LeBron James might not make financial sense for Cleveland
Even in the later stages of his career, LeBron James is worth whatever number he wants on a blank check. The man still averages nearly 30 points per game in his age-38 season, and it’s unlikely that number will take a major hit next year.
Can the Cavaliers afford that?
Sure, if Altman is willing to change the entire look of a Cavaliers’ team on the rise. But why risk it? Unless James is willing to sign for the mid-level exception, it’s not worth potentially tearing apart a team that’s had years to gel together into a contender.
“I don’t play midlevel basketball,” James said. “I don’t come back for anything below the top.”
So, that’s a solid no from James side of things, and it’s tough to blame him.
LeBron will always be remembered as a legend in Cleveland. He’ll likely go into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a Cavalier, and his number will be retired in Cleveland’s arena sooner rather than later.
But it’s taken years for the Cavs to build up a young core that could sustain regular season success without James. Tearing it apart for a year or two tops with LeBron on a retirement tour makes no sense in the long-term.