The NBA free agency period has been very quiet and uneventful, as it seems everyone is waiting around to hear LeBron James’ decision.
LeBron James is treating this free agency the exact opposite way he treated it when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. We all remember his “The Decision” special he hosted on ESPN, and all the criticism he received for that. He was the villain of the NBA for a few years. After winning 2 rings with the Miami Heat, LeBron has gained some of his popularity back, that’s what winning does.
In 4 years with the Heat, LeBron reached the NBA Finals all 4 years, how could he possibly find another team that gives him a better chance to win?
Well, there is another team that gives him a better chance to win, and that team is the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What? LeBron has a better chance to win in Cleveland than he does in Miami? As crazy as it might sound, it is true.
Let’s take a look at the current situation in Miami:
Let’s say LeBron James decides to remain with the Heat, who is on the roster? Well, right now Norris Cole and Shabazz Napier are the only players under contract. Everyone expects Dwyane Wade to re-sign, and Miami to extend it’s loyalty with Udonis Haslem. Chris Bosh has said if LeBron returns to South Beach, so will he. James has demanded a max-contract, so in order to add another big-name free agent, Wade and Bosh will have to take pay-cuts.
Kyle Lowry was on the Heat’s radar, but he re-signed with the Toronto Raptors. Carmelo Anthony was also an option, but that is not going to happen. Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra met with Luol Deng, and have been pursuing Pau Gasol, who would be a great fit.
If Miami can sign either Luol Deng or Pau Gasol, that would help the Heat become a title contender, but not long-term.
Dwyane Wade is getting old, and can’t stay healthy. Chris Bosh isn’t the same player he was a few years ago. One of the only positives the Heat have is Shabazz Napier, who LeBron loves, but Napier isn’t enough to keep the King in town.
Rumors say the Cleveland Cavaliers are emerging as the favorite to land LeBron James.
Wow, what a great story that would be. After breaking their hearts 4 years ago, he will be doing the opposite of that this time around, giving the city hope for a championship. Here is a fun fact, it was July 8th, 2010 when LeBron had “The Decision” TV special. If LeBron has already decided to return to Cleveland, how great would it be for him to announce he is coming back on Tuesday, which is July 8th, the same day of “The Decision.” He could possibly have both of his decisions take place on the same day, just 4 years apart. LeBron has his basketball camp this upcoming week, so it is very possible he announces before Wednesday.
I fully expect LeBron James to return to Cleveland. In other words, that is my prediction. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but LeBron James will be a Cleveland Cavalier next season.
I don’t think his heart really ever left Cleveland. He did not intend “The Decision” to be what it turned out to be. He realized there was a better chance to win with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, and he made the move. He never meant to break Cleveland’s heart, he just wanted to win, and at the time, he couldn’t do that with Cleveland.
Well, now he can.
Since LeBron’s departure, the Cavaliers have had three Number 1 overall picks. With those picks, they selected Kyrie Irving, Anthony Bennett, and Andrew Wiggins. Kyrie has turned out to be a great pick, as he is an NBA All-Star, and has become one of the best point guards in the NBA. Anthony Bennett has been a bust so far, but he has time to turn things around. Andrew Wiggins has yet to play in the NBA, but he looks very promising.
LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Andrew Wiggins would make a great trio right away, but the Cavaliers aren’t done yet, they are looking to add another player to join them:
The Cavs are also shopping Dion Waiters in efforts to clear cap space to sign LeBron and "another" max contract. (via @Probballdraft)
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 5, 2014
Chris Bosh has made it clear he wants to play with LeBron, but could Bosh join LeBron in Cleveland? Would be a good fit, as the Cavs need another max-contract free agent to go along with LeBron.
In order to make room for that financially, the Cavs would have to trade Dion Waiters and Jarret Jack. Andreson Varejao is close friends with LeBron James, so it is unlikely he is traded.
Trading for Kevin Love is another possibility, but Cleveland would have to be sure Love is interested in staying long-term. But who wouldn’t want to stay on a team with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving long-term? Especially a player that has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves his whole career.
Gordon Hayward is another possibility, but the Utah Jazz have the ability to match any offer placed on him. Signing Hayward might not be the best fit anyways, as it might hurt the development of Andrew Wiggins.
Cleveland has yet to meet with Pau Gasol, but could they try to convince him to come if LeBron signs?
In conclusion, the Cleveland Cavaliers present a better opportunity for LeBron James than the Miami Heat do. Kyrie Irving is a better player than Dwyane Wade is, and Andrew Wiggins has the potential to become something special. Chris Bosh is not the same player he was a few years ago. The Cavaliers are young, and give LeBron a chance to win now, and for years to come.
What do you think, should LeBron James return to Cleveland? Or return to the Miami Heat? Let your voice be heard in the comment section below!
Swarm and Sting is looking to add writers to the staff! If you are interested, you can apply here