CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers argues after being ejected in the second half by referee Kane Fitzgerald #5 while playing the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena on November 28, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 108-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Should the Golden State Warriors free up enough salary space this season, the defending NBA champions could meet with LeBron James, per several reports.
According to ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers star could opt out of his contract this summer and then meet with the Warriors in hopes of forming a “super-team” that would include Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
James, who has a $35.6 million player option, would become an unrestricted free agent for the third time in his career.
King James’ tenuous relationship with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is well-documented, and this is reportedly just one of the many tensions that have riddled Cleveland’s front office recently.
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The New York Time’s Marc Stein also said another NBA team is interested in pursuing James in free agency:
To make a sign-and-trade possible, the Warriors would also need Durant to decline his player option and take even less than his current annual salary of $25 million.
Golden State has approximately $135 million tied up in payroll, the highest in the league.
The Cavs (30-20, third in Eastern Conference) defeated the Miami Heat 91-89 on Wednesday and next host Houston on Saturday. The Western Conference-leading Warriors (40-11) was crushed by the Utah Jazz 129-99 on Tuesday and will visit Sacramento on Friday.
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers argues after being ejected in the second half by referee Kane Fitzgerald #5 while playing the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena on November 28, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 108-97. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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