The Cleveland Cavaliers were the only organization LeBron James met with in person during his recent free agency, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
James met with Cleveland's president of basketball operations Koby Altman, assistant general manager Brandon Weems, and vice president of business operations Grant Gilbert at his home in Akron, Ohio in early July, Charania reports.
The 41-year-old ultimately signed a two-year, $8-million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, saying he was "excited to energize a new fan base." The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Cavaliers were considered the other favorites to secure the 22-time All-Star's services.
James spoke with Cleveland's brass about "his basketball legacy" and how a third stint with the franchise would take shape, Charania reports.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer was selected by the Cavaliers with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and enjoyed a seven-year spell with the team before joining the Miami Heat in free agency. James rejoined the Cavaliers ahead of the 2014-15 season and guided the team to its first NBA title. He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
James spent 11 of his record-setting 23 NBA seasons with the Cavaliers, his most with any franchise.
