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Cleveland Cavaliers rumors: Expecting LeBron James to leave next summer?

By Michael Saenz

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly operating under the assumption that there’s a good chance that LeBron James walks in free agency next summer

While the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to sort through the mess that Kyrie Irving has created this summer when he demanded a trade, there is another issue that awaits the Eastern Conference Finalists next summer.

Another LeBron James decision.

This time around, though, the Cavs won’t be caught off guard by The King. Cleveland is reportedly (per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski) “no longer investing blind faith in the hope” that LeBron is going to re-sign.

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At the same time, Woj’s report also makes it clear that the Cavs still aren’t giving up on the possibility that LeBron re-signs.

"[via ESPN]As the Cleveland Cavaliers deliberate on deals to move All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, the franchise is operating under a self-prescribed mandate: Presume a future without LeBron James.Cleveland isn’t giving up on the possibility of re-signing James next summer, but it is no longer investing blind faith in the hope he will stay."

Why is all this important? Well, assuming that Cleveland eventually trades Kyrie Irving at some point this summer, this type of mindset is kind of important.

Instead of trying to find a quick fix in replacing Kyrie in any hypothetical deals – especially finding one that would appease LeBron James – the Cavs could go out and find a deal that would help their future. And not worry about LeBron.

If this report is in fact entirely true, this is a breath of fresh air for the Cleveland Cavaliers. For a franchise that has been practically controlled by LeBron for 10 seasons (and counting) over two separate stints, it was only a matter of time until the Cavaliers called LeBron’s buff.

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By no means does this mean that LeBron is going to leave Cleveland this summer, but it could impact his decision. From reading the tea leaves, another divorce between LeBron and Cleveland could be coming. But, for the first time in a long time, it might actually be best for both parties.

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