Donovan Mitchell makes LeBron James pitch: ‘Let’s do it again’

Donovan Mitchell has made his pitch to LeBron James: come back to Cleveland.

What did Mitchell say?

Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell kept his recruiting message to LeBron James short and sweet. “I mean, it’s home,” Mitchell told ESPN Cleveland on July 16, 2026. “We’ve done it once. Let’s do it again. Simple as that.” The quote came as James officially entered free agency earlier this month, leaving his next destination wide open.

Mitchell has repeatedly said he’d welcome the chance to play with James again. The two teamed up to deliver Cleveland its only NBA title in 2016 before James left for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. “I mean it’s home, we’ve done it once, let’s do it again, simple as that,” Mitchell said in the ESPN Cleveland clip posted on X.

Why Cleveland wants LeBron back

James, 41, remains one of the NBA’s most productive players. Last season he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while earning another All-NBA selection. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2026, and a return for James would pair him with Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

League sources told Hoops Wire that Cleveland ranks among the frontrunners to land James, along with Miami and Philadelphia. No decision timeline has been set, but James told reporters at Fanatics Fest on July 15, “I won’t hold you guys up too much longer.”

What happens next for LeBron

James is weighing offers from multiple contenders after becoming a free agent on July 1. Cleveland’s core is already strong, and adding James would make the Cavaliers immediate title contenders once more. The four-time MVP has not indicated a preferred destination, but his comments about “home” suggest Cleveland remains in play.

Mitchell’s pitch adds to the noise around James’ future. The Cavaliers have not won a title since 2016, and a reunion could reignite the franchise’s championship push. James’ next move will shape the East for the 2026-27 season.

The bigger picture

James’ free agency has dominated NBA headlines since he opted out of his contract. Cleveland’s front office has not publicly commented on internal talks, but the team’s on-court success in 2026 makes it a natural fit. Mitchell’s public stance signals the Cavs’ willingness to bring back their former leader.