LeBron James’ free agency decision has stalled almost all major trades across the league as teams are reportedly waiting to see where he goes before they complete their rosters and adjust accordingly.
The most recent rumors suggested that James’ camp has slowed down his free agency decision after the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, urged him to decide quickly so that the league can continue its business normally, like deciding the schedule.
But other whispers around the league now suggest that the stalling involves another crucial factor: James’ reunion with either Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis.
According to senior NBA reporter Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, James is apparently waiting to see if any teams can make moves for Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis before he makes his own decision to join them potentially.
“The popular theory around the league is that LeBron has been slow-playing his decision to see if any of his suitors could find a way to land Irving or Davis. If a team proved capable of acquiring one of his championship teammates, sources say, it might sway him in that direction,” wrote O’Connor in his latest report.
But the problem here for James in both cases is that no teams seem to even be close to the negotiations, let alone potentially landing either of them.
The Mavericks do not intend to trade Kyrie Irving away and already have a logjam of forwards in their roster, which they need to clear before even considering entering the race for James.
With the Wizards, Anthony Davis is expected to become eligible for a contract extension on August 6. Whether or not he signs that extension could decide his future. But even the Wizards remain confident that Davis wants to stay in Washington.
Earlier this season, the Wizards were also expected to be in the race for LeBron James. Davis also admitted later that he spoke to James about it.
But according to senior NBA insider Shams Charania, James’ choice boiled down to three other teams instead: the 76ers, the Cavaliers and the Heat.
Moreover, the Warriors reportedly consider themselves to still be in the race. But the Cavaliers and Warriors are reportedly not interested in risking their draft assets to land Anthony Davis in a trade. Hence, James is likely not open to the idea of heading to Washington, even if it means reuniting with Anthony Davis.
It is widely anticipated that LeBron James would not make his choice before August 6. Therefore, it remains to be seen if the 41-year-old changes his mind on his stance and potentially considers heading to the Wizards.
That seems like the only way in which LeBron James can reunite with Davis, unless the Wizards’ center can’t agree on extension terms.
