LeBron James‘ contracts the past few seasons have been all about leverage. His short-term deals with player options were designed to keep the Cavs’ front office from becoming complacent under the looming threat of his potential departure.
Not only have the Cavs failed to take that threat seriously, it’s also had the unintended effect of alienating some of his more high-profile teammates. Amid the incessant chatter about where LeBron might end up next season, Kyrie Irving has apparently decided to cut his losses and move on to the next phase of his career.
LeBron’s second exit from Cleveland seems more likely than ever now, and the Cavs are suddenly faced with the once unthinkable prospect of having to trade the best player in the world or risk losing him for nothing next summer. LeBron, however, is apparently not about to let that happen. Via Chris Haynes of ESPN.com:
No matter the reconstruction of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster, no matter the potential for heightened inner turmoil, no matter the win-loss record, and with or without Kyrie Irving, LeBron James will not waive his no-trade clause for any teams at any point during the 2017-18 season, league sources tell ESPN.
James, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Carmelo Anthony, are the only players equipped with no-trade clauses. The Cavaliers’ superstar holds a $35.6 million player option for the 2018-19 campaign, which means he could elect to test unrestricted free agency next summer.
It’s a move that may give off the perception that LeBron enjoys holding the franchise hostage to his whim, but from a different angle, this is good news for the Cavs. It gives them one more opportunity to steer the organization in a direction that LeBron can get behind. Whether they squander it remains to be seen.
(Via ESPN.com)
