NBA Rumors: LeBron James is reportedly mad that the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to trade for Eric Bledsoe and Paul George during the summer
As the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to find their footing, after going 3-10 since Christmas, there could be one main culprit to their recent downfall. At the very least, LeBron James believes there’s one reason why they look nothing like an NBA championship contender right now.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, LeBron James is pissed at the Cavs because they didn’t pull the trigger on trades for Paul George and Eric Bledsoe, who reportedly (depending on who you’re willing to believe) could’ve been had over the summer.
Windhorst joined Zach Lowe on his podcast Wednesday, where he dropped the nuggets.
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"[via ESPN]Windhorst: “What’s really pissing LeBron off is that he felt like the Cavs could’ve gotten Paul George and Eric Bledsoe…and they didn’t get them.”…“I’m just telling you LeBron is there and he’s like…we couldn’t had Eric Bledsoe and Paul George. Instead, we have a draft pick who I’m never gonna meet…and Isaiah Thomas, who’s very clearly hampered and Jae Crowder, who’s having the worst year of his career.”"
The Cavs are scrambling to make improvements to the roster, and are reportedly close to trading for George Hill, a player that will no question help the team but is no Eric Bledsoe or Paul George.
Cleveland has lost 10 of their last 13 and currently has the second-worst defense in the league. They’re closer to the 8th seed than they are to the top seed in the East.
Isaiah Thomas is struggling to hit his stride since returning from injury, and has been a liability more often than not. Cleveland doesn’t have a ton of assets to deal before next month’s NBA trade deadline, and is reportedly refusing to utilize the coveted 2018 Brooklyn Nets unprotected first-round pick – it’s the only thing that will help them rebuild in the even that LeBron elects to leave during the summer.
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LeBron James, at times, appears checked out. Cleveland’s recent “players-only” meeting blew up in their face – and in front of the public – and the Cavs have the looks of a sinking ship. The end, it won’t be pretty.
Could it have been prevented by acquiring Paul George and/or Eric Bledsoe? Maybe, but we’ll never really know.