King James Gospel
Fansided

Cleveland Cavaliers: A plausible path for the Cavs to keep LeBron

By Rithvik Bhongiri

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 13: LeBron James
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – FEBRUARY 13: LeBron James /

Step 3: Steal Paul George in Free Agency

The Cavs were close to acquiring Paul George last season during draft day.

However, the negotiations fell apart and George was traded to the Thunder. This season the Cavs can pounce on an opening. After a disappointing defeat in the first round to the Jazz, George has NO reason to stay with the Thunder.

The reports this offseason including a TMZ interview with the star includes a statement from George himself revealing that he would love to play with LeBron. The Cavs should strike when the iron is hot and steal George in a sign and trade.

Yes, George has said he loves LA but he won’t have running mates because there are minimal chances that Leonard and if these trades happen LeBron would join. Therefore it would probably feel like a right move at the wrong time for George.

Because George wants out, the Cavs would have all the leverage in a Paul George sign and trade.

In fact its likely that the Cavs would be able to get George by offering Hill and a few second-round picks. Remember this is an organization that was left devastated when it lost Durant for nothing.

I’m sure the wouldn’t want the same fate with George and would likely listen and accept offers that blasphemous from the Cavs.

The Cavs would get an A+ for a trade like this as they were able to steal a superstar by throwing a bad contract and a couple picks.

George’s fit would be undeniable.

His ability to knock down threes at a 40 percent clip would be amazing for the Cavs. His ability to attack opposing defenses would create passing lanes which would lead to open shots. Let me also mention that George is also a great defender who can again, like Butler, play on-ball and off-ball defense which would be critical against teams like the Warriors.

The Thunder would treat this as a salary dump trade + some picks as Hill’s contract is off the books next season and the Thunder can also draft some prospects. Again the Thunder would not be happy at all doing this trade, but then again something is better than nothing.