The Phoenix Suns could be a viable destination for LeBron James
By Adam Maynes
Cleveland Cavaliers (7-2 odds)
Many hoops fans are hoping that Cleveland is LeBron’s ultimate destination as it would mean that he stayed true to his roots and that he didn’t disrupt the league by moving to yet another team just to form a new super team leaving his previous employer putting out the tremendous roster fire left in his wake.
The Cavaliers did do an admirable job trying to piece together a competitive roster at the trade deadline and made some serious moves to help give LeBron a team around him that he could lead.
Unfortunately for them all it was too little and too late, and while they managed to scratch their way to the Finals, getting swept is not something that LeBron could have ever fathomed happening to him.
For this roster to take the next step and actually compete against the Warriors in the Finals again, they still need to dump a lot of players and rebuild it from the core.
If so, Kevin Love might have to be jettisoned, although he could be replaced by Paul George, who is both younger and a better offensive threat.
From there they could find a third star – in particular they can find a way to pry DeAndre Jordan away from the Clippers as had been rumored prior to last season’s trade deadline – with their 8th overall pick. From there, strategic veteran signings would be needed, players who are both healthy and intelligent, and for LeBron’s sake, hopefully under 30, where roster could be filled out to make multiple runs at the Warriors not only in 2019, but beyond.
For cap purposes, George Hill in particular would have to go as he is making $37 over the next two seasons and producing little to show for it. Tristan Thompson would also have to be traded as well, especially with the potential upgrade of Jordan.
The problem with the Cavaliers is that they are probably not that close. Their roster is still a jumbled mess, and if the Boston Celtics come back healthy next season when Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, and they maybe even amp up the roster significantly with a trade for Kawhi Leonard, then getting out of the Eastern Conference will be even more difficult than it has ever been for LeBron, let alone the fight against the Warriors for another ring.
For the Cavaliers to put together a roster that is anywhere close to being championship-worthy, they would have to make more moves in one offseason than most make in three.
Impossible, no.
Difficult, very much so.