Things are looking really ugly for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they did not extend David Griffin's contract. LeBron James, who advocated for Griffin's contract extension, is disappointed and concerned, and there are already talks about him leaving Cleveland. Griffin was a great general manager and the Cavaliers had no good reason to let him go, but Dan Gilbert, team owner, still decided to do it.
LeBron James could easily go somewhere else if he wants to. He is the best player in the league and any team would want to sign him. While it is too early to talk about it now, as LeBron has a player option on his contract for 2018/19 season, there is a chance that he goes back to the team where he won his first championship ring, the Miami Heat.
Dan Gilbert and LeBron James
The Cavaliers owner is not on good terms with his best player, LeBron James. It all started in 2010 when James decided to leave Cleveland and join the Heat. This move made Dan Gilbert write a letter for James, saying the Cavaliers will win a championship "before the self-titled former 'king' wins one." This letter was the reason why James had second thoughts about going back to Cleveland in 2014, but at the end, he decided to do it.
This latest move by Gilbert made LeBron upset and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. According to reports, James didn't know that the Cavaliers were planning to let Griffin go, and it was quite shocking for him to hear the news.
Return to Miami
LeBron James reached four straight NBA Finals in South Beach and he won two championship rings. He understands that the Miami Heat have a winning culture and will give their best to compete every year. Last season was the best example of it as the Heat turned things around and went 30-11 in the second half of the season.
After clearing Chris Bosh's contract off the books, the Heat now have almost $40 million in cap space, and they will have enough money to sign LeBron James next season if he decides to leave the Cavaliers. Furthermore, Dwyane Wade's contract with the Bulls will expire next year and this duo could reunite in Miami.
LeBron's contract
LeBron James has two more years left on his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he has a player option on his last year. James will receive $33.2 million next year and his player option is worth $35.6 million.
While it's a lot of money to leave on the table, James won't have a reason to stay in Cleveland if the Cavaliers don't win a championship next year. His only goal is to win, and right now, his team is not in a good position to do so.