Dan Gilbert feels confident in landing LeBron James, with completing the long-awaited Jarrett Jack trade.
The Brooklyn Nets may have lost Shaun Livingston in free agency to the Golden State Warriors, but they strike big once again acquiring Jarrett Jack. So far, Brooklyn’s had the best off-season in the NBA, strictly on the signing of Lionel Hollins as their new head coach.
The elephant in the room the last three weeks has been whether LeBron James will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dan Gilbert was initially hesitant to give his superstar point guard a maximum contract, but gave in inking Kyrie Irving though 2020 last week.
Cleveland has been in heavy pursuit of re-landing back their former franchise player LeBron James, who’s been privately vocal about the lack of consistent help he’s had on the Miami Heat and their aging roster (or lack thereof). Along with acquiring Jack’s hefty that still has $18.9M remaining over the years (guaranteed), Brooklyn also receives Sergey Karasev and sends Marcus Thorton and future first-round picks to the Boston Celtics.
In three-way deal, Brooklyn gets: Cleveland's Jarrett Jack and Sergey Karasev.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 9, 2014
Big, Tyler Zeller is also swapped to the Celtics, which clears up massive cap-space for the Cavaliers to pursuit another top free agent with LeBron to pair up with Kyrie and Andrew Wiggins. LeBron’s stated he wants a maximum deal as well, and so far, the Cavs appear to be doing everything right in their aggressive task this summer. Cleveland now has $24 million ready in spending, leaving $4 million left if James follows through with his $20 million max request. Reports have also just surfaced, that Cavaliers are also pursuit of Ray Allen, who’s been rumored to play only where LeBron James will be suited up next season.
Sources: Cavs pursuing Ray Allen
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 9, 2014
Dion Waiters will be on the trading block immediately if Dan Gilbert strikes gold at landing Ray Allen and most of all, LeBron James. The KING still has one confirmed face-to-face meeting with Pat Riley today, which Dwyane Wade will also be present in their re-pitch.
OS REWIND: Should LeBron James Return to Miami?