Report: LeBron James avoids giving long-term commitment to Cavaliers
What's the story?
Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James wouldn't commit to the team after the 2017-2018 season.
In case you didn't know...
Dan Gilbert penned an infamous open letter to the Cavaliers fans in 2010 when the 'King' decided to leave and join Miami Heat. James felt that the letter was racial and told the same to Mark Anthony Green of GQ in October.
The heart of the matter...
According to Jackie MacMullan of ESPN, LeBron James will not perpetrate any further to the Cavaliers when owner Dan Gilbert asked about his long-term plans during the trade talk that sent Irving to the Boston Celtics.
The 4 time MVP holds a player option at the end of this season that makes him a free-agent this summer. In September, the 33-year old confirmed that he intended to finish his career as a Cavalier but said that he will consider his options after this season ends.
When asked the same, LeBron told the reporters, "It hasn't changed. And that's why I sit up here today, still in this uniform, still ready to lead this franchise to a championship, put us in a position where we can be successful."
He added: "Anytime I'm able to be a free agent or my contract ends, I'll approach that when the summer comes. At the end of the day, I have a contract and I will fill out that obligation, which I've always done."
Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reported in November that Philadelphia 76ers are all set to join potential suitors which include the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and the Houston Rockets if LeBron decides to leave Cleveland for the second time.
What's next?
The Cavaliers (25-12) take on Irving and the Celtics(30-10) for the second time this season on Wednesday.
Author's take
If LeBron does decide to leave Cleveland and try out the market this summer, given the situation of the league, this will surely be one of the biggest and most exciting offseasons we have had in the past few years.