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The pursuit of LeBron James is in full swing, and a decision could be coming soon. The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers are widely viewed as the three frontrunners in the race.
James is a free agent for the fifth time in his career, and, as in each of his previous decisions, the basketball world is watching closely to see where he will sign. One thing is certain: he informed the Lakers at the beginning of free agency that he would be moving on.
“For the first time since 2018, LeBron James is available in free agency. James informed the Los Angeles Lakers last month that he intends to play his 24th NBA season elsewhere, ending his eight-year run with the franchise. The 41-year-old is now an unrestricted free agent, coming off a season in which he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds on 51.5% shooting. In other words: James can still help a team, which is exactly what he intends to do,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks wrote.
While some have written the Cavaliers off, head coach Kenny Atkinson hinted Sunday that Cleveland remains very much in the mix.
“You guys know there’s a little free agency thing going on right now. That could be our real jump and you know what I’m talking about. That’s exciting too,” Atkinson said.
The Cavaliers are doing everything they can to bring James back for one final championship run. Perhaps signing DeMar DeRozan could be the move that helps seal the deal.
“DeRozan could give Cleveland immediate relief either off the bench or in a more feasible rotational role, which was something the Cavaliers struggled with at times either in the size category or in production. There may not be a whole lot of basketball left in his future, so why not go out and bring in a veteran like DeRozan, who is still searching for his first NBA title. Not to mention, if the Cavs can also bring back James Harden, that could be a fun team-up for LeBron with two fellow veterans,” SI’s Dominic Pagura wrote.
DeRozan became a free agent last week after he was released by the Sacramento Kings following an unsuccessful effort to find a trade partner. However, contenders always value experienced veteran leadership, making him an intriguing option on the open market.
DeRozan was on a $73 million contract before being released by the Kings. The Cavaliers could likely sign him for significantly less, while James is also expected to command far less than his previous deal. Adding DeRozan could be Cleveland's final move in its effort to bring James home.
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