The Cleveland Cavaliers have the assets needed to make a big splash at the NBA trade deadline next month, but questions about LeBron James’ future with the franchise could prevent them from pulling the trigger.
If the Cavs wanted to pursue adding a star player, they would likely need to part ways with the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick, which they acquired as part of the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade. However, dealing the valuable unprotected pick might only make sense if LeBron plans to return next season and beyond. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Cavs currently prefer to hold onto the pick in case they need to start rebuilding without James.
A recent report indicated that the Cavs tried to secure a commitment from James this past offseason so they could plan accordingly, but he was unwilling to provide it. LeBron and the team are seemingly in a bit of a stalemate, as Cleveland wants to put a team together that will make him happy but doesn’t want to risk its entire future this year and then have him walk again.
The Cavs have lost four straight games and eight of their last 10, and there have been signs that players are starting to lose confidence. A major splash at the trade deadline could change things, but the team’s brass needs to juggle pleasing LeBron and building for the future — especially if he is not planning to be a part of it.
