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Despite the pile of injuries and physical play the Cleveland Cavaliers have endured this NBA postseason, the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference is one win away from punching a ticket to the Finals. The successful run could not have been possible without the return of LeBron James. The four-time league MVP has been on a tear since numerous teammates have suffered injuries including Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, but it is not his play that has my attention.
The rumors surrounding Love and upcoming free agency has almost everyone believing that the young forward will take his talents elsewhere, possibly to the Los Angeles Lakers. James only added to the speculation with comments about another teammate, Tristan Thompson. “Tristan should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career,” James said. “There’s no reason why he shouldn’t.”
Thompson is in a contract year and has a qualifying offer of just over $7 million for next year. However, it is widely believed that the big man will get a bigger deal, possibly max money, and it is rumored he will seek the biggest offer. If that is indeed the case and Thompson is a hot commodity, the Cavaliers can’t afford both him and Love. Don’t forget, they also still have to pay James, who has a player option for next season.
Based on James’ comments, it sounds like he would rather have Thompson than Love, and you better believe that Cleveland will sit when James tells them to sit and stay when James says to stay. The feeling around the league was Love’s departure was likely, but the latest words from King James could be the cherry on the sundae. Then again, what happens if the Cavaliers win the title? That could be a monkey wrench.
Shane Phillips is a Miami Heat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
