On Friday morning, the decision the NBA world had been waiting for came down, as LeBron James announced he would be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency. Reaction came in quickly from all corners on social media after James' tweet, which linked to his first-person SI.com letter.
- LeBron James (@KingJames) July 11, 2014
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert welcomed him back to Cleveland in a far different manner than how he had reacted to James' decision in 2010.
Welcome Home @kingjames. I am excited for the fans and people of Cleveland and Ohio. No fans and people deserve a winner more than them.....
- Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) July 11, 2014
And Heat owner Micky Arison wished James well on his way out of Miami.
I am shocked & disappointed in today's news. However I will never forget what Lebron brought us for 4 years. Thanks for memories @KingJames
- Micky Arison (@MickyArison) July 11, 2014
NBA players -- including future teammates of James' -- had varied reactions to the news.
Welcome home @KingJames
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) July 12, 2014
Welcome back to @cavs , my friend @KingJames .I'm really happy for the city and people of #Cleveland.We love u Big Z. pic.twitter.com/U307fXFFDo
— Anderson Varejão (@VAREJAOANDERSON) July 11, 2014
Welcome back bro. Your city awaits you. @KingJames
- Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) July 11, 2014
Welcome back @KingJames #GoCavs
- Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) July 11, 2014
Cleveland going nuts
- John Lucas III (@Luke1luk) July 11, 2014
Knew it.. #BronBron
- Landry Fields (@landryfields) July 11, 2014
LeBron is going back to Cleveland!?!?!? WHAAAAAAAT!!!?!???
- Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) July 11, 2014
It's only right..
- Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 11, 2014
Well he is not coming to Minnesota ��
- Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 11, 2014
How many Miami fans are there in this world that are now Cleveland fans?
- Michael Carter-Willi (@MCW1) July 11, 2014
Honestly respect a man for doing what makes him happy #LBJ, can't wait to see Pat Riley's Letter to Miami Heat fans! Kidding, maybe?
- Aaron Gray (@AaronGray_34) July 11, 2014
So much respect for @KingJames congrats familia
- JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) July 11, 2014
23 or 6 ?
- Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) July 11, 2014
Congrats LBJ...loyal guy going home!
- Jodie Meeks (@Jmeeks20) July 11, 2014
I rock with Bron for that move but I'm hot for Dwade I hope he gets that money back I'm sure he will
- Jeff Teague (@Teague0) July 11, 2014
Lebron went back to Cleveland
- Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13_) July 11, 2014
Good move by @KingJames. #Respect
- Paul Millsap (@Paulmillsap4) July 11, 2014
Let the bandwagonin begin! Lol
- Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummondd) July 11, 2014
I guess my recruiting skills didn't work
- Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 11, 2014