LeBron James hint at Kevin Love trade by not mentioning Andrew Wiggins in letter?
By Mike Dyce
LeBron James released a statement on Sports Illustrated’s website that he was bringing his talents home to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With how much we read into the most irrelevant details leading up to him announcing the decision, why would we not read too much into his statement?
Particularly one paragraph that could be viewed by some optimistic fans as a hint that the Cavs will make a push for a Kevin Love trade. In James’ statement, the paragraph starts off simple enough.
“I’m not promising a championship. I know how hard that is to deliver,” James said. “We’re not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I’m realistic. It will be a long process, much longer than it was in 2010. My patience will get tested. I know that. I’m going into a situation with a young team and a new coach. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a group together and helping them reach a place they didn’t know they could go.”
Then, as James talks about being a leader to the team, he starts listing players. Notable omissions? A pair of No. 1 overall picks in Anthony Bennett (2013) and Andrew Wiggins (2014).
“I see myself as a mentor now and I’m excited to lead some of these talented young guys. I think I can help Kyrie Irving become one of the best point guards in our league. I think I can help elevate Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters. And I can’t wait to reunite with Anderson Varejao, one of my favorite teammates.”
Why would James leave off those two players? Maybe because they’d be part of a deal to the Minnesota Timberwolves to bring in Love, and consequently not around for him to play with. You could understand him leaving off Bennett, but Wiggins?
Of course this is reading too far into something that is most likely meaningless, but it is interesting nonetheless.