Lebron does have a No-Trade, so he can't be traded where he doesn't want to go. Kawhi isn't a good example. The better example is Melo last year. But I'm repeating myself. Further in spoiler Spoiler Lebron won't opt-in without a trade in place, unless Gilbert wises up and realizes he can benefit greatly from giving Lebron more time to find suitable options. The two agree that Lebron will stay unless Gilbert is brought trade offers that meet certain minimum conditions favorable to Gilbert vs Lebron leaving for nothing. These favorable conditions are easiest to achieve if all Lebron's options are still in play. It's not really different than how SnTs work. The Team realizes the player will bolt, so Team, Player and Agent go looking for SnTs that gain a little more for each party. The difference is that it isn't simultaneous. So indeed, Gilbert could screw everyone and reneg on his promise to allow a trade if certain conditions are met, where Lebron doesn't leave for nothing, and CLE doesn't take back garbage. Gilbert wouldn't reneg. That would be tremendously stupid to lie to Lebron.
It's the only "reasonable" scenario yes. If he doesn't opt in today it's extremely unlikely he's coming here. It's mathematically possible but it would be the worst way to get here so wouldn't make sense that he'd choose that route.
I’m predicting trades will be done today according to my sauces and Lebron will either opt in or opt out
I keep forgetting about his NTC. But again, like Melo, if he opts in without a deal in place Cleveland isn't forced to do a deal. Cleveland isn't obligated to do anything other than what's best for them.
I've floated that idea many times (including in the main Trade thread). The "re-arrange the deck chairs" type trade. Just a last resort type trade for the Rockets to better allocate Anderson's money. Ibaka isn't great, but he might be better in Houston. So worth a shot if nothing else pans out.
The Jackson deal literally means nothing lol. No reason not to pick up the option because his salary is non-guaranteed. Can still waive him at any point.
We had a few more days to do it though and now we can use him in a trade. So it does mean something.. clearly. Bruh, chill for a second. Not everything means we are getting Lebron. There are other deals in play
Yeah, it can really be just like Quarterman and the rest of the ng guys one year ago, you just get them to be ready in case you have the chance to make a trade, but it doesn't mean there'll be one.
Yes. Gilbert could make a promise and reneg on it. But without such a promise, Lebron's LA option gets CLE nothing, whereas a trade to LA could get Gilbert a FRP and an enormous TPE, to use later in even more favorable deals. Lebron just says, "If you give Morey more time, not only will I bring that LA deal to the table, but HOU will give you one as well, from which to choose. If I fail to bring you either deal, I promise to full-fill my Player Option year for CLE. Deal?
