Cavs, Warriors, Knicks emerge as possible LeBron James landing spots

Any summer involving LeBron James is going to invite speculation. This one will be no different.

According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the prevailing belief around the league is that if James doesn’t retire and ultimately leaves the Lakers, a return to the Cavaliers remains the most commonly floated scenario.

The storyline writes itself. James is an Akron native. The 2016 championship still stands as one of the defining moments of his career. Finishing where it all began would carry obvious appeal.

The complication, as always, is money.

The Cavs are projected to be over the second apron again next season, which would limit James to a veteran minimum salary in the range of $3.9 million.

As Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron has detailed, the Cavs could explore creative structures, such as a two-year deal with a player option and no-trade clause, but even that wouldn’t be about maximizing dollars. It would be about fit, comfort, and opportunity.

Pincus also notes that the Warriors and Knicks are viewed as other teams that could interest James. New York offers a contender in the East and a major market. Golden State, while battling health issues, presents the intriguing possibility of a Stephen Curry and James pairing.

If James moves, it likely won’t be because of the biggest offer. It’ll be because the situation feels right.