The watch for LeBron James’ next team continues to dominate NBA free agency. Since telling fans during his “Mind the Game” podcast at Fanatics Fest in New York that he remains undecided, speculation about where he could play next has only intensified.
As the 22-time All-Star continues to evaluate his options, a former teammate urged him to consider all but one of his suitors.
LeBron James’ Ex-Teammate Delivers Strong Message As Free-Agency Rumors Grow
Last month, Channing Frye joined James and members of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team on a trip to St. Tropez. Together, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their historic NBA Finals win over the Golden State Warriors, when they rallied from a 3-1 series deficit.
Ironically, the Dubs have emerged as strong suitors to land the four-time MVP. James’ former rival Draymond Green shared about two weeks ago on “The Draymond Green Show” that he made a “crazy” pitch to the 41-year-old. Green added that should James ultimately decide not to join forces in Golden State, he would have made the former Los Angeles Laker “think twice.”
Frye, though, anticipated the Warriors’ pursuit and revealed on “Yahoo Sports Daily” on Tuesday what he told his ex-teammate last month.
“I think he understands, right? … We didn’t bug him. We didn’t talk about it, but I go on the side, and I was like, ‘Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do for your family and career, but that’s gross. Please don’t do that,'” Frye said.
Frye’s input clearly reflected how uncomfortable he is with the idea of James joining the Warriors, whom Cleveland faced in the Finals from 2015 to 2018. The Cavaliers’ only win during that stretch was in 2016, a victory they commemorated and celebrated in the famous seaside town on the French Riviera.
Over the past few days, the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat have interchanged positions as the odds-on favorites to sign the veteran star. Frye also questioned James’ fit in South Beach due to the Heat’s roster flaws. Unsurprisingly, the podcaster is advising James to return to his roots in Ohio for what might be his farewell season.
The Heat and the Cavaliers seem to have the upper hand in the James sweepstakes, but a former teammate of James and Frye, Kendrick Perkins, shared intel on Tuesday that could rekindle the hope of other teams chasing the 21-time All-NBA selectee.
According to the ESPN analyst, James’ agent Rich Paul disclosed that the future Hall of Famer “has changed his mind, and he’s back to the drawing board again.”
Amid all the hoopla and uncertainty, James will likely commit to a franchise that offers him a chance to win his fifth title, regardless of the advice of friends or former teammates.
