The Cleveland Cavaliers are at risk of losing their most dynamic player in franchise history for the second time. Could James leaving benefit them?
For a King’s ransom, the Cleveland Cavaliers would be willing to trade LeBron James if he opts into his contract and still wants out of Cleveland. The only reason the Cavs need is that the alternative to a trade is just to allow James to pack his bags and take off to Los Angeles.
So, let’s assume a few things before we take a look at how a trade would benefit the Cavs.
For starters, Paul George would have to sign in Los Angeles. George grew up in LA and has been rumored to be televising his free agency signing. Do you really televise an event just to re-sign?
George is in LA. Let’s then assume LeBron calls up Chris Paul and says he’ll go to LA if Paul signs there since he’s an unrestricted free agency. That also allows LA to keep their assets they would’ve spent trading for Kawhi Leonard.
Alright, so Paul and George are in LA and the only way for James to tag along with a max contract is for LA to free up significant cap space.
Here’s how the Cleveland Cavaliers slide into the mix.
By signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brook Lopez to one-year deals last offseason, the Lakers cleared about $40 million off their books. However, Luol Deng is still making $18 million while Lonzo and Ingram combine to make about $16 million.
For James, Paul, and George all to get a max, they must clear those contracts.
More from King James Gospel
- 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
- 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
By trading for those three, the Cavs would gain significant youth while taking on yet another bad contract. That said, Cleveland’s immediate future might be in peril, but their long-term future with Sexton alongside Ball would look outstanding.
The Cavs would be able to retain Ingram by offering him a huge extension at the end of his contract. Also, the Cavs offense would be dynamic as Lonzo could finally get a capable outside shooting big in Love.
However, Cleveland shouldn’t even keep Ball.
The Cavs could possibly flip Ball back to a big market team for a player like DeAndre Jordan.
The Cavs have said that even if James opts out and leaves they won’t be transitioning into a rebuilding stage. Ingram, Love, Hood, Clarkson, Hill, and Jordan certainly are a postseason team in the lacking Eastern Conference. They might not showcase a superstar talent, but the on-floor production would be better than most realize.
For the distant future, if Love’s opts into his player option for the 2019-2020 season and the Cavs traded for Deng, they would be clearing OVER $118 million of their books for that offseason. Talk about being a major factor in free agency.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players
If James leaves, this has to be the move for Cleveland.