Paul Pierce advises LeBron James to make a tempting trade request

LeBron James's position for the next season is quite questionable. For the 2024–25 season, he has a $51.4 million player option with the Lakers. However, LeBron's ultimate choice may be influenced by the Lakers' performance this season as well as the team that selects his son Bronny in the 2024 NBA draft. Many have forecast LeBron's likely next destination amid the uncertainty. His long-time rival Paul Pierce, stepped into the topic, encouraging him to make a tempting trade request.

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce stated that LeBron James should leave the Los Angeles Lakers and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers where he can play along with his son Bronny James for a farewell tour. According to Essentially Sports Paul Pierce stated, “If (The Lakers) flame out & lose in the play-in, I would consider if I was LeBron, being traded back to Cleveland for Donovan Mitchell… Bronny gets picked up by (the Cavs) & Bron has his farewell world tour with his son.” Pierce’s advice could be tempting for King James, as the Cavs are facing uncertainty about Donovan Mitchell’s future in Cleveland.

Cleveland Cavaliers have reached the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference

As of right now, Donovan Mitchell is three years into a five-year, $163 million contract that he inked in Utah. He will be able to sign a $200 million, four-year contract extension with the Cavaliers in July. Many believe that due to his physical issues, he won't accept the offer. In the previous three seasons, he has missed 19, 15, and 16 games, respectively (and more than 20 in the current one).

As per Essentially Sports Marc Stein expressed, “Mitchell will be entering the final guaranteed year of his current contract next season if there’s no extension, leading to a growing belief among rival teams that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell in coming months if they cannot come to terms with him an extension.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference with Donovan Mitchell's dominant but limited play.