r/clevelandcavs

I wanted to post the full context of Marc Stein's most recent LeBron rumors here since a lot of it — especially the most recent Bronny rumors — were taken out of context. Most of what he's writing is very positive toward Cleveland, but quite frankly, it doesn't seem that they have insider info into the Cavs.

The source is his most recent newsletter, which is paywalled: https://marcstein.substack.com/p/july-fourth-nba-trade-free-agency

(I excluded the embedded tweets that he references in the text.)

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Some important updates from LeBron Watch ...

🏀 James has been spotted in Northeast Ohio multiple times over the past week, which has only amplified the notion that he is indeed strongly weighing a third stint with the Cavaliers ... even though it is completely normal for him to return to his home state in the offseason to reconnect with Akron and thus might just be one of those trips. Yet there is certainly a growing belief among teams competing for James' signature that the lure of the 41-year-old playing out his final chapter with the team that drafted him — compared to, say, early favorites Golden State — is looking more and more like the scenario to beat.

🏀 The Cavaliers were expected by now to have come to terms on a new deal with James Harden and have likewise been in the mix of teams expressing interest in Jonathan Kuminga. All they've actually gone through with so far, though, is agreeing to a minimum deal to re-sign reserve center Thomas Bryant while watching Dean Wade (Philadelphia) and Keon Ellis (Brooklyn) come to terms on new contracts elsewhere. As our pal Brian Windhorst, who also happens to be an Akron native, likes to say this time of year: Now why is that? One conspiracy whisper making the rounds: They want to make sure that they have open roster spots to be able to trade for the Lakers' Bronny James in the event that they are able to welcome Dad back as a free agent signee.

🏀 The Sixers, Nuggets and Timberwolves, league sources say, all still believe that they are in this race to some degree and getting legitimate consideration from James and his camp alongside the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat. On his latest Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul certainly spoke glowingly of the Anthony Edwards-led Timberwolves and their coach Chris Finch.

🏀 This part is purely read/analysis from The Stein Line rather than reporting: The Warriors and the Timberwolves might actually have the players (and coach) that most appeal to James. (Miami's pitch is compelling on those fronts, too.) Golden State also offers the luxury of more reachable travel-wise than any other leading bidder from Los Angeles, where James and his family have been ensconced for the past eight years. Yet the question persists: Is James truly prepared to play out his record 24th and potentially final NBA season as a Warrior or Timberwolf or Sixer or Nugget? That is among Cleveland's unquestioned advantages here. The Cavaliers can offer a storybook ending as well as a real shot at a trip to the NBA Finals. Strong combination. Maybe even doubly strong when you are also likely to turn the season into documentary content.

🏀 The Stein Line reported earlier this week (above) that the Spurs — who struck a deal Wednesday to sign Tobias Harris away from Detroit — were not expected to join the LeBron chase. That continued to be the expectation entering the holiday weekend even after the Spurs were mentioned by Paul on his podcast among 10 realistic destinations:

🏀 However …

We must add this as a catch-all disclaimer/reminder from Paul himself in a quote he gave to ESPN when it comes to the Spurs and perhaps all of the above depending on how literally you want to take the words: "Every day things change."

Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28.

Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28. https://www.espn.com/contributor/shams-charania

Also a red flag that there is no real news about any trades the Cavaliers are doing neither.

Happy 4th y'all!