A source close to USA Today said that LeBron James is unhappy with the Cleveland Cavaliers and their offseason efforts. Chris Chavez of Sports Illustrated writes that James is frustrated and concerned with the team. The Cavaliers have made few moves this season, and have been rumored to potentially move Kevin Love. The team and David Griffin parted ways this year when a new contract could not be made, which was another move that frustrated James.
Slow offseason for Cleveland
The Cavaliers have only signed Kyle Korver and Jeff Green to contracts this season.
The Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors in a 4-1 loss in the NBA Finals. While the Cavaliers are standing pat, the Warriors have made moves to re-sign Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, David West, and Zaza Pachulia. Those signings don't even mention that the team added sharp shooter Nick Young.
The Cavaliers have been linked to making an effort to make a trade for Carmelo Anthony, but those rumors have fizzled as Anthony is concerned that James will leave after this season. Anthony still has two more years left on his deal. The team's inability to move Love is another factor why the trade is unlikely to work.
Main frustrations
The source said that James' main problems with the Cavaliers include parting ways with Griffin and the team's inability to create a trade for Jimmy Butler.
The former Chicago Bull and the No. 16 pick in the draft was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the No. 7 overall pick in the draft. Butler is regarded as one of the best two way players in the league, and could have helped take the load off of James.
James feels that the team has not made enough improvements to compete with the Golden State Warriors.
Now, James is going to get even more upset because the Boston Celtics have made a huge improvement, and will likely meet the Cavaliers in the conference finals again. Boston signed Gordon Hayward to a contract this offseason to pair him with Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford.
Lakers rumors will heat up
The Lakers want to make a run at Lebron James and Paul George this upcoming offseason.
If the Cavaliers and James can't figure out their problems, then James will likely pack up and leave again. James is set to make $33 million this season, and could make about the same salary in Los Angeles.
With rumors like these coming out, all arrows are pointing to James leaving next year. However, if the team can resolve their general manager vacancy, then it might help alleviate some of the heat.
