Pacers GM rules out LeBron James signing with Indiana
pacers-gm-says-lebron-james-wont-join-indiana
Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said the franchise is no longer in contention for LeBron James, confirming that the four-time NBA champion will not be heading to Indianapolis.
Speaking on the “Setting The Pace” podcast, Buchanan revealed that the team delivered its proposal to James’ agent, Rich Paul, but learned the forward has narrowed his options to other clubs.
“If you’re expecting the LeBron-to-Pacers announcement to come, it’s not coming,” Buchanan told the show, adding, “I don’t want to break everybody’s hearts.”
The GM praised James and Paul for considering the Pacers’ offer and said every organization had presented its case. Despite that effort, Buchanan acknowledged Indiana was eliminated from the running and admitted he prefers James remain in the Western Conference. “I don’t know where he’s going to end up, but I can tell you it won’t be in Indiana, unfortunately,” he said.
All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton recently joked on the “Mind The Game” podcast about his own unsuccessful attempt to recruit James, further underscoring the Pacers’ long-shot status.
With Indiana officially out, teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers continue to await James’ decision as free agency unfolds.
Source: Hoops Wire
