LeBron James opting into his $52.6 million player option has launched his name into NBA trade rumors.
In his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James will turn 41 years old, and it has led to many calling out the King for opting into his player option.
While James’ agent, Rich Paul, explained the reasoning, the 40-year-old’s name has become a mainstay in NBA trade rumors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks are being viewed as the top destinations for James if his partnership with the LA Lakers is to break down.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesDave McMenamin silences LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers trade rumors
There’s no doubt that James shares a special connection with the Cavs. After all, he was drafted by the organization during the 2003 NBA Draft.
James also led the Cavs to their first and only NBA Championship in franchise history in 2016. Evidently, a return to the Cavaliers would be massive.
However, ESPN expert Dave McMenamin believes that James to the Cavaliers is ‘not happening.’
“The Cavs are in the second apron right now, so they cannot trade for LeBron James. That’s a risk because once you get rid of [multiple players], there’s a chance that it doesn’t go through.
“I don’t think that the Cavs are happening,” McMenamin said on ESPN LA.
In simple terms, McMenamin doesn’t see the Cavaliers parting ways with multiple stars to get below the second apron and make room for James.
After all, let’s not forget that James still has a no-trade clause in the final year of his contract with the Lakers.
Dallas Mavericks could sign LeBron James if he completes a buyout from the LA Lakers
Recently, the Lakers were blessed with Deandre Ayton’s contract buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers as they signed him to a two-year deal.
During that time, Ayton will make just $16.6 million. That’s incredibly cheap for a former No. 1 overall pick.
Coming to James’ rumors of signing with the Mavs, McMenamin reported that the organization will only consider signing the King if he negotiates a buyout with the Lakers.
“Dallas, I’m told that, they would only be interested in LeBron in a buyout situation. There’s a deal to be made there, but again, I don’t believe that’s happening,” the NBA insider stated.
All things considered, there’s no reason for James to part ways with the Lakers if they can build a contending roster around him.
After all, even though LBJ will turn 41 years old, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game for the team last season. Not bad for the oldest player in the NBA.