Adding James Harden was already a bold declaration of intent. But a new blockbuster proposal suggests the Cleveland Cavaliers could be thinking even bigger—big enough to reshape the NBA landscape entirely. Fresh off acquiring an elite veteran playmaker who still averages 25 points per game, Cleveland has signaled that its championship window is officially open.

Now operating in second-apron territory, the Cavs appear willing to explore every possible avenue to maximize the present. And that includes the ultimate swing-for-the-fences scenario: making a seismic move for Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline.

The notion was proposed by Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh. His idea is divided into two phases, the last accusation of LeBron James coming over the summer. But let’s stick to the hottest player in the trade market right now, which is the Greek Freak. According to Haberstroh, the Brooklyn Nets could help the Cavs facilitate a trade for the Bucks’ unsettled cornerstone.

“So the trade: Cleveland receives Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo; Milwaukee nets Evan Mobley, Lonzo Ball and a 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland, and Tyrese Martin from Brooklyn; Brooklyn absorbs Max Strus’ contract and earns the right to swap first-round picks with Cleveland in 2028, 2030 and 2032,” he wrote for Yahoo Sports.

Naturally, Mobley, who signed a max contract with the Cavaliers, would have to be included to match salaries. Giannis Antetokounmpo would take his place as a lob threat and defensive anchor. There are a few loopholes to manage, though. Given Harden and Antetokounmpo’s bitter history, would they entertain the idea of playing together? It’s at least worth a try.

Making the most out of Donovan Mitchell’s prime is the Cavaliers’ priority. Everybody around is expendable. And we’re talking about an assembly of stars playing together for a few years. It boosts the Cavaliers’ championship potential, which has looked murky with two consecutive second-round exits.

Would the Bucks want to shift the balance of power in their own conference? They don’t have the resources to think otherwise at the moment. But the Cavaliers will have to wait for the summer to complete the puzzle.

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LeBron James’ homecoming is the cherry on top

The scenario of getting LeBron James back to Cleveland is the simplest part of this mock trade. The 41-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers. He’s expected to pursue a different destination in the summer, and reports suggest the Cavs are open to a homecoming, and possibly a farewell tour for the King.

What it would need is a significant pay cut from the Akron Hammer. The Cavaliers are operating over the second apron for the coming years. Hence, even if it’s signing a free agent, they can’t go all-in for everybody. The incentive behind his accepting a lesser salary is the Cavs bringing Bronny James and giving LeBron James the best shot at finishing his career with a championship.

Would such a roster overhaul be risky? Without question. The Cavaliers are very concerned about securing Mitchell long-term. He signed a 3-year, $150M extension in 2024 (running through 2026-27 with a player option for 2027-28), but he’s extension-eligible again in summer 2027 for what could be a massive new deal (potentially 5 years / $380M+ in some projections).

Multiple insiders report the Cavs are worried he might not re-sign if the team keeps underperforming in the playoffs (he’s never advanced past the second round in his career).

Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, is eligible for a four-year, $275 million supermax extension starting October 1, 2026 (if traded by the February 2026 deadline, he could sign it with his new team after six months).

While the idea of Harden, Giannis, Mitchell, and eventually LeBron sharing the floor is tantalizing, history offers both encouragement and warning. The 2010 Miami Heat superteam—LeBron James joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh—initially stumbled in the Finals but adapted to win back-to-back championships (2012–13) through role sacrifice and chemistry.

In contrast, the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving experiment collapsed after just 16 games together, undone by injuries, off-court issues, and fit problems, reminding us that star power alone doesn’t guarantee rings.

The Cavs have found great success in the regular season with the current roster. However, when it mattered most, they have faltered. These additions give them a stronger chance at competing while still keeping the team’s structure as it is. It would naturally come with each star sacrificing accolades and shots to make it all work.

But their common intentions could empower them to do so. Each of these four talismans wants a championship. If they can make it work for a few seasons and get some silverware, Cleveland’s front office would deserve a statue outside their arena.