LeBron James free agency continues to dominate the NBA conversation as the four-time MVP weighs his next move, and fresh chatter suggests a reunion with Anthony Davis is unlikely.
James’ longtime agent Rich Paul said this week that the pair are not going to be rushed, reinforcing that the decision process will take time. Speculation has swirled around multiple suitors. One rumor holds that the Golden State Warriors, seen as highly motivated to land James, explored avenues to trade for Anthony Davis to entice him, a nod to the duo’s 2020 title run with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James free agency and AD trade chatter
According to a source familiar with the discussions, Klutch Sports Group, where Paul serves as CEO, sought scenarios to move Davis to the Warriors or the Cleveland Cavaliers. The same source indicated such a trade appears very unlikely. With that hurdle, the Miami Heat are viewed as the leading destination for James.
“Klutch is trying to get AD to Cleveland or Golden State,” a source told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Neither team wants to do it. Miami is the frontrunner now. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo have been in LeBron’s ear nonstop.”
A key obstacle is Davis’ contract, which is set at $58.46 million for the coming season. Since being traded by the Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025 for Luka Doncic, Davis, 33, has seen a downturn in production. He has appeared in 29 games and averaged 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game over that span. The Mavericks moved Davis to the Washington Wizards this past February, and Washington has reportedly been uninterested in moving him.
“Klutch Sports Group, led by Rich Paul, thought it would be ‘super easy’ to get the Cavaliers or Warriors to trade for Davis, sources said,” reporter Ashish Mathur wrote. “Since that’s not the case, the Heat have emerged as the leader to sign James since Miami doesn’t have to trade for Davis. The team already has Antetokounmpo and Adebayo and strong role players in Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr.”
James previously spent four seasons with the Heat, taking the franchise to four consecutive NBA Finals and capturing back-to-back championships. He could address Miami’s needs for a primary playmaker and additional scoring, and team president Pat Riley has set aside the hard feelings that lingered after James’ 2014 departure.
“Clearly, Riles thinks it’s possible (LeBron goes to Miami) for him to be on podcasts discussing it,” a source told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Haven’t seen Riles talk publicly in a long time. Usually it’s like once after the season.”
The Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves are also believed to be in the mix for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, according to league chatter.
