’It Makes Sense’ — NBA Insider Confirms Contender’s ’Interest’ in Pursuing Bronny James if It Wins LeBron James Sweepstakes

As the NBA world awaits LeBron James’ highly anticipated free-agency decision, the future of the 22-time All-Star’s son, Bronny James, remains an intriguing subplot.

After spending the first two years of his pro career alongside his father with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny could be in line for a major change following LeBron’s exit from the franchise. However, according to multiple NBA insiders, the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in keeping the father-son duo intact should they win the LeBron sweepstakes.

Cavaliers Eyeing Bronny James Trade if LeBron James Returns to Cleveland

In their July 4th newsletter, league insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer shed light on the latest developments in LeBron’s free-agency process, highlighting the “growing belief” among rival teams that the 41-year-old’s potential return for a third stint with Cleveland is “looking more and more like the scenario to beat.”

Stein and Fischer added that many have begun speculating about the Cavaliers angling to acquire Bronny to aid LeBron’s rumored homecoming, given their quiet start to the offseason.

“One conspiracy whisper making the rounds: They want to make sure that they have open roster spots to be able to trade for the Lakers’ Bronny James in the event that they are able to welcome Dad back as a free-agent signee,” Stein and Fischer wrote.

MORE:‘A Huge Slice of Humble Pie’ — NBA Insider Pushes Back on Prevailing Narrative Surrounding LeBron James’ Lakers Exit

According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, a fellow Ohio native, the report “aligns” with past intel he’s received about Cleveland’s interest in reuniting with LeBron.

“It’s being reported, not by me, but it makes sense, and I had past conversations that would align with this, that if LeBron came here, there would be interest in Bronny, whose contract has been guaranteed,” Vardon said on 92.3 The Fan. “So, they could plug him in at a minimum, if that was what everybody preferred.”

LeBron has a storied history with the Cavaliers. After being drafted No. 1 overall by his hometown team in the 2003 NBA Draft, he established himself as the organization’s all-time most prolific player before departing for the Miami Heat in 2010 free agency.

The four-time MVP famously returned to Cleveland four years later, carrying the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in franchise history in 2016 before leaving again for LA in 2018.

Amid LeBron’s first stint in Cleveland, Bronny was born in Akron, Ohio, in 2004, giving the 21-year-old similar ties to the Cavaliers. While not nearly the same caliber of player as his father, Bronny has carved out playing time as a feisty, two-way bench guard since being drafted No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft and has been well received in his annual returns to Cleveland.

With a relatively modest $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 campaign, Bronny could be an ideal candidate for the Cavaliers to round out their roster if they secure LeBron, while appeasing the future Hall of Famer.