Since the NBA Finals ended, Cleveland’s attention has quickly turned to LeBron James’ free agency. Although rumors suggest that James is likely to leave to create a super team elsewhere, the Cavaliers still have a lot of aspirations that they can keep him.
There is a rumor floating around that Russell Westbrook could possibly join LeBron in Cleveland, although it seems nearly impossible. There are also reports that James would like to possibly retire in Cleveland, but a lack of contention may force him to consider other options.
Cavs could execute a major trade to force LeBron to stay
It’s safe to say that the Cavaliers have put themselves in a deep hole when it comes to the team’s payroll. They overpaid players such as J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson by handing out huge, long-term contracts. However, it was in LeBron’s best interest to keep those two players in Cleveland at the time.
The Cavaliers also had the opportunity to make potential blockbuster deals before the trade deadline that would have included Kevin Love, but they passed up on the idea and made deals for George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and Larry Nance Jr. instead.
With an enormous possibility of losing LeBron, the Cavaliers are prepared to do anything to keep him put.
According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, they are expected to try and trade Love and the number eight overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft in a blockbuster trade in attempts to convince LeBron to stay.
Love’s trade value at the deadline was very high, which may not be the case during the offseason. The nine-year veteran averaged 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds this season, but his defensive struggles are a huge concern.
The Cavaliers could potentially get a major game-changing star player if they include the eight overall pick, however.
Rebuilding teams like the Memphis Grizzlies wouldn’t mind dumping their star players in hopes of gaining a high draft pick to get younger. Love has one year, plus a player option remaining on his contract, which isn’t too bad of a contract for opposing teams to consume.
Cleveland’s potentially eventful offseason
Major changes are coming for the Cavaliers, whether LeBron stays or not. If LeBron leaves, the Cavaliers are still expected to trade Kevin Love to get younger pieces. If LeBron stays, they will still try to make moves to satisfy him. Love has expressed the desire of staying in Cleveland with James, but all signs point to the team splitting up the two superstar players.
