Cavaliers Trade Idea Cuts Ties With Darius Garland to Reunite With Four-Time MVP

Things have been weird between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers all offseason.

Ever since the team landed the transcendent Luka Doncic, it’s clear the Lakers are handing the franchise keys over to the Slovenian superstar.

For the first time in James’ illustrious career, he’s not the priority on his own team, which left the rest of the basketball world to speculate on his exit from Los Angeles.

The Dallas Mavericks are the current favorite to be the four-time MVP’s next team, and it makes sense given his former teammates, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are there.

But a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are the second-highest favorites to land LeBron, would be a much more heartwarming story.


Cavaliers Trade Proposal Lands LeBron James

In a trade idea pitched by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Cleveland Cavaliers would reunite with their 2016 Finals MVP in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.

Cleveland Cavaliers receive: F LeBron James, G Bronny James and save $24.1 million

Los Angeles Lakers receive: PG Darius Garland, F De’Andre Hunter, G/F Max Strus

Brooklyn Nets receive: F Jarred Vanderbilt, PG Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers)

James would of course have to sign-off on the trade thanks to his no-trade clause, but given the Cavs’ current roster and position in a weakened Eastern Conference, it would be hard to find a better landing spot.

“The Cavs get both LeBron and Bronny James, with the latter attractive to Cleveland given his affordable $1.9 million salary. That’s less than paying a veteran minimum contract to a player with even one year of service,” wrote Swartz.

“Cleveland also keeps three members of its core four (Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen) with players such as Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Jaylon Tyson and others still on the roster.”

Parting with Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter would be a tough pill to swallow for Cavs fans, as they both were key contributors to Cleveland’s 64-win season last year.

But they also have been unable to make it out of the second-round of the playoffs with this core, and may need a shake-up.

James immediately slides into the starting lineup, likely flanked by Lonzo Ball, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

He could even handle some point guard duties with the departure of Garland.


Why the Lakers, Nets Make the Deal

Losing LeBron seems like a downgrade for the Los Angeles Lakers, but in reality the trade gives L.A. some serious boost to their depth.

Garland and Doncic may struggle definsively in the Lakers’ back court, but the offensive output would make up for it, at least in the regular season.

Hunter is an upgrade at the forward position over the departed Dorian Finney-Smith, as his three-and-D abilities are valuable for any contending team.

“The Lakers get really good value for the 40-year-old James on an expiring contract, as Garland is a 25-year-old, two-time All-Star who helps take the offensive pressure off of Luka Dončić. Hunter and Strus are both potential starters in the prime of their careers as well,” continued Swartz.

As for the Brooklyn Nets, they can move along in their rebuild by adding a future first-round pick and two large contracts.

Jarred Vanderbilt could still have some untapped potential as an elite defensive player and Gabe Vincent, who is on an expiring deal, could be a trade chip for other acquistions.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

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