We’re only talking about this because it’s LeBron James, the best player on the planet right now. And we’re talking about this because general managers are allowed to dream — and they dream of LeBron opting out of his contract this summer (he has that option) and forcing his way to their team.
The hard facts are it’s highly unlikely LeBron James leaves Miami after this season.
If the Heat come together and win their third straight NBA Finals, he’s not bolting. If the Heat fall short in the Eastern Conference Finals, he is not likely to jump due to concerns about the public relations hit, something he doesn’t want to go through again. Besides, if your argument is he’s leaving because the Heat roster needs work, know that he trusts Pat Riley can recruit that talent to Miami better than some other team in another market can build a roster around him.
All that said, if he does leave he has options — and I don’t just mean the Lakers and Cavaliers with their cap space.
A source reportedly close to LeBron laid it out for Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst at ESPN.“This time is going to be different,” a source close to James said about James’ view of free agency. “If LeBron decides to look at other options it won’t just be teams with cap space. He has 30 options if he wants them….
“LeBron is not thinking about free agency right now, he’s totally focused on the season,” said one James associate. “In the summer he knows he can get to any team he wants to.”
The argument is this — if LeBron goes to Riley and the Heat and says “I’m opting out and you have to work a deal with the Clippers (or whomever) or you will lose me and get nothing” then the Heat would find a way to make a deal. The Clippers would trade away whatever assets they needed to. If LeBron forces things deals would get done. LeBron James is one of a few players in the league who have the power to do this if they really want, he has the leverage. It’s good to be the King.
But having that power and exercising it are two different things.
In the end LeBron will look around the league and realize that even if Miami needs some roster help they have the best free agent closer in the game in Riley recruiting guys to play in warm weather Miami, with all its perks, in a state with no income tax. Oh, and by the way you get a legitimate shot at a ring if you play with LeBron. If Chris Bosh or someone else bolts Miami this summer, that roster spot can be filled.
And LeBron doesn’t even have to opt out. He can always just keep going with this contract.
But GMs can dream.