The Cleveland Cavaliers, particularly their fans, are still hoping their former hometown hero LeBron James will make a return to the Cavs when he hits free agency this summer.

But according to the News-Herald, Cavaliers fans should lessen their expectations, stating that James may not consider returning to Cleveland at all next season.

Sources said that James was initially intrigued about a possible reunion after the Cavaliers stacked up young assets like Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, but league executives are convinced that the Cavs' current record is not too enticing for the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player.

"The Cavs had hoped to persuade James to rejoin their organization. That notion has dimmed considerably," the News-Herald reported. "Even though James would instantly make the Cavs a contender, why would he want to join a team 10 games-under .500 at this stage of his career? The answer is he probably wouldn't."

NBA analysts believe that money will not be a factor in his decision, considering the fact that James took a huge paycut when he decided to bolt out of Cleveland and took his talents to South Beach in order to have a better chance of winning his first NBA title.

But while the Heat are still considered favorites to win it all again this year, there is a growing concern that James might consider leaving because their championship window could close next season due to the failing health of Dwyane Wade.

Wade has been missing games this season due to his ailing knee, and James recently admitted that life is tougher without his sidekick on the hardcourt. It is widely believed that another title this year will convince James to sign another long-term deal next summer, but their chances depend on the availability of Wade in this year's playoffs.

"It's all going to be dependent on what they do in the postseason," said veteran NBA analyst of James' impending free agency. "If they win a championship, it's a moot point. If they don't win a championship, that's where the concern starts. The Big Three have been through these bumps in the regular season before, but when you get to the postseason and you don't get it done, that's another animal."