LeBron James is making the world wait on the question that everyone wants the answer to: what team will James finish his career with? This is a big decision for him because next season will most likely be his final season in the NBA, which is the reason he hasn’t made his decision yet. There are plenty of teams that would love his veteran experience and the chance to celebrate such a lustrous career, but why is he taking so long?
He knows this will probably be it, and he wants to go out on his own terms. His agent, Rich Paul, has made it clear that James is looking for happiness wherever he signs. “If it’s about happiness, because if it’s the most money, then it’s not necessarily the most happiness.” He’s not looking for a huge payday that everyone thought he wanted going into what could be his final year. He is an unrestricted free agent and could take a vet minimum depending on how the roster fits.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Cleveland is a major contender to bring him home, armed with either a $6.1 million tax mid-level or $3.9 million veteran minimum, depending on the status of James Harden‘s contract. Cleveland have also considered trading for his son, Bronny James, which might be the cherry on top for him to make a return to the Cavs.
Miami Heat: The Heat have emerged as a frontrunner to land him, as they can offer up to a $7 million contract without crossing the first apron, which allows them to retain valuable roster flexibility.
His past free agency history includes the highly publicized “Decision” in 2010, where he joined Miami, his 2014 return to Cleveland, and moving to LA in 2018. Each team that he has been a part of, he has brought them a championship, and although he’s no longer at that level, he can most certainly increase the team’s chances of winning. It’s actually a smart idea that James is waiting because it gives him the chance for teams to decide who will be on the roster and decide which is the best fit.
He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game across 60 regular-season games this past season. He still has what it takes to help a team reach its goals, which is another reason he hasn’t made his decision yet. He knows he can still make an impact, so why not try to chase that fifth championship he’s been dreaming about since winning his fourth in 2020? There are a lot of teams that haven’t finalized how their roster will actually end up looking at the start of next season, and James wants to know the full team before signing a contract.
His most likely destinations are the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and a return to where he started his career, the Cleveland Cavaliers. He could possibly have the most happiness playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State, as he is close friends with them both. That team will not have enough to win it all, though, which is why the other four teams are his best bet if he is serious about trying to get one more ring before it’s all said and done.
Wherever the King does end up, will likely gain many more national televised games next season. The team that has the privilege of signing him will be one of the most talked about and watched teams in the league. A reunion in Cleveland seems the most likely, and a fitting way to go out, as he started his career there, but it is exactly what that team is missing: a small forward. It’s taking a long time for him to decide because this really is an important decision, as the game says goodbye to one of, if not the best, player that has ever played this game.
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