ESPN: Cavaliers' Harden trade led to Garland exit, key factor in LeBron's decision not to return

LeBron James came close to rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers—the team with which he won the 2016 NBA championship—but the acquisition of James Harden may have ultimately steered his destiny away from Ohio. Instead, James will play for the Philadelphia 76ers for the next two years on a contract worth just $8 million.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Harden's presence in Cleveland was not the reason James rejected a potential return to his hometown team. Rather, the Cavaliers' decision to trade Darius Garland to acquire Harden proved decisive.

"It's not that the Cavs had Harden, but rather who they didn't have," Windhorst wrote on his personal account, as reported by BasketNews. "To get Harden from the LA Clippers in February, the Cavs traded Darius Garland, a point guard represented by Klutch with whom James had a long-standing relationship," he explained.

Garland Traded

Cleveland acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in February in exchange for Garland and a future second-round pick. At the time of the trade, Harden was averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game, while Garland was posting 18.0 points and 6.9 assists per game.

Garland's departure meant the loss of a player with whom James reportedly shared a strong personal connection. Windhorst identified three factors that worked against Cleveland:

• James did not prioritize returning home for family reasons
• The Cavaliers did not acquire Jaylen Brown
• Garland was no longer part of their roster

James Joins Star-Studded Sixers

LeBron James will continue his career with the Philadelphia 76ers in pursuit of his fifth championship ring, ahead of other suitors who sought his services. He will now play alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe, making Philadelphia one of the most talented rosters in the NBA—a factor that attracted the 41-year-old star.

James will earn a significantly reduced salary compared to the megacontracts he has signed throughout his career. As he stated when revealing his next destination, money was not his objective; rather, he is focused on competing for another ring as his opportunities dwindle.