The Cleveland Cavaliers could win the LeBron James sweepstakes, according to NBA insiders and oddsmakers. Now an unrestricted free agent, the four-time MVP is taking his time evaluating potential destinations, including the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Tuesday, one of James’ former teammates urged him to avoid a team he has been heavily linked to.
LeBron James’ Former Teammate Iman Shumpert Raises Red Flag About One Potential Destination
James famously ended Cleveland’s 52-year wait for a championship when he led the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA championship over the Golden State Warriors. The Cavs have not come close to winning another one since the four-time NBA Finals MVP left the team again in 2018.
Going back to Cleveland offers a storybook ending to the Akron, Ohio native’s basketball career.
However, Iman Shumpert, one of James’ teammates on the 2016 championship-winning Cavs team, pleads with him not to do it.
“If this is about a ring, Philly. If this is about selling tickets, Miami. If this is about ending your career the way it should go, go to Cleveland. Just don’t go to Cleveland trying to be happy about a win because you’re not gonna win there. You’re not going to be happy,” Shumpert said on Tuesday’s “Shump Street” podcast.
“This is about legacy, the return tour, this is not about winning. Don’t you dare go over there thinking it’s rolling with the winners. I don’t know what’s up with them during the playoffs, don’t do it,” he continued.
“I’ve been on a team with LeBron when he was frustrated, and he felt like he got too much going on. He going to start shipping (expletive) out of there, man. … He gonna start going into GM mode.”
This past season, the Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. During the series, particularly in crucial situations, the Knicks kept going at James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
Adding James to the Harden-Mitchell tandem isn’t likely to solve Cleveland’s holes on defense. The 41-year-old superstar doesn’t have the legs to consistently play at an elite level on that end. This past season, he was sometimes caught taking a break defensively.
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For Shumpert, the 76ers and the Heat offer better chances for James to win a championship.
Philly acquired Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster deal to add him to a lineup that already has Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, and Tyrese Maxey. Miami won the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes and paired the two-time MVP with Bam Adebayo.
Miami looks like the perfect fit on paper, but James in Philadelphia gives the 76ers mouthwatering offensive firepower.
Cleveland can give James a nostalgic farewell tour and an exciting regular season, but Shumpert is convinced a title is not part of that package.
