Once again, 2017 Finals MVP Kevin Durant has come to the defense of four-time MVP, LeBron James. The superstar small forward of the Golden State Warriors exchanged words over twitter with American rapper and comedian Lil Dicky stating that the Cleveland Cavaliers "can't trade a legend" in response to comments about how the Cavaliers should trade LeBron James.
It is known that LeBron James wants to leave Cleveland
Chris Sheridan, a long time NBA writer, told reporters that LeBron James is almost guaranteed to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers. James would leave as he is not content with the Cavaliers ownership.
For the 2018-19 NBA season, LeBron has a player option and can become an unrestricted free agent. Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon reported that multiple sources close to LeBron James have denied that LeBron is unhappy with the Cleveland Cavaliers' ownership. Despite this, the rumors of LeBron James' next move are making headlines across all media platforms this summer, and these have been fueled further by four-time All-Star Kyrie Irving requesting to be traded from the Cavaliers.
Lil Dicky's tweet has one flaw
The problem with the point made by Lil Dicky's is that the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot trade LeBron James as James has a no-trade clause. LeBron would have to waive his no-trade clause for the Cavaliers to trade him meaning that LeBron ultimately would choose his destination.
There is a multitude of reasons why LeBron James would refuse to be dealt. The first reason is that the Cleveland Cavaliers are still his safest bet of being able to compete for the NBA championship next season.
Despite all the offseason drama surrounding the Cavaliers, they are still the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.
The only other team that LeBron could potentially join to challenge the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference potentially is the Houston Rockets. Similarly, any team in the NBA that would try and pursue LeBron James would have to give up a significant amount of players and draft picks, which would consequently make the team worse and as a result is less likely to win a championship.
Despite all the off season drama surrounding the Cavaliers, they are still the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. LeBron's only other option in the Western Conference to challenge the Golden State Warriors is the Houston Rockets. Similarly, any team in the NBA that would try and pursue LeBron James would have to surrender multiple players and draft picks, which would consequently make the team worse and as a result is less likely to win a championship.
LeBron arguably has the highest basketball IQ in the game. James left the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat when he knew the championship window was closing, and he is not going to disappoint his fan base once again unless he is certain his team can be championship contenders.
