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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves

Starpower will be of no concern should LeBron settle in Minnesota. Between him, Jimmy Butler and Karl Towns, opponents would surrender a significant mismatch to at least one superstar. There are only so many players with the physical means to defend Butler, and even fewer with any hope of guarding James. Virtually no team has the defensive firepower to effectively cover both. Towns’ shooting ability would make him a perfect offensive match with James and a threat on the many possessions in which James would lord over the offense. With two other capable offensive weapons, Butler could unleash his defensive ability to its fullest potential.

At this point in his career, adding mileage to a body that has already totaled over 54,000 NBA minutes may be of some risk to LeBron’s long-term sustainability and playing for Tom Thibodeau, whose rotation habits are famously taxing on his players, wouldn’t do LeBron’s legs any favors. The offensive inequity regarding Karl Towns’ touches has already been the subject of discussion; that balance might further shift with the addition of another ball-dominant superstar.