As we have reached the 2018 NBA offseason, there is no surprise that there is a lot of talk surrounding NBA superstars and the possibility of them becoming free agents and joining new teams. But as the most anticipated decision of the summer ponders for people wondering where LeBron James will go, I focus on other superstars who may change teams and look to team-up with King James.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is one of the greatest defensive players the league has ever seen. With huge hands, a huge wingspan and solid strength, Leonard is a pain for offensive players.
After entering the league under the radar and winning the NBA Finals MVP award in 2014, Leonard quickly transformed into one of the best offensive players in the league.
From a guy who averaged 7.9 points per game in his rookie season, to 25.5 in 2016-17, becoming an efficient offensive player was the best thing Kawhi has done in his career. The incredible two-way talent recently requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs after a year of speculation regarding his injury and the games he missed due to it. As the Spurs decide on what they want to do with Kawhi, it’s clear Leonard has made his mind up.
He has stated that he wants to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Yahoo Sports.
Whether Gregg Popovich and his management want to trade him there or not has not been decided yet, but it's clear that they wouldn’t want to send him anywhere and get little in return, especially if it is to a Western Conference team.
Paul George
Like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George is one of the most talented players in the league both offensively and defensively.
Recent episodes of “My Journey” featuring PG have been released and it's clear to see that George has a vision of LA, and playing for the team he rooted for as a child, a team he has dreamt of playing for his whole life.
With Paul recently opting out of his contract, he will reportedly take serious consideration when deciding to either re-sign with the OKC Thunder or sign with the Lakers.
But it’s clear that those are the only two teams he is considering. With Kawhi and George both coincidentally pursuing the Lakers, LeBron has been trying to recruit a great defensive and offensive force to join LA with him if he decides to leave Cleveland.
Chris Paul
CP3 is one of LeBron James’ closest friends. Since he entered the league in 2005, Chris has been one of the best point guards in the league with his amazing ability to share the rock, while playing good enough defense to make the All-NBA defensive first team four times. Paul would certainly thrive playing alongside LeBron James with his unselfishness and chemistry with his good friend. However, its more than likely that Chris wants to re-sign with Houston after a successful season behind the MVP, James Harden.
Some interesting news broke recently when it was reported by Fox Sports that Chris Paul tried to recruit LBJ to the Rockets, but the King was more interested in Los Angeles.
Kevin Durant
The two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP making this list may surprise you. But Stephen A Smith recently reported that LeBron James texted KD, asking him to join him in Los Angeles next season. With Kevin Durant having the option to become a free agent, it's clear to see the King’s intentions, and KD’s past has shown he will abandon his team in pursuit of greater success at the flick of a finger. But it is almost certain that Kevin Durant will re-sign with the Golden State Warriors as he hopes to continue winning championships and earning max money. However, the iconic duo of LeBron and Durant won’t be happening, well anytime soon at least, as LeBron is not planning on taking his talents to GSW, and KD isn’t planning on leaving either.
