Hoops Wire

Tag: James Harden

  • NBA Notes: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Suns, Dillon Brooks, Timberwolves

    NBA Notes: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Suns, Dillon Brooks, Timberwolves

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers may have missed on LeBron James, but Chase Brownawell of Cavs On SI argues Jonathan Kuminga could still give the offseason a much-needed lift.

    Kuminga, a free agent who ended last season with the Hawks, remains one of the more intriguing young wings potentially available. Brownawell’s case centers largely on defense.

    The 23-year-old has already played five NBA seasons, owns championship experience from his Warriors days and showed in Atlanta that he can defend multiple positions. That’s especially appealing for a Cleveland team built around Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in the backcourt.

    Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen give the Cavs plenty of size inside. Brownawell argues Kuminga could give them somebody capable of taking tougher perimeter assignments.

    There would still be complications.

    Kuminga’s asking price remains significant, and a sign-and-trade with Atlanta would likely require Cleveland to send out players and draft compensation. Brownawell mentions Max Strus, Dennis Schroder and Sam Merrill as possibilities.

    Peyton Watson remains another option on Cleveland’s radar.

    The larger point: Kuminga may no longer be Plan A, but Brownawell believes he’d still fill an obvious need and qualify as a meaningful offseason addition.

    Suns

    Dillon Brooks isn’t being shy about what he wants from the Suns.

    “Championship is all on my mind,” Brooks told The Arizona Republic after signing a three-year, $73 million extension with Phoenix.

    Donnie Druin of Suns On SI writes that Brooks has quickly become an important part of the team’s identity.

    Brooks brought his usual defensive edge along with scoring last season and earned praise from coach Jordan Ott for the tone he sets behind the scenes.

    Ott specifically pointed to Brooks’ work habits, saying his willingness to consistently be in the gym has rubbed off on teammates.

    That helps explain why Phoenix was willing to make a significant commitment.

    Brooks is now under contract through 2028-29 and will remain part of a core that also features Devin Booker and Jalen Green.

    The Suns still have plenty to prove, but Brooks clearly doesn’t view simply making the playoffs as the goal.

    Timberwolves

    Tim Connelly has rarely been afraid to make a major move in Minnesota.

    Ben Beecken of Timberwolves On SI argues his latest pivot, acquiring LaMelo Ball to pair with Anthony Edwards, might eventually prove to be one of his best.

    Beecken traces Connelly’s tenure through several major roster changes, beginning with the blockbuster Rudy Gobert trade, followed by the Mike Conley acquisition, the Karl-Anthony Towns deal and now the move for Ball.

    His argument is essentially that Connelly has repeatedly accepted short-term risk in exchange for raising Minnesota’s ceiling or floor.

    The Ball trade is the latest example. When healthy, Ball has shown he can drive an elite offense. Beecken notes that Charlotte ranked first offensively from Jan. 1 through the end of last season, with Ball playing a central role.

    Pair that with Gobert’s defensive impact and Edwards’ star power, and Beecken sees the ingredients for one of the better teams in the league.

    There are obvious concerns. Minnesota sacrificed considerable depth in reshaping the roster, losing Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Conley, and there’s still a question at power forward.

    Still, Beecken points to Connelly’s broader track record. The Timberwolves have remained a playoff team through multiple major roster changes, including consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals before last season’s second-round exit. The gamble now is pretty straightforward.

    If Ball stays healthy, Minnesota may have enough offensive firepower to take another step. If he doesn’t, Connelly has far fewer assets available for another dramatic pivot.

  • NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Cavs, offseason, Wizards

    NBA Notes: Jazz, Kevin Love, Cavs, offseason, Wizards

    Jazz

    Kevin Love’s future remains unsettled, and Jared Koch of Jazz On SI writes that Philadelphia’s interest only makes a return to Utah a little more complicated.

    Love remains a free agent after averaging 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 appearances for the Jazz last season.

    ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, has been in contact with the 76ers since LeBron James chose Philadelphia. Love and James remain close and, naturally, the idea of another reunion has generated plenty of attention.

    Koch notes that Utah shouldn’t necessarily be ruled out, either.

    Love developed a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy and was viewed as a valuable veteran presence around the team’s younger players. Love has also indicated he’d be open to returning.

    The biggest issue for both teams is roster space.

    Utah already has 15 players on standard contracts, though Mo Bamba’s deal is only partially guaranteed. Philadelphia has its own roster and hard-cap issues to navigate.

    So Love apparently has two destinations that could make sense. Neither has an especially easy path to signing him at the moment.

    Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers didn’t land LeBron James and haven’t exactly dominated the NBA transaction wire this summer.

    Still, Zach Weiss of Cavs On SI argues there are reasons for fans not to view the offseason as a failure.

    At the top of his list is continuity. Donovan Mitchell signed a long-term extension, Evan Mobley remains in Cleveland despite trade speculation, and Jarrett Allen is still around. James Harden, acquired for Darius Garland during last season, is also expected to finalize a new deal.

    Weiss also points to second-round pick Meleek Thomas, who led Las Vegas Summer League in scoring at 27.3 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three.

    And then there’s last season itself. Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time without James in decades before losing to the Knicks.

    Weiss’ basic argument is that while the Cavs didn’t deliver a splashy offseason, they retained much of what made them successful and may still have another move coming.

    Whether that’s enough to keep pace in an improved East is the bigger question.

    Wizards

    Alondes Williams is back with the Wizards, though Henry Brown of Wizards On SI cautions against viewing the move as anything that changes the organization’s larger offseason plans.

    Washington agreed to a deal with Williams after he showed flashes during a brief stint with the team last season.

    Williams appeared in four games for the Wizards and had one especially memorable night, scoring 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting against the Pacers.

    His new deal is expected to give him another training-camp opportunity, but Brown notes that Williams isn’t necessarily being penciled into Washington’s regular-season rotation.

    The Wizards still have flexibility to add another player, and Brown mentions several veterans who could remain possibilities, including Anthony Gill, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Aaron Holiday and Gabe Vincent.

    Williams, meanwhile, gives Washington another familiar guard who can score and potentially provide depth if injuries hit.

    In other words, it’s a useful camp move. Probably not the final word on the Wizards’ offseason.

  • James Harden’s misdemeanor gun charge dismissed in Texas

    James Harden’s misdemeanor gun charge dismissed in Texas

    A misdemeanor gun charge against James Harden has been dismissed.

    As relayed by John Hanna of The Associated Press, the Cavaliers guard avoided a criminal conviction after completing an alternative resolution program stemming from his June arrest in Houston.

    Harden was arrested June 13 after police discovered a handgun in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Under Texas law, carrying a gun in plain view inside a vehicle without a license can result in a misdemeanor charge.

    Court records show the case has now been dismissed.

    Alternative resolution programs can allow defendants to avoid convictions by completing requirements such as community service, though court documents did not disclose the specific terms of Harden’s agreement, per the AP.

    The charge was never viewed as an obstacle to Harden’s anticipated return to Cleveland.

    Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season in June, but the Cavaliers and the former NBA MVP have continued working toward a new multiyear contract.

    The delay has been about roster flexibility, not Harden’s legal situation.

    Cleveland has been exploring additional moves this offseason, including a possible sign-and-trade for Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson. Harden has been willing to wait on finalizing his deal while the Cavs determine what else they can accomplish.

    With the Texas case resolved, one piece of Harden’s offseason business is officially behind him. The Cavs are still working on the other.

  • Cavs’ starting lineup ranked among NBA’s best, but one question remains

    Cavs’ starting lineup ranked among NBA’s best, but one question remains

    The Cavaliers aren’t exactly lacking star power. What they may still be lacking is a clear answer at small forward.

    Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report ranked Cleveland’s projected starting lineup seventh in the NBA, with James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen making up the expected first five.

    That assumes Harden returns, which remains the plan.

    “Four of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting positions are locked in, assuming Harden returns on a new contract,” Swartz wrote. “Strus and Jaylon Tyson could battle for the fifth spot.”

    Strus would appear to have the early advantage after coach Kenny Atkinson leaned heavily on him during last season’s playoff run. Tyson remains an option, particularly given his ability to defend and stretch the floor.

    But the roster may not be finished.

    Harden has yet to formally sign his new contract as the Cavs attempt to maintain enough financial flexibility to pursue another significant addition.

    Cleveland has been among the teams exploring a sign-and-trade for Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson and also has interest in Jonathan Kuminga.

    Either player could change the equation at small forward.

    The rest of the starting group isn’t much of a mystery. Harden, Mitchell, Mobley and Allen give the Cavs four players with All-Star credentials and helped lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

    That run ended abruptly with a sweep at the hands of the Knicks, leaving Cleveland with the same basic question it carried into the offseason.

    Is this core good enough to win the East?

    The Cavs lost Dean Wade, Keon Ellis and Larry Nance Jr. this summer and added Mario Hezonja after LeBron James chose Philadelphia in free agency.

    Landing Watson or Kuminga would represent something considerably bigger.

    And if the Cavs can pull it off, that projected starting five could look different before anyone plays a game.

  • NBA sets 2027 trade deadline. Here’s why the next few days matter.

    NBA sets 2027 trade deadline. Here’s why the next few days matter.

    The NBA has officially set the trade deadline for the 2026-27 season.

    According to the league’s list of key dates, teams will have until 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 11 to complete trades.

    That may seem like something to file away for six months from now. But there’s actually another deadline coming much sooner that could have a real impact on the trade market.

    Here’s why: Veteran players who sign certain contract extensions after Aug. 11 could become ineligible to be traded before this season’s deadline because of the NBA’s six-month trade restriction.

    In other words, players who finalize qualifying extensions over the next several days can still be moved before Feb. 11 if a deal presents itself, as relayed by Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. Wait much longer, and they may be locked onto their current roster for the rest of the season.

    Not every extension triggers that restriction. Rookie-scale extensions aren’t affected, and some veteran extensions also remain immediately trade-eligible depending on the length and structure of the deal.

    The Celtics have examples of both. Center Neemias Queta signed an extension that makes him ineligible to be traded until January, while forward Jordan Walsh‘s extension does not carry the same restriction.

    Another date worth remembering is Nov. 11. Free agents who sign after that date won’t become trade-eligible this season because NBA rules require newly signed free agents to wait at least three months before they can be dealt.

    Among the notable veterans still on the market are Jalen Duren, James Harden, Peyton Watson, Jonathan Kuminga and DeMar DeRozan, though all are widely expected to sign well before then.

  • Byron Scott thinks James Harden kept LeBron James from Cavs return

    Byron Scott thinks James Harden kept LeBron James from Cavs return

    LeBron James considered a third stint with the Cavaliers.

    Byron Scott believes the presence of James Harden may have prevented it from happening.

    “If they didn’t have James Harden, I think he would have done it a third time,” Scott said on his “Fast Break” podcast.

    The Cavaliers acquired Harden from the Clippers in a trade involving Darius Garland. James ultimately chose the 76ers, joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.

    Former NBA center Olden Polynice pointed to another potential obstacle in Cleveland: Donovan Mitchell.

    Reports have suggested members of James’ camp didn’t view Mitchell as an ideal fit. Polynice offered a straightforward explanation.

    “He needs the ball,” Polynice said of Mitchell. “Donovan is a guy who comes down, looks LeBron off and does his own thing. LeBron’s not trying to deal with that.”

    Polynice said sharing the court in an exhibition is considerably different from making the arrangement work throughout an NBA season.

    “It’s one thing to do it during the All-Star Game,” he said. “It’s another to do it for 82 games.”

    That’s their theory, anyway. James evidently didn’t see the Cavs’ roster as his best fit. Cleveland, meanwhile, remains committed to Harden and Mitchell as it attempts to contend without him.

    A third homecoming didn’t happen. Scott believes it might have if the roster had looked a little different.

  • Donovan Mitchell reportedly extra motivated after LeBron James’ Cavs snub

    Donovan Mitchell reportedly extra motivated after LeBron James’ Cavs snub

    Donovan Mitchell heard the reports. Now he apparently intends to respond.

    NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson said Mitchell is especially motivated entering next season after LeBron James passed on a return to the Cavaliers and signed with the 76ers.

    Robinson recently exchanged text messages with Mitchell and discussed their conversation on SiriusXM host David Shepard’s “The Good Shepard” YouTube show.

    “I’ll save what he said to me,” Robinson said. “But I’ll just say that he is motivated to have a good season. And if unbothered was a person, it would definitely be Donovan Mitchell.”

    That sounds about right.

    Mitchell has been at the center of the conversation since James chose Philadelphia. Robinson previously reported that members of James’ camp were surprised Mitchell remained with the Cavs, believing James may have considered Cleveland more seriously had the organization kept Darius Garland and Evan Mobley while moving Mitchell.

    There is a connection worth noting. Garland is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, the same agent and agency that represent James. So it’s probably no coincidence Garland’s name keeps surfacing as the player James’ camp wanted to remain in Cleveland.

    Instead, Garland was traded for James Harden, Mitchell remained the centerpiece and James went elsewhere. Now Mitchell gets the opportunity to answer the questions himself.

    Robinson spent significant time around the Cavs last season and said Mitchell has fully embraced Cleveland. So has his fiancée, Coco Jones. More importantly, the city and organization have embraced Mitchell right back.

    “Donovan Mitchell is the epitome of Cleveland,” Robinson said. “He’s not from there, and he spends a lot of time there.”

    Robinson also offered a fitting description of Mitchell’s place within the franchise.

    “Donovan Mitchell, from everything that I’ve seen and heard and just observed, is definitely the main course,” he said.

    And that may be the most important part of all this.

    LeBron had the opportunity to return. He chose another path. The Cavs still have Mitchell, and by all accounts, he is entering next season with something to prove.

    That’s not necessarily bad news for Cleveland.

    RELATED | Cavs aren’t sweating LeBron James’ decision

  • Cavs’ offseason earns poor marks from one NBA analyst after LeBron miss

    Cavs’ offseason earns poor marks from one NBA analyst after LeBron miss

    The Cavaliers are still waiting to finalize James Harden‘s new contract and remain active in the search for another wing. But at least one national NBA analyst isn’t impressed with how the offseason has unfolded.

    Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report handed Cleveland a D+, pointing to the departures of Dean Wade and Keon Ellis, along with the Cavs’ unsuccessful pursuit of LeBron James.

    “We’ll operate under the assumption that the Cleveland Cavaliers re-sign James Harden to a reasonable deal,” Bailey wrote. “But even in that case, it’s hard to sell this offseason as a win.”

    Bailey argued the Cavs lost three potential rotation players, missed on their biggest free-agent target in James and have yet to replace that production.

    Of course, there is also another side to the argument.

    The Cavs reached the Eastern Conference finals a year ago and still expect to bring Harden back on a new multiyear contract. They have also added veteran forward Mario Hezonja following six productive seasons in Europe and remain in the mix for wings such as Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson as they continue exploring the trade market.

    Bailey did point to one encouraging development, praising second-round pick Meleek Thomas after an impressive Summer League in which the rookie averaged 27.2 points.

    If Thomas proves capable of contributing immediately and the Cavs are able to add another wing before training camp, well, hey … the perception of their offseason could change in a hurry.

    RELATED | Cavs aren’t sweating LeBron James’ decision

  • James Harden, Cavs remain focused on bigger picture as deal nears

    James Harden, Cavs remain focused on bigger picture as deal nears

    James Harden‘s next contract with the Cavaliers continues to look less like a negotiation and more like a collaborative effort.

    According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Cleveland and Harden’s representatives are working together on a new deal designed to accomplish two goals: Reward the 11-time All-Star while preserving enough financial flexibility for the Cavs to continue upgrading the roster.

    In other words, this has become a matter of structure, not destination.

    Scotto reported that Harden’s camp and the Cavs have discussed both two- and three-year contract scenarios. As we’ve previously reported, there has been little doubt throughout the process that Harden intends to remain in Cleveland.

    The question has simply been what the final contract will look like. That patience also appears tied to the Cavs’ continued search for another wing.

    Scotto confirmed the Cavs recently reached out to Denver about restricted free agent Peyton Watson after also exploring sign-and-trade possibilities involving Jonathan Kuminga.

    James Harden, Cavaliers, Cavs, Raptors, Ja'Kobe Walter, NBA
    AP

    The Nuggets continue seeking at least a first-round pick and a proven rotation player for Watson, a price that has slowed talks around the league.

    Meanwhile, as the Cavs continue surveying the trade market, expiring contracts belonging to Max Strus and Dennis Schroder remain among the club’s most logical trade pieces. They also have future draft capital available if the right opportunity presents itself.

    All that aside, the message hasn’t really changed.

    The Harden deal appears headed toward the finish line. The Cavs simply aren’t done looking for ways to improve before they get there.

  • NBA Rumors: James Harden, Draymond Green, Sixers, Blazers

    NBA Rumors: James Harden, Draymond Green, Sixers, Blazers

    A couple of familiar names remain on track to stay put, while the 76ers continue looking for financial flexibility. Here’s some of the latest from NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

    Harden, Cavs still expected to reach deal

    As we relayed on Hoops Wire, nothing appears to have changed when it comes to James Harden.

    Fischer reported the veteran guard remains on track to re-sign with the Cavaliers, though league sources told The Stein Line that his next contract is not expected to include more than two guaranteed seasons.

    Harden declined his player option earlier this offseason, but all indications continue to point toward a return to Cleveland.

    Warriors, Green continue talking

    Draymond Green also appears headed back to familiar surroundings.

    According to Fischer, Green and the Warriors have discussed either a one-year contract worth roughly the $27.7 million player option he declined or a multiyear deal with a lower average annual salary.

    Fischer added Green is eligible for a no-trade clause, although it’s unclear whether Golden State is willing to include one.

    Sixers trying to clear room, Blazers eye roster spot

    Philadelphia continues exploring ways to create enough financial flexibility to finalize a deal with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

    Fischer confirmed the Sixers have been shopping rookie Johni Broome, though rival teams reportedly recognize Philadelphia is motivated and may be reluctant to make things easy after the club landed LeBron James.

    If no trade materializes, waiving and stretching Broome’s salary remains an option. Fischer added the Sixers could also waive Jabari Walker, though they’d prefer to keep him.

    Out West, the Trail Blazers aren’t finished filling out their roster.

    Fischer reported Portland is expected to bring several players to training camp on non-guaranteed contracts to compete with Micah Potter for what appears to be the final roster spot.

  • Latest on James Harden

    Latest on James Harden

    James Harden still hasn’t officially re-signed with the Cavaliers. That doesn’t mean anyone should expect a surprise.

    ESPN’s Shams Charania said Monday on NBA Today that he fully expects Harden to return to Cleveland in the near future.

    James Harden, Cavaliers, Cavs, NBA
    Imagn

    Harden declined his $42.3 million player option on June 29, with the understanding that he and the Cavaliers would work toward a new multiyear contract. That remains the plan.

    But there’s also a benefit to waiting. By holding off on finalizing Harden’s new contract, the Cavs maintain some flexibility as they explore other moves in free agency and on the trade market.

    Cleveland finally has clarity after LeBron James chose the 76ers, and sources have indicated the front office remains active in looking for ways to upgrade the roster.

    The Cavs have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga and DeMar DeRozan, among others, and sources have told Hoops Wire that Cleveland has some bigger names on its radar that have yet to be widely discussed.

    Harden’s eventual deal is expected to help on that front as well. The sides have discussed spreading his money across multiple seasons, lowering his annual salary and giving the Cavs more breathing room around the luxury-tax aprons.

    The Cavs acquired Harden from the Clippers in February for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. He averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 26 games with Cleveland.

    So Harden waiting shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a holdup. It may actually be helping the Cavs get some other business done first.

  • Mario Hezonja’s improved shooting could be exactly what Cavs need

    Mario Hezonja’s improved shooting could be exactly what Cavs need

    Mario Hezonja may be returning to the NBA as a much better shooter than when he left it. That’s at least part of the intrigue for the Cavaliers.

    Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports pointed to one area in particular after Hezonja agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Cleveland — his improved perimeter shooting.

    Mario Hezonja, NBA, Cavaliers, Cavs
    ZUMAPress

    As O’Connor relayed, Hezonja shot 38.4 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers during his four seasons with Real Madrid.

    That’s notable because outside shooting was never particularly reliable during Hezonja’s first NBA stint. The former No. 5 overall pick connected on just 31.9 percent of his 3-point attempts during five seasons in the league.

    “If his improvement translates, he can be an additive piece for the Cavaliers,” O’Connor wrote.

    That’s the bet, or at least part of it. Hezonja, 31, has spent the past six seasons overseas and developed into a much more accomplished player than he was when he left the NBA in 2020.

    Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Warriors also showed strong interest before Hezonja chose the Cavs. Charania added that Hezonja is expected to play a key role on the wing for the defending Eastern Conference finalists.

    The Cavs certainly have a need there after losing Dean Wade and Keon Ellis this offseason. They also need size, shooting and another option alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

    Hezonja doesn’t have to be a star. If the shooting improvement he showed in Europe follows him back to the NBA, he could be exactly the type of useful piece the Cavs have been seeking.

  • Cavs Rumors: James Harden, Jonathan Kuminga, Meleek Thomas, Herb Jones

    Cavs Rumors: James Harden, Jonathan Kuminga, Meleek Thomas, Herb Jones

    The Cavaliers’ offseason can finally move forward now that LeBron James has made his decision.

    That starts with James Harden.

    The Cavs never intended to move on from Harden regardless of James’ decision, sources told Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

    Harden declined his $42.3 million player option in June, but did so with the expectation of working out a longer-term agreement with Cleveland. Siegel reports that a new two- or three-year contract could be completed soon, with the structure designed in part to help the Cavaliers stay below the second apron.

    That also puts to rest one of the more interesting rumors from the LeBron sweepstakes.

    James was believed to have interest in potentially reuniting with Kyrie Irving, leading to speculation about a Harden-for-Irving trade. But Siegel reports that the Cavs and Mavericks never actually discussed such a deal. 

    As Hoops Wire reported previously, Dallas never intended to move Irving.

    Kuminga remains one to watch

    With James headed to Philadelphia, Jonathan Kuminga remains perhaps the most notable available target for Cleveland.

    Siegel reports that Kuminga is seeking somewhere in the range of $14 million to $18 million annually. The Cavs would need cooperation from Atlanta to acquire him in a sign-and-trade.

    Dennis Schroder remains an obvious name to watch in such talks. He’s owed $14.8 million next season and $15.5 million in 2027-28.

    Interestingly, Cleveland’s willingness to consider moving Schroder may have something to do with Meleek Thomas.

    The second-round pick was one of the stars of Summer League, and Siegel reports the Cavs believe Thomas could contribute significant minutes immediately as a combo guard off the bench.

    Cavs have explored other wings

    Kuminga isn’t the only forward Cleveland has investigated.

    Sources told Siegel that the Cavaliers explored a potential trade for Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson before the NBA Draft. Denver was listening at the time, but no agreement materialized, and the Nuggets are now believed to prefer keeping Johnson.

    Cleveland also continues to have interest in Pelicans defensive standout Herbert Jones, per Siegel.

    There’s a problem there: New Orleans’ asking price remains described as “exceptionally high.”

    That fits with what sources have told Hoops Wire since James chose Philadelphia. The Cavs have several notable names on their radar, including some that haven’t surfaced publicly.

    So while Harden’s return appears to be the next order of business, Cleveland’s offseason may not be finished there.

  • Cavs aren’t sweating LeBron James’ decision

    Cavs aren’t sweating LeBron James’ decision

    So LeBron James isn’t coming back to Cleveland. Again.

    And you know what? The Cavaliers will be just fine.

    That’s not to suggest they didn’t want him. They absolutely did. LeBron was at the top of their wish list, and for obvious reasons. He’s the greatest player in franchise history, he remains remarkably productive at age 41, and adding him to a team that just reached the Eastern Conference finals would’ve made for one heck of a story.

    But the Cavs weren’t operating this summer as if LeBron James was coming to rescue them. They don’t need rescuing.

    Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman meets with NBA reporters.
    AP

    James has agreed to a two-year, minimum-salary contract with the 76ers. So after nearly a month of speculation, Cleveland finally has its answer. Now the Cavs move on.

    Frankly, that’s what they’ve been preparing to do all along.

    They already re-signed Donovan Mitchell. James Harden is expected to re-sign now that the LeBron situation is officially out of the way. Cleveland has also remained involved in the Jonathan Kuminga market, with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reporting that Max Strus and Dennis Schroder have surfaced as potential trade candidates.

    Hoops Wire has been told that Cleveland is Kuminga’s preferred destination. He has worked out in the area in the past and his agent, Aaron Turner, is from nearby Orange, Ohio. Kuminga is a real possibility.

    In other words, president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the Cavs haven’t spent the past three-plus weeks staring at their phones.

    They’ve been waiting, yes. But they’ve also been planning. That’s an important distinction.

    LeBron would’ve been a tremendous addition. At the veteran minimum Philadelphia is getting him for? Good grief. Any contender in basketball would’ve taken that deal and figured out the rest later.

    But Cleveland’s situation is dramatically different than it was the first two times James left.

    In 2010, his departure effectively ended an era overnight. In 2018, everyone knew what was coming next. The Cavs had just completed four straight trips to the Finals, the roster was aging and another rebuild was inevitable.

    This isn’t that. These Cavaliers reached the conference finals without LeBron James. They have Mitchell. They have Evan Mobley. They have a front office that remains active and, barring another surprise, they’ll have Harden back.

    They also now have clarity. That’s probably the biggest thing. For nearly a month, almost everything the Cavs might have wanted to do came with the same question attached: What if LeBron comes?

    Now they know he isn’t. So perhaps the Kuminga talks become more serious. Perhaps Strus or Schroder gets moved. Perhaps there’s something else out there that hasn’t become public yet.

    Whatever comes next, the Cavaliers can finally operate without keeping one eye on LeBron.

    Would a third homecoming have been fun? Absolutely. Would it have given Cleveland another legitimate weapon in trying to get past the Knicks and reach the Finals? No doubt.

    But this isn’t 2010. The Cavs didn’t lose their franchise when LeBron chose Philadelphia.

    They simply didn’t add LeBron to one that’s already pretty darn good. And now they can get back to work.