Teams Receive Little Response From LeBron James as Cavaliers Buzz Intensifies
lebron-james-free-agency-cavaliers-heat-sixers-warriors
LeBron James has offered minimal feedback to clubs courting him during the first week of free agency, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Multiple executives told Windhorst that their outreach has been largely one-sided.
Windhorst reports “a vibe” that the four-time MVP is leaning toward a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers. James vacationed earlier this offseason with members of the 2016 championship roster and has spent increased time in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Despite that sentiment, sources say the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors still believe they remain in contention. The Miami Heat are also “firmly in the mix,” Shams Charania of ESPN told Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday.
Sixers Rise After Jaylen Brown Trade
Philadelphia emerged as a serious option only after acquiring Jaylen Brown from Boston in exchange for Paul George and draft assets. Charania said that once the Sixers completed the deal, James began taking their pitch “really seriously,” placing them just behind Cleveland and Miami in the current hierarchy of suitors.
Warriors’ Hopes Tied to Potential Anthony Davis Trade
Some league insiders believe Golden State’s best chance of landing James would hinge on trading for Wizards center—and former Lakers teammate—Anthony Davis, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reports. Team officials, however, told Slater they have not been informed that such a move is essential and have had no discussions with Washington. The Wizards are reportedly unwilling to move Davis.
Inside the Lakers Split
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN details how negotiations with the Los Angeles Lakers unraveled. Roughly a week before free agency, the Lakers asked agent Rich Paul to arrange a video meeting with James but were told he was unavailable. Paul later said James had already decided to leave Los Angeles, rendering the call unnecessary.
Shelburne adds that Los Angeles originally targeted restricted free-agent centers Walker Kessler or Jalen Duren, with unrestricted free agent Mitchell Robinson as Plan B. The organization planned to allocate most of its cap space to a center and offer James whatever remained. After James opted out, the Lakers used their leftover space—following the signing of Kessler—to add guards Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili, whom the front office believes will mesh well with Luka Dončić.
No timetable has been set for James to make a final decision.
Source: Hoops Rumors
