The Most Likely Scenarios for the Free Agency of LeBron James and Paul George
Do we do this every summer? Act like the future of the league stays in the balance? The offseason of 2017 was truly historic, including the trades of Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Kyrie Irving, along with free agent signings like Gordon Hayward and Paul Millsap. It really changed the landscape of the league in a lot of ways. And of course, 2016 was the KD summer. It’s getting to the point where the offseason may be more entertaining than the regular season! This summer seems to come down to two major free agents. LeBron and PG. Where these two sign, together or apart, can truly change the league, especially the Eastern Conference. So, where will they go? What are the options?
Cleveland Cavaliers — The Cavs have a shot at LeBron simply because he was born there and has been playing there for the majority of his career. That’s the only reason he would re-sign. If the James family is comfortable in Cleveland and LeBron feels some sort of loyalty to the area, he could stay. But the situation is awful.
Los Angeles Lakers — The Lakers are the most interesting player in this game because they have a foot in both camps, per say. LA is the odds-on favorite to sign both guys, LeBron and PG. Personally, I don’t think Bron will sign there without George. And if I had to predict a scenario, I can definitely see the two teaming up in LA with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma.
Houston Rockets — The recent reports that the Rockets are aiming to unload Ryan Anderson’s awful contract suggests they are trying to save money for a big contract this summer… and I don’t think it’s DeAndre Jordan. They think they can get LeBron James or Paul George, and they’re gonna try real hard to do it. Of all the teams mentioned in this piece, Houston is the only one with a real shot at Golden State. They took them to seven this year, and could’ve won the series with a healthy Chris Paul. Signing either PG or LBJ could push the Rockets over the edge and get them into the Finals… a Finals they should be the favorites in if they beat the Warriors before.
Philadelphia 76ers — There have been reports that the Sixers are pursuing both LeBron and Paul George. George is definetely the better fit. A shooter and defender on the wing will perfectly compliment Simmons, Embiid, and company. LeBron, on the other hand, would presumably want the ball in his hands a lot, as he does now, and impede the development of Ben Simmons, who is not a jumpshooter, and pretty much plays the same position as Bron.
MOST LIKELY SCENARIO — LeBron James and Paul George both go to the Los Angeles Lakers. They team up with the youth already on the roster, and finish 3rd in the West. Next summer, when Luol Deng and others expire, they may pursue another star, as their young guys are developing, too. The Cavs trade Kevin Love and re-build. Who’s interested in Love? Hard to say… but they wouldn’t wanna build around him, so they’d take best offer available.
SECOND MOST LIKELY SCENARIO — LeBron goes to Houston and Paul George goes to either Philly or LA. LeBron to Houston really does seem possible, especially if he puts winning a championship ahead of everything else. He wouldn’t have the same role, but if winning really is all that matters to him, Houston is the way to go. Love gets traded again, since LBJ is gone. Meanwhile, PG to Philly makes a lot of sense for a similar reason. He would make Celtics/Sixers an awesome ECF.
OTHER POSSIBLE SCENARIO — LeBron stays. PG goes to LA/Philly/Houston. If LeBron stays, the Cavs trade #8 for a veteran and maybe they try and include Kevin Love. Imagine Love and pick 8 for someone like CJ McCollum. Whatever the trade is, it’d be tough for Cleveland to run it back after being swept. That’s why this isn’t a super likely scenario. It looks like LeBron is good as gone.
