Cleveland Cavaliers have dealt with numerous issues this summer, but it seems they will manage to save their offseason and be even better next year. From David Griffin's departure to Kyrie Irving's trade demand, the Cavaliers have had their fair share of drama in free agency. However, with the recent trade with the Boston Celtics, it looks that Cleveland is ready for another season and another shot at an NBA title.
While this offseason might end well for the 2016 NBA champions, their future doesn't look too bright. The trade with the Celtics will make the Cavaliers better, but only for one season.
Next summer, they will be dealing with even bigger problems as LeBron James will most likely become a free agent. While James has two more years left on his contract, he will be able to opt out of it next summer and sign with another team.
LeBron James to join the L.A. Lakers?
According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, NBA executives believe that the trade between the Cavaliers and the Celtics doesn't change much when it comes to LeBron James' free agency decision. The deal won't mean a lot as the four-time MVP is planning to once again leave the Cavaliers. The league executives believe that James will not exercise his player option next summer, and he will become a free agent instead.
"He's out," one NBA scout said.
"Foregone conclusion," commented an Eastern Conference general manager. The other one simply stated he doesn't see LeBron staying in Cleveland.
Most executives believe not only that James will leave Cleveland, but that he will join the Los Angeles Lakers. There are a few reasons for this and some of them don't include basketball.
James' primary reason would be winning a championship with the young Lakers roster and achieving an impressive feat of winning a championship with three different teams. Another reason would be a potential ownership stake in the Lakers, and the fact that he could get into TV or movie production once his basketball career is over.
The Irving trade could be voided
Even though the Cavaliers reached a deal with the Celtics that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston and Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland, they might decide to void the trade.
Apparently, Thomas' injury is a big problem for the Cavaliers and that could be the reason why they void the trade. It is unknown whether Cleveland will finalize this trade or not, but it's safe to say that it won't affect LeBron James and his decision next summer.
