LeBron James reportedly not willing to waive no-trade clause

With speculation increasing that LeBron James could leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time this summer, teams have begun inquiring about possibly trading for the four-time NBA MVP. According to one report, they might as well stop calling.

Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports was told by sources that LeBron is not willing to waive his no-trade clause and will finish the season in Cleveland.

Sources: As NBA teams do due diligence on his no-trade clause and potential of him dropping it, LeBron James is determined to see year through in Cleveland, focused on season and will not waive the clause.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2018

While the Cavs have looked horrible for much of the season, we have seen them sputter during the regular season and turn things on down the stretch and in the playoffs before. It’s hard to imagine Cleveland finding a team that is willing to give up a ton of assets for LeBron when he is set to become a free agent, let alone that team being one that James feels gives him a better chance to compete for a title this season.

LeBron’s easiest path to the NBA Finals is still through the East, even if it looks like the Boston Celtics are now the team to beat. One option for the Cavs could be to trade the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick in next year’s draft in an attempt to make a big splash at the trade deadline, but it does not seem like they are willing to do that.

For now, everyone is stuck. LeBron might leave this summer, but Cleveland can’t trade him unless he signs off on it. And if they trade the Brooklyn pick, the Cavs would be giving up their most important rebuilding asset.