The Cleveland Cavaliers may be on the bottom of LeBron James' list of where he wants to go for free agency, but that doesn't mean that there still isn't a slight chance he can still can go there. The Cavaliers, apparently, are still clinging onto that small chance of bringing the King back to his Cleveland throne.
According to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal, the Cavs will be using owner Dan Gilbert's willingness to spend to convince LeBron to sign with the team.
The Cavs know how much James and his wife, Savannah, love being in Northeast Ohio. He spends plenty of time at his Bath home in the summer, and the Cavs will try to convince him of the merits to return here permanently.
Perhaps more importantly, they’ll try to sell him on Gilbert’s deep pockets. The history between Gilbert and James is all-too-well documented. Gilbert’s letter in the hours after James’ departure four years ago did significant damage to the relationship, but what can’t be denied is Gilbert’s willingness to spend.
If given the opportunity, the Cavs will remind James how the Heat parted ways with Mike Miller last summer in what was strictly a cost-cutting move. Miller’s release under the amnesty provision saved Heat owner Micky Arison about $15 million in tax penalties. On top of that, the Heat never used their midlevel exception to replace Miller or give the Heat another weapon.
This plan is definitely convincing, the Cavs have to do so much more. Obviously, they have shown their willingness to spend as of late after throwing that huge contract at point guard Kyrie Irving today.
Along with having young talent like Dion Waiters, Andrew Wiggins, Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett on the team, James should definitely consider making a return to Cleveland.
(H/T Dime Mag)
