NBA analyst Brian Windhorst has shared an update on the Cleveland Cavaliers' chances of signing LeBron James.
ESPN NBA Analyst Brian Windhorst shared an update on the Cleveland Cavaliers' potential pursuit of star forward LeBron James.
"Right now the Cavs can only offer LeBron James $4 million," Windhorst said on the Pat McAfee Show. The only real way I can see the Cavs being able to get LeBron James would be trading Jarrett Allen. I don't see the pathway for that to happen."
A return to Cleveland would be a storybook ending for James's legendary career, but it seems unlikely at the moment.
The 41-year-old is a free agent, but unless he takes a major pay cut or agrees to a sign-and-trade to return to the Cavs, where they would have to include All-Star center Jarrett Allen, it can't be done.
James is still playing at a high level late in his career, as he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his 23rd season. The 22-time All-Star shot 51.5 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesHe could elevate Cleveland's ceiling after they were swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks.
The Cavs have to make a ton of major decisions this offseason as they look to field a contending roster while dodging the second apron. They acquired star guard James Harden at the trade deadline, but he is entering free agency, and they could make trades involving higher-salaried players like Allen, Dennis Schroder, Max Strus, and Sam Merrill.
Allen is coming off a solid season for Cleveland, as he averaged 15.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a steal per game, shooting 63.8 percent from the floor.
The 28-year-old center is entering a three-year $90.7 million extension. While they may not trade him in a sign-and-trade deal for James, it's possible he could be moved this offseason.
Koby Altman and the Cavs front office have some major decisions to make, but if a James return for his third stint in Cleveland is a possibility, it would be a great end to his Hall of Fame career.
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