Longtime NBA reporter Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops reported yesterday that LeBron James is "100 percent leaving" the Cleveland Cavaliers after the upcoming season, which created a major stir in league circles as Sheridan was the first to report that James was leaving Miami to return to the Cavs.
However, that may not be the case. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reports James has not made up his mind about his future, and - most importantly - LeBron's relationship with owner Dan Gilbert is not as bad as has been reported.
For what it's worth (damn it, I'm on vacation), three sources close to LeBron said this latest tweet about him is 100 percent false
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 16, 2017
I have more: three sources paid particular attention to LeBron's relationship with ownership, and said LeBron does not view it that way
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 16, 2017
And finally, one of the sources close to LeBron said there is no NBA source who could speak on his behalf in the way it was reported
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 16, 2017
There are plenty of conflicting reports about LeBron's future. It's reportedly the "worst kept secret" in the NBA that he plans to join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, but he is also "deeply committed" to the Cavs this season.
FS1's Chris Broussard also reports that James hasn't made a decision about his future, and won't think about it until after the season.
2 sources close to LeBron insist he hasn't made decision on future w/Cavs past next season & he won't make a decision before end of season.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) August 16, 2017
James has a no-trade clause in his contract which he has said he will not waive this season. He does plan to opt out of his contract this summer, even if he decides to stay in Cleveland, to maximize his earning potential under the salary cap.
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers are also among the teams that have plans to pursue James if he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.
LeBron averaged 26.4 points, 8.7 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game this past season.
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