Giannis or Lebron? Cavs Trade Rumors Heat Up After ECF Loss
After a heartbreaking end to their season, the Cleveland Cavaliers could look to switch things up this offseason. Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, their 4-0 series loss showed the team may need some work. After they were eliminated, Analysts quickly began proposing ways the Cavs could improve their roster, with some linking them to major stars.
Greek Freak in Cleveland?
After a 13-year run in Milwaukee that saw him win an NBA Championship and back-to-back MVP awards, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on his way out. Giannis' departure from the Bucks had long been rumored, but ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier this month that Milwaukee is officially listening to trade offers for its star. Even before being eliminated from the playoffs, the Cavaliers were in the mix to trade for Giannis. Now, a trade makes even more sense given that the Cavs are looking to make roster changes. NBA Analyst Brian Windhorst proposed a trade package centered around Evan Mobley.
"When they drafted Evan Mobley, they drafted him to be another Giannis," said Windhorst. "What if they could turn him into Giannis?"
Brian Windhorst expects the Cavs to make significant changes to their roster and floated a potential trade idea involving Evan Mobley and Giannis Antetokounmpo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 26, 2026
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 ) pic.twitter.com/4c2L47PxuT
The Kings Return?
Another star that the Cavs have been linked to is a player the city knows very well. Lebron James, the hometown hero, has been rumored to be interested in a homecoming. James, now 41, is expected to return for what could be his final season. He is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and with the Lakers looking to build around Luka Doncic, many expect James to be on the move. Unfortunately for the Cavs, James is not expected to take a pay cut. Because of this, the Cavs and Lakers would likely have to work out a sign-and-trade, which NBA Reporter Brett Siegel believes could happen. Siegel says that the Cavs would likely need to sweeten the deal with Jarrett Allen, who the Lakers have long been interested in.
REPORT: Jarrett Allen might be sent to the Lakers if LeBron joins the Cavaliers:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 26, 2026
"A sign-and-trade for LeBron would undoubtedly involve Jarrett Allen ($28 million), whom the Lakers have targeted previously in trade rumors."
(via @BrettSiegelNBA) pic.twitter.com/dbUZgztupk
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 4:43 PM.