Cavaliers privately believe it’s not too late to lure LeBron back to Cleveland

mr. 13 in 33 · Mar 9, 2014

LeBron James attended the jersey retirement ceremony of Zydrunas Ilgauskas on Saturday, a move that would have been viewed as unusual by NBA standards even before considering the history that exists between the star player and the team where he began his NBA career.

James played his first seven seasons in Cleveland, before infamously spurning the organization with an ill-conceived, nationally-televised spectacle that caused Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert to pen a letter full of vitriol aimed at his former franchise player.

The relationship seemed to be irreparably damaged, but time has taken the sting out of the way the separation went down. And while the Cavs have underachieved this season and fired their general manager along the way, people inside the organization believe they still have a shot in tempting James to return to Cleveland as a free agent.

From Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal:

Yes, the Cavs underachieved this season. Yes, Grant tried feverishly for the past two years, but could never find that second star to pair with Kyrie Irving and ultimately serve as the bait to lure James back to the Cavs.

But the Cavs privately believe it’s not too late. They still have the assets to pull off a mammoth trade this summer at the draft, the type Grant tried so hard to make. Kevin Love will be entering the final year of his contract, as will LaMarcus Aldridge. Grant tried for two years to unsuccessfully pry both stars out of their current cities, but each had too many years left on their contracts for their current teams to consider it. That’s no longer true.

If either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Portland Trail Blazers come to the conclusion they can’t re-sign their stars, this summer is the time to move them and the Cavs will be at the front of the line, stocked with young players and future draft picks.

The Timberwolves have Kevin Love under contract for next season, and are not going to trade him before it’s absolutely necessary under any circumstances. If a trade does happen, it won’t be until the following summer, and will only take place if Love insists on playing elsewhere as a free agent — at that point, the team may consider sign-and-trade options.

In Portland, it would seem even less likely that LaMarcus Aldridge would become available, for some of the same reasons. Except that the Blazers are actually decent, sitting at 22 games over .500 in the deep Western Conference while being essentially assured of a playoff spot this season.

Neither of the stars mentioned are likely to become available this summer, when James can opt out of the final year of his deal in Miami to become a free agent. And even if the Cavaliers made a ridiculous offer of young players and multiple first round picks to try to secure an All-Star to pair with Kyrie Irving, it’s far from guaranteed that any of that would entice James to leave the Heat.

Cleveland’s best course of action is to throw those assets at a team in exchange for a star player who still has at least two years remaining on his contract. The game’s top free agents aren’t going to choose to play for the Cavaliers willingly, but if they’re brought in via trade and the team can build a playoff contender around them, they may find it harder to leave when the opportunity comes.

If you believe James still has a soft spot for his home town and may indeed want to return one day, perhaps in the final season or two of his career, that’s not crazy to envision. But going back in his prime to play alongside talent that doesn’t come close to guaranteeing a title? That line of thinking is delusional, at best.
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http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....ot-too-late-to-lure-lebron-back-to-cleveland/

cjtaylorpt · Mar 9, 2014

It's not private anymore. Ha! ha!

Haymitch · Mar 9, 2014

Maybe if the team is sold to Pat Riley.

J Sizzle · Mar 9, 2014

Denial...so much denial...

BleedRocketsRed · Mar 9, 2014

In terms of having the pieces to pull it off, they are the closest because of their cap situation and Kyrie.

If he leaves Miami, I think that would be the destination. I doubt he leaves.

J.R. · Mar 9, 2014

Trashed him as he left(yeah, yeah, who didn't blah blah blah), now they come begging back like a little b****. BWAHAHAHA!! :grin:

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html
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Juxtaposed Jolt · Mar 9, 2014

I both love and hate that Cleveland is doing so much to try and get LeBron back. Why couldn't they make the team better / appease LeBron when he was actually there?

He should make some crazy demands, though. Ask the Cavs FO to put out a hit on Delonte West. That would be a grand gesture.

Classic · Mar 9, 2014

^^^Glorious

redwhiteone · Mar 10, 2014

Hmm...LeBron back in Cleveland?

Jontro · Mar 10, 2014

Cleveland Cavaliers are a class organization and a true professional. I hope they retire a Rocket.

Houstunna · Mar 10, 2014

I could see LeBron returning if Kyrie remains.
He's not going back just for the hell of it... not while he's still prime. Bron is chasing GOAT status. He needs championships.

Zboy · Mar 10, 2014

Cavaliers privately believe they belong in the NBA.

sugrlndkid · Mar 10, 2014

the shock factor still ringing high...how can a franchise, who had the best player in the game, see him walk away for nothing...and then see him win two titles, with 3 finals appearances... #WITNESSDENIAL

Raven · Mar 10, 2014

Houstunna said: ↑

I could see LeBron returning if Kyrie remains.
He's not going back just for the hell of it... not while he's still prime. Bron is chasing GOAT status. He needs championships.
Click to expand...

Sorry, that ship has sailed. He's never overtaking Jordan.

J.R. · May 21, 2014

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Teams that want to sign LeBron to next contract won't impress him with draft picks. You better be ready to win now: <a href="http://t.co/a5yEsoGXE3">http://t.co/a5yEsoGXE3</a></p>— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN/statuses/469148971357970432">May 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"I hope he goes back to Cleveland. Those fans in Miami are not real fans." - <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT">@NBAonTNT</a>'s Charles Barkley on LeBron.

<a href="http://t.co/QxlVbxacGd">http://t.co/QxlVbxacGd</a></p>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/statuses/469241527907393536">May 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rockness · May 21, 2014

Why do they even want him back??

krnxsnoopy · May 21, 2014

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KVtqZgfFKgQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Panda23 · May 21, 2014

contract must be in comic sans

t_mac1 · May 21, 2014

If Kyrie would have become all-nba this past season, the chances would be much higher.

sugrlndkid · May 21, 2014

Maybe he will come to Houston...

We are ready to win now

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Cavaliers privately believe it’s not too late to lure LeBron back to Cleveland

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Cavaliers privately believe it’s not too late to lure LeBron back to Cleveland

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