Earlier this week, ESPN’s Chris Haynes reported that LeBron James would entertain a meeting with the Golden State Warriors during free agency. James has since refuted the claim, saying: “It’s a non-story.” In fact, the King asked members of the media who were gathered after Friday morning’s practice session to refrain from asking any further questions about his future, as he’d like to remain focused on this season.
“I know you guys wanna cut it up, but the Golden State conversation is a non-story,” James said after Friday’s shoot-around at Cleveland Clinic Courts. “All the other conversations are non-stories. My focus right now is on this team and trying to figure out how we can get back to a fourth NBA Finals to compete for a championship.”
However this story came to be, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue believes James’ camp had nothing to do with it.
Via Jason Lloyd of The Athletic:
Tyronn Lue laughed when asked about the report. Unsure of what he could or could not say without getting fined, he instead offered a simple “no comment.” The timing of the story was curious, given how close it is to the trade deadline, and theories persist about why it was planted and whether anyone from James’ tight inner circle had anything to do with it. “I don’t think it did,” he said.
James, now 33 years of age, can indeed become a free agent after this season. Whether or not the three-time champion stays with the Cavs or takes his talents elsewhere remains to be seen. It’s probably safe to say the Cavs would be willing to offer him a max deal — whatever that sum may end up being. He’ll weigh his options when the time comes, but now is not that time.