After months of speculation about where LeBron James would sign as a free agent this summer, the superstar chose to leave the Miami Heat in order to head back to where it all began with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Sports Illustrated’s Lee Jenkins:
In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.
I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.
Although the Heat appeared to be the favorites to land LeBron and for good reason after going to the NBA Finals in four straight years with the superstar leading the way, the desire to return home was just too great for arguably the best player in the NBA.
LeBron James will join rising star Kyrie Irving and the number one overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft in Andrew Wiggins. A solid young core with a lot of potential with LeBron as the undisputed leader in Cleveland.
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With LeBron now in the fold back in Cleveland, it’ll be interesting to see what the team’s next move is to surround the four-time NBA MVP with more talent. Rumors have been floating around that the Cavs intend to engage the Minnesota Timberwolves in trade talks for Kevin Love.
The perennial All-Star has been rumored to be on his way out of Minnesota for quite some time, but there’s been no progress in trade talks with any team that has shown interest. Cleveland would be an attractive destination for Love with LeBron in the mix and there has been talk of the star forward willing to sign an extension with the Cavs if the two-time NBA champion came back to Cleveland.
Fortunately, now that LeBron has made his decision, movement on the free agent will start to kick into high gear. Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony will likely be the next dominos to fall followed by Pau Gasol and Luol Deng.
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