The Cleveland Cavaliers have given up on trying to lure LeBron James back to Ohio, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Cleveland had been trying to land a meeting with LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, but were unable to do so. Despite initial optimism that LeBron might be receptive to "coming home", getting the cold shoulder from Paul convinced them that trying to pursue LeBron this summer was a lost cause.
According to Windhorst's report, the Cavs have now turned their attention to former Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward. Hayward averaged 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists for the Jazz last year, but his development was overshadowed by Utah's struggles as they limped to a 25-57 record.
Hayward, a restricted free agent, will visit the Cavs shortly. Cleveland is preparing an offer sheet worth up to the maximum $15 million per year to lure him away from Utah, and the Jazz are not currently expected to match that max offer.
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