Cleveland Cavaliers: Could LeBron James Return?
Could LeBron James be back in this uniform some day? (Flickr.com/Keith Allison)
The rumors just won’t go away. LeBron James, the four-time MVP, is thought to be considering a shock return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James is likely to opt out of his contract come next summer and become an unrestricted free agent, meaning a return to the frantic scramble to clear cap space of 2010 is set to return. Is a move to Cleveland actually feasible? He’s reasons why LeBron could make his move back to the Cavs and reasons why he might decide against donning the wine-and-gold of the Cavaliers.
****
First, here’s why he might consider making the move..
He won’t turn down the chance to play with Kyrie Irving
LeBron James–wherever he goes–will get the chance to play with some fantastic players. However, as he enters the latter stages of his career, teaming up with the brightest prospect in the NBA could be the way to go. We saw how effective a 1-3 pick and roll was with Chalmers and LeBron this year, just imagine that with Kyrie Irving instead.
It’s his hometown, he wants to win a c’hip for them
The superstar small forward could right the wrongs of 2010 by re-signing for the Cavs. While he turned his back on them in 2010, the chance to win a championship for his hometown team would be a difficult one to refuse. He’s got his c’hips now, the pressure isn’t there. It’s time to go home and show your people how to celebrate winning a world championship.
Dwyane Wade is on the decline, might not be the same player
There were visible signs of decline in Dwyane Wade during the 2013 NBA Playoffs. At the age of 31, these are only going to get worse. His knees are shot. LeBron would once again have to take the majority of the workload, should he remain in South Beach. Surely joining up with Kyrie Irving would make more sense?
****
These are reasons why he might decide against going to Cleveland..
Team hopping again? LeBron can’t be the one moving
People should be clamoring to play with LeBron James; he shouldn’t be the one moving. He’s earned the right to stay were he is. Leaving South Beach so soon after arriving would tarnish his legacy. Michael Jordan never left during his prime and neither did Kobe Bryant–LeBron James will stay to ensure he can be held in the same regard.
Dwyane Wade is on the decline; could that force LBJ out? (Flickr.com photo by Keith Allison)
What If They Three-Peat?
It’s almost inconceivable that Miami would break up the band after landing back-to-back-to-back titles, right? After three comes four and LeBron James would be ridiculed should he turn his back on chasing a fourth consecutive title, should the Heat come out on top next season.
Conclusion
I would be lying if I said I knew where he was going. And so would anyone. I doubt LeBron James even knows. If I was a betting man, I think he’ll stay in Miami. However, should he leave South Beach, Cleveland will be the place he goes.