The Cleveland Cavaliers’ pursuit of LeBron James is officially over, but the franchise appears ready to shift its attention toward other significant roster upgrades.
According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, Cleveland is exploring “higher-profile possibilities” after James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Amico reported on July 24 that while Jonathan Kuminga and Mario Hezonja have been linked to the Cavaliers, “they aren’t necessarily the biggest names to watch,” with sources indicating the organization has additional targets that have not yet surfaced publicly.
James’ decision to join Philadelphia on a two-year veteran minimum contract ended any speculation about a third stint in Cleveland. The move allows the Cavaliers’ front office to focus fully on improving a roster that reached the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals before being swept 4-0 by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
Cleveland already entered the offseason with its foundation secured. Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year, $273 million maximum extension on July 7, keeping the seven-time All-Star under contract through the 2030-31 season with a player option. Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley also remains under contract through the 2029-30 season after beginning his five-year rookie extension.
The Cavaliers finished the 2025-26 regular season 52-30, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They eliminated the Toronto Raptors in seven games during the first round and upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in another seven-game series before falling to New York in the conference finals.
Adding another impact wing has long been viewed as one of Cleveland’s remaining roster priorities, making Kuminga an understandable name in speculation. The 23-year-old forward averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists across 36 games during the 2025-26 season after splitting time between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Over five NBA seasons, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points while shooting 50.2% from the field, offering athleticism and positional versatility at either forward spot.
Hezonja has also emerged as a reported possibility after rebuilding his career in Europe. The former fifth overall NBA draft pick spent the past four seasons with Real Madrid, averaging 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 38 EuroLeague games during the 2025-26 campaign. He also posted 17.5 points per game in Spain’s Liga ACB while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range.
Whether either player ultimately lands in Cleveland remains uncertain. Amico’s report suggests neither should be viewed as the Cavaliers’ primary objective now that the uncertainty surrounding James’ free agency has ended.
