The thought of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers must already have the people of Cleveland drooling. Evidence that the Cavs are relentlessly pursuing LeBron continues to roll in.
Are the rumors being planted by James’ agent?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, LeBron’s agent and childhood friend Rich Paul has urged the Cavs to create the maximum contract salary slot they would need to sign James. While that does not mean LeBron is actually considering a return to Cleveland, Paul has reportedly made it his mission to get James to go back and is encouraging Cavs officials to pave the way.
Adding to the speculation about LeBron potentially leaving Miami has been his alleged lack of involvement with trying to get players to sign with the Heat.
“LeBron is the ultimate recruiter, but he hasn’t been any part of this process,” a source reportedly told Yahoo! Sports. “The first question they all ask is the same: ‘Do I get to hear from LeBron? What’s he going to do?'”
There’s a good chance LeBron is trying to freeze Pat Riley out to pressure him to improve the Heat. As Wojnarowski noted, Paul could be playing a dangerous game with LeBron’s image. Given the way he left Cleveland the first time around, the last thing James needs is to create the impression that there is a good chance he is returning to the Cavs only to leave them hanging again.
Between Dan Gilbert’s plane activity and the Cavs decision to remove the open letter to LeBron from their website, it would certainly seem that Gibert and company are making a serious run at James. What we don’t know is if LeBron’s agent has more interest than he does.
