Former LeBron James teammate reveals why he didn't return to Cleveland

For months, it looked like LeBron James was laying the ground for another big homecoming.

With his final contract on the horizon, another return to the Cleveland Cavaliers would've been the perfect movie-like ending to his story.

Instead, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers, a team with no ties to him whatsoever, in yet another shocking free-agency decision. Notably, the Cavaliers were the only team given an in-person meeting with James, making this decision all the more baffling.

In the latest edition of the "Road Trippin'" podcast, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins revealed that the Cavs missed out on LeBron because of the Jaylen Brown trade. 

Jaylen Brown cost the Cavaliers LeBron James

“And the real thing about it, y’all said it, is that Jaylen Brown was the piece. Jaylen Brown been available. If Cleveland would have made a move and traded for Jaylen Brown, nine times out of 10, LeBron James would have been in Cleveland. But y’all didn’t want to part ways with one of your guys, whether that was Evan Mobley or Donovan Mitchell,“ Perkins said.

Perkins used to play with James and has always been one of his biggest advocates, not to mention he works as an analyst now, so he must have some intel on the situation.

Also, this makes perfect sense, given how James has handled his career and how he's always left one team for a more stacked one.

Moreover, the Cavaliers have always been reluctant to break up their Mitchell-Mobley duo, even despite their well-documented shortcomings and postseason meltdowns.

Ultimately, James chose to join the most favorable situation and sign with the most aggressive team.

It wasn't the movie-like ending to his story, leaving Cleveland heartbroken again and being set out to finish his legendary career with the most unexpected team among his suitors.