Cavs reportedly ‘firmly in mix’ for LeBron James despite contract decison
LeBron James informed the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday that he will not opt into the one year remaining on his deal, but that does not mean the team has no chance to bring him back next season.
After news of LeBron’s decision surfaced, Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted that the Cavs remain “firmly in the mix” to re-sign the four-time NBA MVP. The team most negatively impacted is the Rockets, whose most realistic path to adding LeBron would have been by way of a trade.
LeBron James has informed the Cavs he won’t opt into his contract. This decision is favorable to the Lakers chances, hurts the Rockets chances and the Cavs remain firmly in mix.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 29, 2018
James’s decision to opt out makes a potential trade with the Rockets less likely. It helps the Lakers, who would like to use their existing assets to make a Kawhi Leonard trade, and use their cap space to make James a max contract offer.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 29, 2018
The Cavs can still offer James significantly more money than any other team, but it is unlikely that the size and length of the contract will be the biggest consideration for LeBron.
Despite the subtle hints he may or may not be dropping on social media, it seems like LeBron’s decision will come down to the Cavs and Los Angeles Lakers.