Per the Shams article, DG and Jarrett are likely getting traded this offseason. To who and for what is yet to be determined. Here’s a scenario that may land Cleveland LeBron via trade.

As far as I see it, if LeBron wants to finish his career where it all started (which is currently being heavily reported), then he has two options. 1) request a trade to Cleveland as a courtesy to LA so they can recoup some assets upon his departure. 2) Decline his $51 million player option and sign in Cleveland for the MLE (leaving Cleveland with a much stronger roster that is more likely to win a championship). If LeBron cares about his legacy, he’ll opt for option no. 2. However, if he cares more about his salary. He will request a trade instead.

One other note it’s safe to assume if LeBron is returning to Cleveland that the Cavs will use their 2024 1st to draft his son so he can play his final season with Bronny.

As far as the trade is concerned. LA is getting two, young, all-star caliber players in DG and Jarrett. They could either move AD to PF (where he prefers to play) or they can trade him for more than what they gave up to get him (his value is at an all time high after finishing the season healthy and playing over 65 games).

LA is including picks for a few reasons. 1) LeBron is 40 (going on 41) and only has one (maybe two) years left. 2) As previously mentioned, Cleveland is trading LA two, young, all-star caliber players to build around. 3) LA doesn’t have the greatest draft history as of late, so landing said players is better for them then the shit-shoot that is the draft (take a look at their recent draft picks, some of them are laughable at best).

Personally, I think it’s more likely that Cleveland drafts Bronny, trades their two young assets elsewhere and signs LeBron to the MLE. I think it’s equally likely that LA drafts Bronny and LeBron stays in LA for his final year or two.