Matt Johnson
LeBron James is once again poised to be the top player available in NBA free agency this offseason. While a return to the Los Angeles Lakers is very much on the table, there is reportedly mutual interest with an Eastern Conference contender.
According to The BIGPLAY Cleveland‘s Scoop B. Robinson, there is “mutual interest” between LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, money is going to be a real factor in the process.
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“I know that the Cavs, some members on their roster, have had conversations with LeBron about a potential pairing.”
Brandon “Scoop B.” Robinson on interest between the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James
Robinson also mentioned a third team that could potentially be in the mix for LeBron. Unsurprisingly, tying in with NBA rumors in the past few days, the New York Knicks are viewed as another potential option for the future Hall of Famer.
There is a complicating factor here for the Knicks and Cavaliers. It also applies to two teams who had previously been connected to LeBron, the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets, that does give the Lakers a greater chance of re-signing him.
The Cavaliers and Knicks are both restricted to offering LeBron far less than the Lakers could put on the table. While the Lakers hold his Bird rights, Cleveland and New York are above the luxury tax and would need to hope the four-time NBA champion is willing to play on a steep discount.
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The Cavaliers could also pursue a sign-and-trade to acquire LeBron, but that would require trading center Jarrett Allen to the Lakers. It again highlights why Los Angeles is still the favorite to sign him.
