Cavs Urged to Lure LeBron James With Jaylen Brown Trade, Not 210,000-Square-Foot Investment After Lakers Exit

After eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has opted against re-signing with the team. This is the fourth time in his career that James has tested free agency, and the current favorites to land him include the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers, although the latter may find it difficult to lure the King back home despite their recent investment.

The Cavaliers are currently constructing a 210,000-square-foot performance center. However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes that acquiring Jalen Brown would be a much bigger draw for James.

"Cleveland Cavaliers learnt today that LeBron James will be willing to play for less than his market value salary," Windhorst said on NBA Today. "That changed everything. So, how does Cleveland get LeBron James’ attention?

Do they show him their beautiful brand new practice facility they’re building? It is awesome. I saw it this week in Cleveland. That is not going to impress him. What’s going to impress him is if they do something with their roster."

Windhorst then mentioned that the Cavs should instead try to bait LeBron by potentially trading for Brown.

"Can the Cavs make a move for Jaylen Brown, then come to LeBron, say, ‘how do you feel about us now?’ That’s the type of move you’re going to do to get LeBron James attention," Windhorst concluded.

Similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo's previous status with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics have declared that Jaylen Brown is available in the trade market. The Celtics are hoping to get several valuable pieces in exchange for Brown's massive $183 million salary, which lasts for the next three seasons.

The 2024 Finals MVP proved this past season that he can lead a team as its star, with the Celtics' cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, missing most of the season due to an Achilles injury. He averaged 28.7 points per game and helped the Celtics finish second in the East. So, if LeBron were to join forces with Brown in Cleveland, his chances of winning ring No. 5 would increase drastically. The question is: Would James want to?

Will a Potential Partnership Between LeBron James and Jaylen Brown Work?

While the idea of forming a new big three of LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell, and Jaylen Brown sounds promising for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it's a mix that might not work very well.

James and Brown have a somewhat rocky relationship. While the two stars have a deep mutual respect, they aren't necessarily close off the court.

One notable interaction between the two took place in 2024. Brown criticized Bronny James during the summer, which LeBron didn't take too kindly. Brown was spotted mouthing the words, "I don't think Bronny is a pro," during a Summer League game.

Despite Brown's efforts to try to de-escalate the situation, LeBron made it clear that he didn't appreciate the Celtics star's comments. He didn't declare the Celtics forward an enemy, but said, "Our relationship has been pretty respectful… besides the s**t he said about Bronny at Summer League. But other than that, we've been alright."

With that type of history in the way, we're not entirely sure how a pairing between those two stars would translate on the court if they end up teaming with the Cavs, especially if Bronny follows his father to Ohio.