reported, the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat have emerged as the teams most frequently linked to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, though multiple other clubs have also reached out to express interest.

    James has not publicly indicated where he intends to play next, and reports have suggested he plans to take a patient approach before making his decision.

    MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position