The LeBron James sweepstakes are off and running. Naturally, the Cleveland Cavaliers are right in the mix to bring the 41-year-old superstar back home. They have some housekeeping to do before that happens, though.
The Cavs are reportedly looking to trade Dennis Schroder and/or Max Strus in order to open space for James to sign in Cleveland, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
“The Cavs are trying to trade forward Max Strus, so they could sign LeBron or another player into that mid-level exception,”
said Vardon.
Yahoo’s Jake Fischer confirms the report, adding that a salary dump would also give the Cavs a better chance at retaining forward Dean Wade.
Cleveland is in a tough spot financially. As of writing, they could only offer James the veteran minimum to wear the wine and gold again. But, if they can consolidate some of their talent for additional cap space, the non-taxpayer mid-level exception could become available to them.
Dumping Strus’s or Schroder’s salary is one way they can get closer to that.
Strus is set to make $16 million next season. Schroder will make $14.8 million. Unloading both would give them access to the NTLME. Moving one while negotiating a discounted deal on James Harden’s next contract could achieve the same result.
A few things are working in Cleveland’s favor. Not only are they the most storybook ending location for James to complete his career, but reports have already suggested that money will not be the deciding factor in where James lands this summer. That benefits the Cavs, as they simply don’t have much money to offer James. But there’s no place like home.
Strus and Schroder both aided Cleveland in their run to the Eastern Conference finals last season. Strus, especially, has been a fan favorite for his hustle and playoff intensity over the years. The Cavs would have to trade either of them without taking any salary back to unlock the NTLME. But if landing James is the final result, it would be worth it.
No one knows where James will take his talents next. All the Cavs can do is clear the way for the easiest landing possible if James decides that he wants to end his career at home.
