Don Lemon is not saying never about returning to CNN — which fired him last year — and even has some requirements in mind, but he’s also very realistic about why it ain’t happening … most likely.

The famed newsman joined us on the “TMZ Podcast” this week, and revealed he’d be open to going back to his former employer if they offered a particular company car — one more associated with Elon Musk, ironically.

We’re confident he was joking, but Don was serious about not holding his breath for a call from CNN. He says there’s no bad blood between them, but also explained why it’s probably not a great fit, for him at least.

ICYMI … Don did get back on CNN briefly last week to discuss the fallout from his Elon interview — and he admits it felt surreal to be talking to the outlet that cut him loose.

That feeling might explain why he’s not all gung-ho about any potential for a reunion, but the other reason he’s hesitant … the hours!

Don told us, “I don’t know if I would want to do a show 5 days a week or what have you. It would just depend on what it is.”

As for a possible return to X — where Elon pulled the plug on Don’s new show after their sit down — the journalist tells us that’s also unlikely, and he called the whole experience a waste of his time.

Now, while DL sounds all kumbaya with CNN, the same can’t be said about Elon.

When we raised that professional break-up, he slammed the billionaire for failing to live up to the promises he made after first inviting Don to launch a show on the social media platform.

Yet, despite his strong feelings on the matter, Don says he still tries to have a never-say-never stance regarding X.