Today's the day. It's either opt-in or opt-out for Cavaliers' superstar LeBron James.
If he opts out of his contract with the Cavs, don't push the panic button just yet. History has shown that LeBron has a history of opting out of his contracts throughout his career.
Day 1 of NBA Free Agency begins on Sunday. That is the day that teams officially can start making their pitches to players. And a lot of people believe that James will make a quick decision.
But Thursday was not a good feeling day for the Cavs. It was a day that saw the Lakers in the middle of a lot of business, putting a lot of things together for potential deals and free agency signings.
And that has people in Cleveland feeling nervous. That's how fast things can change.
Two days earlier, there was a different mood in Northeast Ohio regarding LeBron and his future. Now, some of that uneasy rumbling in our bellies that we felt before 'The Decision' eight years ago is back.
LeBron is out of sight and you might say he's out of pocket. Thursday, there was a momentum shift towards Los Angeles to make these things happen:
- To get Paul George, who opted out of his contract with the Thunder, to sign in his hometown and play for the Lakers
- To trade for Kawhi Leonard as the Spurs have re-opened trade negotiations with L.A.
- Then roll out the red carpet for the new King of Tinseltown: LeBron James
If that does happen, how did it happen?
Some of it happened because LeBron did come home, forcing the Cavs to get players and keep players that he wanted on the team.
J.R. Smith for one. He was great when the Cavaliers won it all in 2016, but was one of the reasons why the team lost the Finals this year. Remember Game 1?
Tristan Thompson is another, with that insanely huge contract due in large part to LeBron's agency representing him. For the last two years, Thompson hasn't played up to that max salary.
And there are others.
But it really came apart last summer, when the Cavs gave in to Kyrie Irving's trade demands and dealt him to the Celtics for an injured Isaiah Thomas. At that point, the superteam we saw win the NBA title two years ago, wasn't so super anymore.
And in the eyes of LeBron James, it's far from super from where he sits right now.
The Cavs are in salary cap jail. They would love to make a big trade, but they have contracts and players that aren't desirable anymore.
So here's what we have going for us: This is still home.
But you wonder, is that going to be enough?