Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: One reason LeBron James should sign with every team

By Ben Ladner

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Utah Jazz

Much like Denver and New Orleans, Utah is a highly unlikely LeBron destination that would make good basketball sense. A core of James, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell, while not on equal footing with Golden State and Houston’s top-end talent, would be an upgrade over what Cleveland currently has on roster and a clear upward move for LeBron. Mitchell left little doubt after his rookie season that he has the chops to be an NBA lead guard, but at this point in his career isn’t quite ready to be the first option on a great team. Slot in James as a primary playmaker with Mitchell in a secondary role, and Utah’s offense becomes exponentially more dynamic.

Quin Snyder’s movement-heavy, pass-centric offense might clash in some ways with LeBron’s preference for having the ball in his hands and creating things himself, but Quin Snyder could deploy him in some really awesome ways. Joe Ingles might become the most dangerous spot-up shooter in the league playing off of LeBron.

If market at all plays a role in his decision, James probably won’t end up in Utah, fair or not, and he may be seeking a bit more star power in his supporting cast.