Why LeBron James to the Boston Celtics makes too much sense
By Kane Pitman
How both parties can make this happen
First off, lets look at LeBron’s contract situation.
According to Spotrac, James has a player option for 2018-19, worth approximately $35 million. Given the majority of the rumored frontrunners in the LeBron sweepstakes lack max contract room under the cap, the most likely scenario for acquiring James is via trade.
The idea is that LeBron would opt into his contract for next season, with Cleveland working to find a suitable trade partner to appease its needs. This is where things can get delicate for both teams in the conversation. For the Cavaliers, they are trading away arguably the best player all time, but they also know he can actually just walk and leave them empty-handed.
For the other team, in this case the Celtics, they need to shed the appropriate salary and talent, in order to bring James aboard.
For the Celtics, they would ideally move Al Horford and his $28 million contract for next season. As great as Al was last season, his exorbitant deal is likely to be unappealing for Cleveland. The other major money deals that could satisfy the Cavs would be Hayward’s remaining two years guaranteed at an average of $31 million, and then of course Irving’s salary of $21 million for next season.
Gordon Hayward isn’t untouchable. No one is (save for maybe Jayson Tatum). But, would be an EXCEPTIONALLY bad look for #Celtics to move him 5 minutes (or 1 year) into his Boston career after pulling him from good situation in Utah. Factor in Brad Stevens relationship. No trade.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) June 8, 2018
It would be a brutal move for a guy that chose the Celtics in free agency, only to horrifically go down in the first quarter of the season, but Hayward appears the odd man out. The emergence of Tatum and Brown (especially in the playoffs) allows Boston to feel comfortable about losing a player of Hayward’s caliber.
Cleveland gets a young stud locked in with the franchise for at least two more seasons, and can immediately start the post-LeBron healing process for the second time. Of course, NBA trades are never that simple and some further movable parts — including periphery players or draft picks — may fill out the deal, but for the purpose of the exercise we are discussing the key pieces.
Boston rolls out a lineup of Irving, Tatum, Brown, LeBron and Horford for opening night in October this year. I dare say that group would have the Warriors more than a little bit twitchy over in Oakland.