The Decision: Part I for LeBron James had him stabbing the city that adored him in the back. The second installment of James’ decision drama may have the prodigal son returning home.
When James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all opted out of their Miami Heat contracts, it seemed as if they were just going to restructure their contracts and stay in Miami with the hopes of opening up some salary-cap space. However, it’s beginning to sound like a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers might be in store for James. At the least, it’s reportedly still very much on the table.
ESPN.com cited sources close to the process on Monday morning saying that the Cavs believe James is legitimately considering a return to his home state and the place where he started his career.
The ESPN.com report also stated that James is “increasingly considering the Cavaliers as an option as he moves into the final stages” of his decision. James’ agent, Rich Paul, has been taking James’ free-agent meetings, and he has already spoken with the Cavaliers, according to ESPN.com.
Yahoo! Sports reported early Monday morning that the Cavs are starting to mobilize in an effort to bring James back to Cleveland. League sources told Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Paul has urged the Cavs to clear up a maximum contract slot for a potential attempt to sign James. The Cavaliers reportedly are working to trade guard Jarrett Jack — and his $6.2 million salary — to the Brooklyn Nets in order to shed cap space.
All of these developments have NBA insiders starting to feel like James’ potential return to Cleveland could be a real possibility. Both Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Chris Broussard tweeted those feelings on Sunday night.
However, it sounds as if the Heat will get at least a chance to convince James to re-sign and stay on South Beach. According to multiple reports, James will have a face-to-face meeting with Miami president Pat Riley at some point this week.
