National Basketball Association

LeBron James' Potential Destinations In 2018

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:32 a.m. ET

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Mar 31, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a dunk in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James can leave Cleveland in the summer of 2018, but where could he possibly go that would top his hometown team?

When LeBron James re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the deal was not what people expected. On the one hand, James had signed two straight two-year deals with a player option after the first year. On the other hand, the NBA’s over-36 rule caused speculation about if James could sign a max contract.

As it turned out, after citing logistics, James determined a three-year deal with a player option after the second year worked best for him. Interestingly enough, that causes James to be a free agent when his superstar best friends, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, dubbed the Superfriends, become free agents as well. In 2018, Paul and Wade become free agents. In 2019, Anthony becomes a free agent.

Even if there wasn’t a documentary about James’ time at St. Vincent St. Mary’s and the “Fab 5” and numerous accounts about how highly regarded his friends are within his circle the idea that James could team up with his friends would be noteworthy. Even if James and Anthony didn’t publicly announce wanting to play together it would be noteworthy. Even if James never played with Wade in Miami or tried to convince the Cavs to move up in the 2004 draft to take Chris Paul it would have been noteworthy.

Yet, all of those things have happened. King James Gospel has explored the idea of James leaving in free agency. Those scenarios each discussed James winding up in San Antonio. This piece will focus exclusively on 2018 and each team that can acquire all four of the Superfriends.

Dec 8, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (left) talks with Jay Z (right) during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$76-$82 million

Notable Players On Roster

PG Jeremy Lin, SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, PF Chris McCollough, PG Isaiah Whitehead

Notable Free Agents

None

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

The Brooklyn Nets have the most guaranteed money to spend out of any team. This likely lessens the paycut that James would have to take to play with his friends. In addition, in Brooklyn there’s a good opportunity for Superfriends to start together as the Nets essentially have nobody on the team who can usurp one of the four for their starting position.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul, Isaiah Whitehead

SG: Dwyane Wade

SF: LeBron James

PF: Carmelo Anthony

C: Chris McCollough

Scenario Likelihood: Low

The Brooklyn Nets would likely have to trade Jeremy Lin and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in order for the team to get Carmelo Anthony. In addition, though the team can sign players that fit around the Superfriends, the team would have a greater chance at winning it all with more talent on the roster from top to bottom. Lastly, it’s doubtful that James would want to end his career playing for the Brooklyn Nets.

Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$27-$65 million

Players On Roster

SG Jimmy Butler, C Robin Lopez, PF Bobby Portis, SG Denzel Valentine

Notable Free Agents

SG Dwyane Wade, SF Doug McDermott, PG Spencer Dinwiddie

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

Signing with the Chicago Bulls and having both success and sensationalism in Chicago could help elevate James to or past Michael Jordan’s status.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul, Jerian Grant

SG: Denzel Valentine, Dwyane Wade

SF: LeBron James, Doug McDermott

PF: Carmelo Anthony, Paul Zipser

C: Robin Lopez, Bobby Portis

Scenario Likelihood: High

Going to Jordan’s stomping ground would be a daring move. However, in order to completely usurp the legacy of Michael Jordan it may be what’s needed. In the Eastern Conference, the Superfriends will always can to make it to the NBA Finals. In a trade for Carmelo Anthony, the Bulls give up Jimmy Butler. The Bulls may balk at the idea. However, ias long as James is on board in Chicago, the trade makes perfect sense.

Mar 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) battle for position in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$17-$45 million

Notable Players On Roster

SF Luol Deng, C Timofey Mozgov, SG Jordan Clarkson, PG D’Angelo Russell, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Larry Nance Jr., C Ivica Zubac

Notable Free Agents

SF Nick Young, PF Julius Randle

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

This would be a dream scenario for LeBron James. This gives James the chance to play for favorite team and resemble the ’85-’86 Showtime Lakers. The team’s facility is also conveniently located near James’ summer home and Warner Brothers studios, places where James is expected to spend a lot of time to and through the end of his playing career.

Besides all of that, the team is loaded with young talent. D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram have superstar potential and shoot very well from deep. Larry Nance Jr. and Ivica Zubac are going to be very valuable pieces for the Lakers for years to come with their size, versatility, and defensive abilities.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul

SG: Brandon Ingram, Dwyane Wade

SF: LeBron James

PF: Carmelo Anthony, Larry Nance Jr.

C: Ivica Zubac

Scenario Likelihood: Extremely High

As long as the Los Angeles Lakers can trade Timofey Mozgov or Luol Deng the team can sign three out of the four Superfriends. A package of Deng or Mozgov and Jordan Clarkson should be fair to the New York Knicks as the Lakers try to trade for Carmelo Anthony. If the Lakers have the money, it seems like there’s no way James won’t try to end his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jan 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) position under the basket in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$23-$70 million

Notable Players On Roster

PG Ricky Rubio, C Karl Anthony-Towns, PG Kris Dunn, PG Tyus Jones

Notable Free Agents

SF Andrew Wiggins, SG Zach LaVine

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t a team people would expect James to want to play for. However, playing for the Timberwolves gives the Superfriends the opportunity to play with three of the best young players in the NBA. They also can get a player who has both the talent and intangibles to be the future of the NBA in Karl Anthony-Towns.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Kris Dunn, Chris Paul

SG: Andrew Wiggins, Dwyane Wade

SF: LeBron James

PF: Carmelo Anthony

C: Karl Anthony-Towns

Scenario Likelihood: Very High

There won’t be many chances to play with a group with this much young talent on it. The Timberwolves, after the retirement of Kevin Garnett and ascension of Karl Anthony-Towns, have a franchise that’s gaining more respect as an organization. The Minnesota Timberwolves would try to package “true” point guard Ricky Rubio and a hyper-athlete with nice touch from behind the arc in Zach LaVine.

Jan 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$48-$80 million

Notable Players On Roster

PG Jerryd Bayless, PF Ben Simmons, C Jahlil Okafor, PF Dario Saric

Notable Free Agents

SG Gerald Henderson, C Joel Embiid

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers simply gives James the opportunity to play with his protege Ben Simmons. The 76ers also, as always, will have a boatload of money to spend in free agency.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul

SG: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade

SF: Carmelo Anthony

PF: Ben Simmons, Dario Saric

C: Jahlil Okafor

Scenario Likelihood: Low

Trading Jerryd Bayless, Joel Embiid, and Gerald Henderson should be enough for Carmelo Anthony to come to town. However, outside of playing with Ben Simmons, there’s little reason for James to play in Philly.

Feb 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz shooting guard Gordon Hayward (20) defends against Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$17-$90 million

Notable Players On Roster

PG Alec Burks, PF Trey Lyles

Notable Free Agents

PF Derrick Favors, SF Gordon Hayward, SF Joe Johnson, C Boris Diaw, SG Dante Exum, SG Rodney Hood, PG Marcus Paige

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

The money the Utah Jazz would be able to spend on James will be enticing. So will the opportunity to play on one of the best rosters in the Western Conference. From the starters to the depth behind them the Jazz are loaded.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul, Alec Burks

SG: Rodney Hood, Dwyane Wade

SF: LeBron James, Joe Johnson

PF: Carmelo Anthony

C: Derrick Favors, Trey Lyles

Scenario Likelihood: Medium

The Utah Jazz do have a better shot at James than most would think. The roster is talented and balanced. If head coach Quin Snyder makes it to the summer of 2018, the team will be a defensively stout club as well. As James looks to win a championship every year, the Jazz are a good option for James. In trading for Carmelo Anthony the Jazz would give up Gordon Hayward. The New York Knicks will be elated.

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after dunking for a basket against Toronto Raptors in the second quarter of game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$5-$80 million

Notable Players On Roster

C Kosta Koufus, C Willie Cauley-Stein, C Georgios Papagiannis, PF Skal Labissiere, SG Malachi Richardson

Notable Free Agents

SF Rudy Gay, C DeMarcus Cousins, SG Arron Afflalo, SF Matt Barnes

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

Playing for the Sacramento Kings presents an opportunity for all of the Superfriends to start. The quartet also has the chance to play with a certified superstar at center that can carry the team if need be. The talented youth on the Kings depth chart also have a lot of potential themselves. Oh, and marketing ability of having King James play for the Sacramento Kings? Priceless.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul

SG: Dwyane Wade, Malachi Richardson

SF: LeBron James

PF: Carmelo Anthony, Skal Labissiere

C: DeMarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein

Scenario Likelihood: Medium

The Sacramento Kings may have a franchise without direction now but with the Superfriends in town they’ll know exactly where they’re trying to head. In addition, in trade for Carmelo Anthony, the team would likely trade Rudy Gay. That’s a fairly even trade for both sides.

Jan 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

Projected Cap Space In 2018

$-3-$51 million

Notable Players On Roster

PF LaMarcus Aldridge, SF Kawhi Leonard, PG Dejounte Murray

Notable Free Agents

PG Tony Parker, PF Pau Gasol, SF Kyle Anderson, PF David Lee, SG Bryn Forbes, C Dewayne Dedmon

LeBron James’ Motive For Coming

First, it’s the San Antonio Spurs, the most consistent franchise in the league and a franchise that’s great at handling the minutes of veteran players. In addition to that, the Spurs will have a talented roster from top to bottom. They’ll be coming into a plug-and-play system that they fit into as Chris Paul replaces Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade replaces Manu Ginobli, LeBron James replaces Tim Duncan, and Carmelo Anthony is simply icing on the cake.

James will also be playing for the best coach in the league and one James wants to play for in Gregg Popovich. The team also will get to play beside Kawhi Leonard, who can function as the ultimate glue player and takeover games when he needs to.

Potential Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul, Dejounte Murray

SG: Bryn Forbes, Dwyane Wade

SF: Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Anderson

PF: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony

C: Dewayne Dedmon

Scenario Likelihood: Extremely High

James has every reason to go the San Antonio Spurs. The only reason he wouldn’t sign with the Spurs is if the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to get the whole band together. That would happen if they were unable to trade Mozgov or Deng. However, the Spurs cap space isn’t a question because the bulk of the cap holds are tied into Parker and Gasol, two players who will be set to retire.

In a trade for Carmelo Anthony, the Spurs can give up LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green. That may seem like a lot for Anthony. However, Aldridge will be replaced by both James and Anthony. Green may be passed up by supershooter Bryn Forbes anyways.

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O

Staying Focused

Right now, James’ primary concern is this season and his current team. It’s not just James who wants to win another championship. He has changed the Cavs organization with his growth as a leader, mentor and by being the best player in the game. Now, the whole franchise expects to win.