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

Published Jul 26, 02:47 PM UTC

LeBron James was reportedly close to returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won the 2016 NBA championship, but the team's decision to trade Darius Garland for James Harden in February may have been decisive. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, James had a strong personal connection with Garland, a Klutch Sports client, and his departure was a key factor. Windhorst also cited James not prioritizing a return for family reasons and the Cavaliers' failure to acquire Jaylen Brown. Instead, James will join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract, playing alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe, aiming for his fifth NBA championship.

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