The Cleveland Cavaliers are in limbo when it comes to LeBron James’ looming free agency decision. Bron has until June 29 to exercise the player option (roughly $35M) on his contract for next season, and if he opts out, he’ll hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent. The NBA Draft is this coming Thursday (June 21st) and owner Dan Gilbert and GM Koby Altman apparently have solidified their plan heading into the draft. According to Cleveland.com the Cavs are open to trade talks for the #8 pick and securing a big time vet and some young talent to encourage Bron to stay.
There has been scuttlebutt around the Cavs possibly acquiring the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard. The all-star forward and former Finals MVP wants out of San Antonio and the Cavs could make a trade offer. The Spurs are likely listening, as Leonard will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, so it would be better for GM R.C. Buford to get something than let him walk next summer.
The Cavaliers have a trade exception (roughly $6M) and a cap exception (roughly $5M), Kevin Love, and the aforementioned #8 pick as assets in a potential trade. Regardless of what they do and whether LeBron opts in or not, they will be in the luxury tax this upcoming season. They might as well continue to spend and hope that they do enough to lure Bron into staying.
