James Harden made his case publicly for LeBron James to choose the Cleveland Cavaliers as his next NBA destination, telling reporters at Fanatics Fest this week that a homecoming for James would provide the perfect ending to one of the greatest careers in league history.

"I hope he comes to Cleveland," Harden said, speaking to media at the sports and memorabilia convention in New York. "It's a perfect storybook finish. He's at home for his last year." Harden, who joined the Cavaliers in a blockbuster midseason trade during the 2025-26 campaign, acknowledged that James has not officially confirmed the 2026-27 season will be his final one in the NBA, even as the 41-year-old has repeatedly acknowledged he is nearing the end of his career while preparing for a record-breaking 24th professional season.

Despite his own public pitch, Harden was clear-eyed about how little influence outside recruiting efforts are likely to have on James' ultimate decision. "He's gonna decide," Harden said. "He's smart enough that I don't think anybody's pitch is gonna move him. You know what I mean?" Harden added that whichever franchise James ultimately selects will benefit significantly from his addition, regardless of which of the reported finalists wins out. "Wherever he decides, obviously, the team's gonna be a lot better," he said.

James became an unrestricted free agent after informing the Los Angeles Lakers on the first day of free agency that he intended to leave the franchise following his second stint with the team. Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia have........

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