Despite the fact that he's 41 years old, LeBron James is still good enough to command everyone's attention during free agency.
James, who averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists per game this past season, informed the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday that he was moving on this offseason. His longtime agent, Rich Paul, claims his priority is to play for a contender at this stage in his career.
ESPN insider Shams Charania has listed the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers as suitors for James in free agency. The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, however, have ramped up their pursuit of the four-time MVP this week.
© David Gonzales-Imagn Images.
While money isn't expected to play a factor in James' decision, only one of those six teams can offer him the full mid-level exception of roughly $15 million.
The rest of James' free agency suitors will have to either offer him the veteran minimum or a fraction of their midlevel exception.
Here's what every team can offer James as of this Saturday:
- Cleveland: $3.9 million
- Denver: $3.9 million
- Golden State: $15 million
- Miami: $6.5 million
- Minnesota: $6.1 million
- Philadelphia: $3.9 million
© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.
Who has the edge?
Financially speaking, the Warriors can offer James the most money at this stage in his career.
“The Warriors’ pitch, if the door cracks open, would be simple. They can clear room for the full $15.1 million nontaxpayer midlevel — a team-friendly, low-risk bargain with on-court and off-court financial upside,” ESPN's Anthony Slater wrote. “James is an obvious top free agent target at that price point. The Warriors could theoretically tack on a second season player option and get Stephen Curry in on the recruitment process, if required. But they haven’t knocked on that door because they’ve been given any indication it can be unlocked.”
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, offer James the chance to lead another franchise to their first title.
“The Wolves firmly believe they have the best situation for the 41-year-old James as he prepares for his 24th season. They have a core headlined by Edwards, Ball and McDaniels that can take a lot of the offensive pressure off James’ shoulders. They have McDaniels and Gobert to help ease James’ workload on defense, as well,” The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski wrote. “Most importantly, they have a story for James to tell. Unlike several of the other options on the table for him, including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and James’ hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, the Timberwolves have never won a championship.”
As far as prediction markets are concerned, the Cavaliers have the best odds of landing James. At the end of the day though, no one truly knows where he'll close out his legendary career.
