LeBron James never left the Cleveland Cavaliers as a free agent in 2010.
No, this isn't an attempt to suppress painful memories of Cavs fans everywhere, but rather a clarification of what actually happened.
After announcing he would be joining the Miami Heat, both front offices worked together on a sign-and-trade that sent James and his talents to South Beach, netting the Cavaliers' two first-round draft picks and two second-round picks in the process. Cleveland also received a $14.5 million trade exception and the right to swap 2012 first-round picks.
The Cavs obviously preferred to keep James, but they were also smart enough to recognize that if he was going to leave, they might as well get something in return.