Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 dream targets during 2018 NBA free agency

LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers

Honestly, this is probably the only dream that matters for the Cavaliers. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess whether or not James will re-sign with Cleveland. Keeping him could be the difference between staying competitive and beginning a complete rebuild.

That’s why LeBron will be the Cavaliers’ top priority this offseason. He’s been a savior for this franchise, making them relevant in his first stint with the club before securing their first championship in his second go-around. James has led them to three straight NBA Finals appearances — they wouldn’t have made even one without him.

Now it is worth noting that the odds do seem stacked in their favor. They can obviously re-sign him while still going over the cap — a huge advantage considering their horrendous financial situation. There’s also the whole aspect of Cleveland is James’ hometown. He returned for a reason, and that reason should continue to play an important role in his decision.

So what will happen when LeBron inevitably declines his player option this offseason? Will he stay with the Cavaliers and hope for the best? Will he take his talents west to join the Los Angeles Lakers or Rockets? No one can predict the future, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Next: Ranking top 2018 free agents at every position

For now, though, James will remain the biggest lingering question mark for the Cavaliers. Making a fourth-straight trip to the Finals would be a good way to get him to stay.