Report: ‘Growing belief’ around NBA is that LeBron James will return to Cavs

The buzz surrounding LeBron James’ free agency appears to be shifting.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, there is a “growing belief” around the NBA that James ultimately will return to the Cavaliers, though no decision has been made and multiple teams remain in the mix.

Cleveland has long been viewed as one of the favorites, along with Golden State and Miami. But Stein and Fischer reported Saturday that more people around the league are beginning to view a return to Northeast Ohio as the likeliest outcome.

The Cavs have been relatively quiet since free agency opened, fueling speculation that they could be keeping roster flexibility in case additional moves are needed.

One possibility is that Cavs could need an open roster spot if it pursues Bronny James after LeBron chooses his next team. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin previously reported the Lakers could look to move Bronny once LeBron decides where he’ll play.

James’ longtime agent, Rich Paul, recently identified Cleveland as one of the teams under serious consideration during an appearance on the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman.

Paul pointed to the Cavs’ roster, championship potential and James’ longstanding relationships within the organization as reasons why Cleveland remains firmly in the picture.

Paul also discussed the Warriors, Heat, Timberwolves, Nuggets and 76ers, while emphasizing that James is taking a patient approach and is focused on finding the right basketball situation rather, than simply the biggest contract.

Stein and Fischer added that Minnesota continues to push for James, while Philadelphia and Denver also believe they remain legitimate contenders.

But if there is any momentum in this mystery, the Cavs may have it.

As always with James, however, momentum and final decisions haven’t always been the same thing.

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