NBA Trade News: LeBron James won't waive no-trade clause for Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a peculiar situation this offseason. After long-time general manager David Griffin parted ways with the organisation, star player Kyrie Irving recently requested a trade out of Cleveland.
In the midst of all the drama, LeBron James is reportedly unwilling to waive his no-trade clause at any point during the 2017-2018 season. With James likely to leave Cleveland as a free agent next summer, Irving, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, recently raised concerns to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert about the makeup of the team after the 2017-18 season.
It's no secret that the Cavs roster was put together to cater to James' playing style. Irving is reportedly keen to control his own career arc instead of getting stranded in Cleveland.
According to ESPN's Chris Haynes, James believes the Cavs still have a legitimate shot at winning the 2017-18 NBA championship despite the dominance of the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron James Free Agency: Cavs star focused on 2017-18 season
"The four-time MVP winner, according to sources, is focused solely on competing for a championship as a member of the Cavs and will fulfil his contractual obligations, whatever unexpected circumstances may arise," Haynes wrote in a report published Sunday.
An earlier report claimed that James was left "blindsided and devastated" at Irving's trade request. "James is disappointed with the Irving development, and Cleveland.com reported that he was frustrated by owner Dan Gilbert sabotaging the front office and a lack of offseason moves. However, sources are adamant that James is committed to leading the team with the personnel the organization imports to training camp in September."
LeBron James, widely regarded as the best player of his generation, holds a US$35.5 million (AU$44.7 million) Player Option ahead of the 2018-19 season. James has been linked strongly with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that is strategically preserving cap space for the loaded NBA Free Agency 2018 class that features the likes of James, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Stay tuned for the latest NBA Trade News and chatter surrounding next year's free agency class.
