Lebron will go to whatever team can pay him the max and give him the best chance to win a title. So that would make Cleveland the clear front runner, but if Houston can figure out a way to clear the salary and keep both Harden and Paul, they would have a real shot. The only other teams that make any sense are Philadelphia and the Lakers (but only if the Lakers are able to land a couple of other top tier players).
I think it's pretty telling that there is already many issues and problems with defense, and players now frustrated with how ball dominant Lebron has been. He literally has been in control of every offensive possession, not to mention he had to pay 40 minutes last night and still lose to the Pacers. I don't know where on Earth, you possibly think Cleveland is anywhere near the chance of winning a championship. The East is relatively wide open, but its clear cut that the Wizards, Raptors, Cleveland, and Celtics are the only dominant forces in the East currently. We will wait and see what happens in the playoffs, but this Cleveland team as is, doesn't have the roster nor enough offensive firepower to make up for the lapses they have on defense.
what if they trade Thompson for Jordan? What if Marc Gasol becomes available and they land him? What if the recent struggles are more about Thomas being very rusty and they figure it out once Thomas stops missing the broad side of a barn. What if Crowder remembers how to play? The Cavs have the best 10 man rotation in the East and a top 3 such rotation in the game.
And let's not forget the Cavs were a very poor defensive team last year as well, but still cruised into the NBA Finals (they are worse this year, but they were still bad last year).
And they have a top 10 pick coming to them which they can use or trade this summer.
Not gonna happen, who in their right mind would take on Tristan Thompson's contract? Any trade for Jordan, the Cavs need to give up either a first rounder, or the Nets pick. If Gasol becomes available, he's not getting traded without the Brooklyn pick, that is for sure, because there are going to definitely be many suitors for him, not just the Cavs. And Crowder is an great player, I do think the hate on him is unwarranted, but you're joking if you seriously think he's going to put anywhere near the same numbers as he has on the Celtics... My main issue with the Cavs? Stop trotting out that stupid Love and Crowder frontcourt. It's not working. We've all seen first hand that Crowder is not better off at the 4. This is my proposal for the Cavs lineup.
IT
Shumpert or Korver (Korver is still great at team help defense, even if he gets smoked 1 on 1 man on man D)
Crowder (He can assume his natural position, play his role at 3&D)
Lebron (I think he should stay at this position to take advantages of mismatches and it'll be easier for him to run in transition or start the fast break off of rebounds.)
Love or TT (Ideally, should depend on matchups. I think TT is a better defender, but does he really make up for his lack of spacing?)
Bring Wade, Green, and Smith off the bench. Why in god's name is Lue starting Smith? You do realize he has putting up garbage numbers?
Thomas will always be a 20+ PPG scorer, but how are you going to hide his weaknesses on defense?
But I disagree about the best 10 man rotation. That is just absolutely false. Top 3 rotation in the game? Now you're just making things up lol.
The Cavs will still be an offensive juggernaut, but your entire roster is riddled with players that are past their prime.