An NBA team executive believes that the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade LeBron James or Kevin Love if the team continues to struggle. In an interview with Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, the NBA executive, who requested anonymity, said that the Cavaliers should consider parting ways with one of their superstars if it will improve the franchise. The executive believes that the return of All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas from a hip injury in January 2018 could give the Cavaliers a boost. However, they must contemplate on trading James or Love if they continue to falter even with Thomas in the lineup.
“I think the pressure gets pretty high,” the team executive said. “If it’s not working, they should either move the Brooklyn Nets pick or Kevin Love or LeBron. Those should all be on the table.” The executive was referring to the pick that the Cavaliers acquired from the Boston Celtics in the Kyrie Irving trade. The pick was shipped to the Cavaliers together with Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2020 second-round selection. The Cavaliers currently have a 7-7 record after a close win over the New York Knicks.
James a free-agent in 2018
A trade involving James could be a strong possibility since he is eligible to become a free agent this summer. The Cavaliers might make the move now rather than lose James without getting anything in return when he turns free agent in 2018.
There were persistent reports that James could bolt the Cavaliers and join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. James signed a three-year deal worth $100 million in 2016, with a player option worth $35.6 million in 2018. However, he is expected to opt out of this deal, either to sign another long-term deal with the Cavaliers or test the free-agent market.
Podcaster Bill Simmons first floated the possibility that James might join the Lakers and join forces with young players Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. There is also a possibility that Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder might join James with the Lakers, forming a super team.
James tried to recruit Jonathon Simmons
Ashish Mathur of Amico Hoops reported that the Cavaliers and James tried to recruit Jonathon Simmons when he was a free agent in the summer after two years with the San Antonio Spurs.
Simmons said James reached out to him and tried to convince him to join the Cavaliers. However, Simmons turned him down, saying he wants to compete against James. Also, the Cavaliers offered Simmons less money. Simmons eventually signed a three-year deal worth $20 million with the Orlando Magic.
