LeBron James announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 after leaving the Miami Heat. His announcement came in a Sports Illustrated essay published on July 11, 2014, ending four years in Miami.
James had originally left Cleveland in 2010 during the widely criticized television special known as The Decision. He joined the Heat alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, reached four consecutive NBA Finals and won championships in 2012 and 2013.
By 2014, James said he wanted to return to his home state and help deliver a championship to Cleveland. He signed a two-year contract with the Cavaliers and returned to the No. 23 jersey. The move was especially significant because Cleveland had not won a major professional sports championship since 1964.
The return fulfilled that promise in 2016, when the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Cleveland became the first team to overcome a 3–1 Finals deficit, and James was named Finals MVP.