LeBron James Rumors: Cleveland Return Unlikely, Can Miami Keep Him?
The LeBron James rumors about a return to Cleveland have been running rampant across the NBA after the Cavaliers won the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday night. Charles Barkley and Jalen Rose both added fuel to the LeBron James to Cleveland rumor mill fire following the unveiling of the 2014 NBA draft order.
In an interview on ESPN’s SVP & Russillo radio show, Barkley said, “I’ve always thought he [James] was going to go back to Cleveland. Nobody dislikes LeBron. I think LeBron made a huge mistake with that ‘Decision’ crap. He’s come back and since admitted that. That’s the only thing people hold against LeBron.”
Why is everyone in such a hurry to get LeBron to Cleveland? One of the most under-the-radar plot lines developing during the 2014 NBA playoffs is an aging Miami Heat team. If the Heat finish the season with anything less than an NBA championship, expect the doomsday prophets to come out of the woodwork. James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade all have player options this summer and become free agents next season. Outside of the big three, almost every other Heat player comes off the payroll this summer. The future in Miami is very much up in the air.
LeBron James rumors about leaving the Heat began to swirl late in mid-season when the Heat seemed to be struggling against the Indiana Pacers. A LeBron return to Cleveland would have seemed out of the realm of possibility just a few years ago. But with Kyrie Irving and a cast of disjointed pieces, they are looking for some glue. A number one overall pick and signing LeBron James would certainly seem to be the glue Cleveland needs.
But the LeBron James rumors of a return to Cleveland are premature and unlikely. Just because the Cavaliers have the first overall pick doesn’t mean it will pan out. Draft rumors suggest the Cavaliers are interested in Joel Embiid at number one, as long as he is healthy. Of all the top players in the 2014 draft, Joel Embiid is the highest risk and reward player. If his injury becomes a problem in the future and Cleveland passes on Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, it will be hard for them to recover.
Expect LeBron James to sign with the Miami Heat this summer to make one more run at the championship. LeBron James rumors will mount over the next year, especially as the team begins to show their age. The Heatles will most likely break up next summer and LeBron will be watching the rest of the league. If you want to know where LeBron is going, watch where Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony end up. James has shown he wants to play with the best. Love and Anthony are the free agents who give LeBron the best chance to succeed in the immediate future.
Don’t listen to the LeBron James to Cleveland rumors. Instead, follow the big names because that’s who LeBron is following.
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