The latest twist in the never-ending madness that is NBA free agency, is the Cleveland Cavaliers improbably emerging as a serious option for LeBron James.
Four years after “The Decision”, and the Miami Heat scrambling to retain their superstar, James and his agent Rich Paul are said to be considering a return to Ohio.
Per ESPN:
There has yet to be a firm indication that James actually is ready to leave Miami after four years and two championships with the Heat, but sources said that the four-time MVP is increasingly considering the Cavaliers as an option as he moves into the final stages of deciding which team to sign his next contract with.
A critical face-to-face meeting looms with Heat president Pat Riley on a day to be determined this week, sources confirmed Sunday night, so that James can hear the Hall of Famer’s plans for the Heat’s roster. But James’ agent, Rich Paul, has already sat down with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert in what is regarded as the first formal step toward trying to shrink the gulf between James and Gilbert after the ocean of hard feelings stemming from James’ departure from Cleveland in 2010 to sign with the Heat.
Sources say that the Cavs’ pitch made to Paul last week — which they also hope to make this week to James in their own face-to-face meeting — revolves around Kyrie Irving and the other young prospects they have, in addition to the numerous options Cleveland possesses to add to the roster over the next year.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has somehow recovered from accusing LeBron James of betraying Cleveland and its fans back in 2010, and his trip to Miami over the weekend caused a ruckus online.
The Cavaliers have plenty to entice King James – All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is locked up for the next handful of years; top overall NBA Draft pick Andrew Wiggins is also on board; and Cleveland owns plenty of intriguing picks next year.
So, is LeBron James ready to leave behind Pat Riley, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the South Beach faithful? As always, stay tuned.
