Talk surrounding the future of Lakers champion LeBron James and what’s next for the four-time MVP seemingly won’t go away.
Average of 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs, including every game of the NBA Conference Finals & NBA Finals LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
A report last year claimed Golden State reached out to the Lakers about a potential James trade – an approach shut down by James and his camp, according to the report.
Wed, 11 Dec
Wednesday December 11th
With the Lakers struggling this season and Golden State on the search for another superstar to pair with Steph Curry, ESPN’s Michael Wilbon recently flagged the idea of James moving to the Warriors to team up with his Olympic teammate.
ESPN insider Brian WIndhorst was fascinated by Wilbon’s idea, suggesting there was some talk among NBA teams surrounding a potential James move.
“I’m very interested in all of this,” Windhorst said. “I’d be lying if I said that there hasn’t been some conversations in the league with LeBron at some point this year, like revisit that. Because you remember at the trade deadline last year, the Warriors called.
“It’s possible if LeBron wanted it.“
However Windhorst noted the new CBA rule would make a Warriors-Lakers trade extremely difficult.
“Any trade the Warriors make is gonna be complicated,” Windhorst added. “… Any trade they make, they aren’t allowed to take on more money. Guess what? The Lakers aren’t allowed to take on any money because they’re in the first apron.”
Of course, the Lakers also just drafted James’ son Bronny, so it’s hard to see James leaving LA.
Set to turn 40 next month, James, who recently said his “time (left in the NBA) is very limited” amid a dip in his form from his previous epic heights, can become a free agent next off-season if he opts out of his $52 million deal.
Windhorst continued: “Also, LeBron has a no-trade clause… Twice in the last 10 months, LeBron has had the opportunity to leave the Lakers. Once at the trade deadline last year when the Warriors called… Last summer he became a free agent, he re-signed with the Lakers… LeBron has repeatedly made it clear he wants to be a Laker.”
MIAMI ‘LISTENING TO BUTLER OFFERS’
After months of speculation on a potential Jimmy Butler trade, it’s now looming as a serious possibility.
ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed Miami is taking calls on the six-time All-Star, with Houston, Dallas and Golden State considered teams the 35-year old would be interested in joining.
Butler is effectively in a contract season given he can opt out of his $52.4 million player option with Miami and become a free agent next off-season.
NBA Wrap: Jokic STARS again vs Hawks | 02:45
“The Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right, league sources told ESPN,“ Charania wrote. ”And Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that Butler is open to destinations such as two of the Texas teams (Houston and Dallas) and the Golden State Warriors.
“Butler is a native of Houston, Texas. Above all, though, he is believed to prefer a win-now title contender in any trade.”
Butler has averaged 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 17 of a possible 22 games for the Heat this season after team president of basketball operations Pat Riley suggested the star’s health would be central to its decision making in potentially giving him a max contract extension.
The 12-10 Heat have won three-straight games including five of their past seven to occupy the East’s fifth seed, with Tyler Herro emerging as the team’s top star in a breakout season.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
