Although it is still early days in the offseason, some major storylines are developing. Among these, the LeBron James sweepstakes appear to be particularly intriguing, as a clear hierarchy of landing spots has been revealed.
Currently, the Philadelphia 76ers are viewed as one of the favorites to land the 41-year-old superstar. However, with the Cleveland Cavaliers showing a keen interest in reuniting with LeBron James, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon revealed what the Cavs were prepared to do to improve their chances of recruiting him.
With specific reference to Cleveland’s contract offer, Vardon wrote:
“Cleveland has one or two roster moves to make to be able to pay LeBron James $15 million next season instead, unloading Strus and Schröder, but hasn’t done either yet. I am told they, like other teams pursuing James, are in a holding pattern. The Cavs might make those moves even if James doesn’t pick them. They also might not make those moves if he picks them.”
Vardon noted that, following Dean Wade’s departure, trading Max Strus ($16.6 million) and/or Dennis Schroder ($14.8 million) for nothing in return would weaken the Cavaliers’ roster. Thus, it would seem likely they would retain both players even if they acquired LeBron James. However, it is worth noting that the combined $31.4 million that would come off the books after parting with Schroder and Strus would help make roster upgrades before the next deadline.
The Cavaliers currently have a payroll of $184.4 million, which is $24.6 million under the first apron. In theory, this would allow Cleveland to land the 41-year-old quite comfortably. Still, with James Harden’s looming contract extension, clearing cap space may be necessary.
On that note, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that James Harden‘s approach to his new contract could be quite favorable. With Harden understanding the importance of signing LeBron James, Windhorst reported:
“James Harden is going to re-sign with the Cavs, and when he re-signs with the Cavs, his new contract is going to take them out of the second apron. That’s what their long-term plan has been. But James Harden, like quite a few players in the league, for example, like Draymond Green, is waiting for LeBron James’ decision.”
“If it would help the Cavaliers funnel more money to LeBron, I think James Harden is willing to change the terms of his contract,” Windhorst added. “Not necessarily less guaranteed money, but maybe stretch the new deal from two years to three years, because what the Cavs are trying to achieve is to get enough money underneath the second apron that they can add LeBron James for more than the minimum.”
Earlier reports indicated that LeBron James would be willing to join a contending team even on a minimum deal, highlighting his intention to compete for a title. While this is promising, Windhorst wasn’t very convinced by it, and by the looks of it, neither are the Cavaliers.
As mentioned earlier, signing LeBron James is the Cavs’ top priority this offseason, and even Donovan Mitchell is reportedly on board with this idea. Hence, to maximize their chances, it would only seem reasonable for Cleveland to offload some players to create enough cap space to offer James a meaningful contract while simultaneously re-signing Harden.
If Windhorst’s report holds, the Cavs could offer Harden a three-year, $75 million contract ($20 million in the first year). This would allow Cleveland to offload Dennis Schroder’s contract in a trade, use the trade exception from Schroder’s move to sign LeBron James to a $15 million deal, and remain roughly $4 million under the first tax apron.
Conversely, the Cavaliers could also be more ambitious. With recent rumors portraying Cleveland as a suitor for Jonathan Kuminga, the Cavaliers could package Max Strus in a sign-and-trade for Kuminga, potentially freeing up more salary to maintain flexibility to make moves before the next deadline.
While this could also be a gamble, given how reliable Strus has been, the Cavaliers may see value in pursuing Kuminga if they come up short in their efforts to acquire LeBron James.
