The 2017 off-season has been a nightmare for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They let a good general manager walk, they were unable to land either Jimmy Butler or Paul George in a trade, they have done virtually nothing to improve as a team, rumors run rampant that LeBron James could leave in free agency again in 2018 and now his running mate Kyrie Irving is requesting a trade.
So would the Cavaliers say screw it and trade Irving and the best player in the world for a King’s ransom (literally) of assets to spark a total rebuild or retool? That’s not gonna happen.
While Irving more than likely will not suit up as a Cavalier this season, the chances of LeBron James not wearing a Cavalier uniform next season are zero percent.
James has made it clear he will not waive his no-trade clause under any circumstances.
LeBron James is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause since he is unwilling to commit to any team. pic.twitter.com/3dQKGXaEq0
— NBA News & Trades (@NbaNewsTrades) July 24, 2017
This makes perfect sense for LeBron as he has put himself in a position in his career where he has full control to determine where he wants to play and under what terms. James will absolutely opt out of his contract next summer and take some time to consider his options (there will be many) for the destination that makes the most sense for him to spend the final years of his career in, whether that is Cleveland or not. He will have full control of where he is going to play this year and as long as he is in the NBA.
It will be fascinating to see if the Cavaliers can pull off a minor miracle and save face for this season in their return for a Kyrie Irving trade and do enough to convince LeBron to stay beyond this season.
My prediction: an 8th consecutive NBA Finals appearance and a new home next season.
