LeBron James: Top 5 free agency destinations in 2018
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in an awkward position with Kyrie’s trade request, because if they deal him, the team likely gets worse. If they keep him, they still can’t compete with the Warriors and will have to deal with some uncomfortable team chemistry all year long.
However, even staying in the East and joining a tantalizing young team like the Sixers wouldn’t move LeBron as close to a championship as he currently is with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and spare parts.
Unfortunately, the dream scenario where Cleveland’s Big Three puts all the summer drama behind them and actually usurps the Warriors to convince LeBron to stay is unrealistic, not only because the Cavs don’t have the supporting cast to pull it off, but because the Irving ship has almost certainly sailed. Perhaps a proper trade will restore his faith in the front office, which, according to some reports, is not even an issue.
I have more: three sources paid particular attention to LeBron's relationship with ownership, and said LeBron does not view it that way
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 16, 2017
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavs are approaching Kyrie trade talks while bracing for a future where LeBron is no longer in Cleveland. As such, they’re targeting a young star like Kristaps Porzingis, Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum or Jamal Murray.
Unless Kyrie and LeBron can set aside their grievances and find a way to get over the Warriors-shaped hump in the Finals, the best avenue is to trade Kyrie and secure a young star that LeBron James likes enough to remain in Cleveland.
It’s a long shot, but the truth is that almost any team in the East with LeBron on it is the favorite to win the conference for the conceivable future. If Kyrie is traded for an acceptable return, perhaps loyalty to The Land will win out over rapidfire rebuilds in Phoenix, Philly or L.A.