Cavs predicted to miss out on LeBron James, trade Max Strus for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion

The decision the entire NBA is waiting for appears to be nearing completion, with LeBron James now having heard from all of his potential suitors. James is the biggest name on the market and has effectively put the league on hold during his free agency process.

The race for James has been narrowed down to five teams. A decision is expected soon, as James enters the final stages of his free agency.

“It’s decision time for LeBron James… The Leading suitors have been CLE, MIA, GSW, PHI, and MIN…. LeBron James has made it clear privately that he wants to go somewhere he can compete for a championship. Somewhere he feels he finds that happiness from a team environment and culture that he can uplift,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.

The entire process has been kept quiet by James, as he has not been directly involved with teams throughout free agency. There is currently no known favorite to land James, and even the organizations involved reportedly do not know where they stand.

“I’ve had Miami tell me it’s Cleveland. I’ve had Cleveland tell me it’s Miami. And the Warriors have seemingly had a lot of pessimism recently,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick said.

Regardless of how teams view their chances, only one organization will ultimately land James. If the Cleveland Cavaliers miss out on James, CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland believes they could pursue a sign-and-trade deal for Jonathan Kuminga involving Max Strus.

“One report indicated the Cavs spoke with Jonathan Kuminga early in free agency but put any conversations with the young wing on hold as they wait out a decision from James. Perhaps he becomes a target again for the Cavs, where a sign-and-trade involving Strus could interest the Atlanta Hawks,” Kalland wrote.

The Cavaliers have significant interest in adding Kuminga, who would bring valuable Finals experience to the roster. Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland has multiple options available to complete a potential sign-and-trade.

Kuminga had $46 million on his contract with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from the Golden State Warriors, but his team option was declined this summer. Kuminga is looking for an opportunity to make an immediate impact, and Cleveland can certainly provide him with that opportunity.

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