LeBron reportedly has little leverage in personnel matters with Cavaliers
When LeBron James left the Miami Heat after four seasons to return to the Cavaliers, the narrative was that he wanted to return home to bring a championship to the city of Cleveland, and that was his priority above all else.
But there were other factors in play.
An aging Heat team was no longer a lock to get to the Finals, and with a young star in Kyrie Irving already in place, and with the team's ability to trade multiple lottery picks to acquire another star talent in Kevin Love, Cleveland was better-positioned to contend for a title for the foreseeable future.
James also was believed to have as much power as he desired within the Cavaliers organization, especially where personnel matters are concerned. But one report suggests that may not be the case.
"I’m told that, privately, the Cavaliers are convinced that LeBron cannot afford to break Cleveland’s hearts a second time and leave and therefore does not have the leverage that everybody supposes he has," said Ric Bucher in a video for Bleacher Report.
This comes in the wake of James going on record more than once in stating his desire for the team to retain Tristan Thompson, but contracts have stalled, and it's unclear whether the restricted free agent will get the deal he desires for the upcoming season.
James has all the leverage he wants, as long as he continues to sign one-year deals with a player option for a second season. If things don't go his way, the threat of leaving can remain real -- and honestly, it's difficult to see the Cavaliers ever choosing to call his bluff.
(h/t: PBT)
