Jan. 24, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) looks on during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat star forward LeBron James could once again become a free agent if he decides to opt out of his contract following the 2013-14 season. The reality is that James will opt out of his contract in order to get another five-year max deal from the Heat, but reality hasn’t stopped people from dreaming up scenarios for the King’s future.
One of those scenarios is something nobody would have ever imagined — a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jason Lloyd of the Beacon-Journal talked about the Cavaliers long-term rebuilding plans and he sees a scenario that could bring James back to his home state.
Lloyd wrote:
And yes, believe it or not, he will give Cleveland a close look. He has a relationship with (Kyrie) Irving and (Tristan) Thompson. His new agent, Rich Paul, is a local guy who has long been a close friend. Paul also represents Thompson. A number of pieces are aligning, but the biggest draw is missing.
The Cavs realistically must be a playoff team for James to consider them. He will turn 30 during the 2014-15 season. It’s inconceivable he would return to Cleveland for a rebuilding project. That means the Cavs will at least have to make the playoffs next season for them to be viable contenders in a free-agent market that will surely include the Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
It is a nice dream for Cavaliers fans to have, but if they plan on James returning they are just setting themselves up for heartbreak once again. James has found a nice home in Miami and it would be shocking to see him leave South Beach anytime soon.
