At least in his complicated mind, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has thought about forming another super team.
By now it’s well known that James is good friends with former teammate Dwyane Wade, who he won two NBA titles with earlier this decade in Miami. He’s also been close to fellow 2004 draft pick Carmelo Anthony, dating back to the two going up against one another in high school.
Teaming up with Chris Paul is also something James has done in the past as a member of the United States National Team.
So when talking pie in the sky possibilities, James figures it would be more than ideal to suit up with those three to form a championship-caliber team. In fact, he’d be willing to take a paycut in order to do so:
“I really hope that, before our career is over, we can all play together. At least one, maybe one or two seasons—me, Melo, D-Wade, CP—we can get a year in. I would actually take a pay cut to do that,” James said, via Bleacher Reports’ Howard Beck. “Maybe at the end of our careers. Maybe sooner. One more ring chase, this time with everyone on board. It would be pretty cool. I’ve definitely had thoughts about it.”
That’s all fine and dandy, but this scenario is extremely unlikely to play out.
James and Wade can become free agents following this season. There has also been mentions of the two potentially reuniting in Cleveland in the past. The issue with James’ “plan” is that Chris Paul has two more years remaining on his deal and seems to be pretty happy in Los Angeles.
A scenario could be in play that would enable the Cavaliers to land Wade in free agency while trading for Carmelo Anthony, who isn’t too happy with the direction of the New York Knicks.
Even then, imagine the criticism James would receive if he decided to build another super team after failing to earn a title on his own in his first two seasons with Cleveland. That would certainly impact his legacy, even if the Cavaliers go on to win multiple championships.
None of this is doing much to quiet the rumors surrounding a potential James’ departure from Cleveland in free agency this summer. As if James really cares about these rumors in the first place.