LeBron James has become subject to trade speculation this offseason, and he could reunite with Mike Brown on the New York Knicks.
As soon as LeBron James opted into the final season of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, trade speculation immediately heated up. Would the King waive his no-trade clause and agree to end his illustrious career on a new team?
A homecoming with the Cleveland Cavaliers makes sense, as does a reunion with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis in a possible trade to the Dallas Mavericks, although there are likely other teams James would be interested in playing on.
With the New York Knicks ready to make a Finals push next season under Mike Brown, the Big Apple has been poised as a possible destination.
LeBron James and Mike Brown could team up on Knicks
For five seasons, Mike Brown and James worked together on the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Brown actually being James’ longest-serving coach.
In 2010, before James signed with the Miami Heat, the Knicks were one of the frontrunners to land him before falling short. James has made it clear that he values business opportunities after his playing career is over, and New York offers just as many ventures as Los Angeles.
Plus, the basketball fit next to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns makes a lot of sense.
“LeBron on the Knicks, it’s doable,” claimed The Athletic’s Dave DuFour. “Would they not be the favorites to go to the Finals out of the East if they traded for LeBron James, especially now?”
LeBron, even into his 40s, would immediately make the Knicks favorites to win the Eastern Conference. The only teams standing in their way are the Cavs, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks, although it’s laughable to imagine James not making the Finals in such a weak conference.
When James left Cleveland the first time, it was due to the strained relationship he had with owner Dan Gilbert. He has been nothing but positive about Brown.
“Knowing there’s a relationship there with Mike Brown, you know what I mean? These guys know each other pretty well,” DuFour continued. “That elbow stuff that LeBron likes to run? I mean, Mike Brown loves to run that stuff.”
Mock trade sends LeBron James to New York
James will be owed $52.6 million next season, so the Knicks would have to part ways with solid players to even start to make a deal.
However, with massive salaries tied up in Towns, Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, the Knicks have the means to make a deal for James.
Full Mock Trade Details:
This trade leaves an elite starting five in New York for James to win with. LeBron, Brunson, Bridges, Towns, and Guerschon Yabusele is a great starting five, and Knecht, Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, and Miles McBride round out the bench.
In LA, Doncic is paired with Anunoby, an upgrade from Dorian Finney-Smith, and a do-all guard in Hart, who could come off the bench behind Austin Reaves.
James won the Eastern Conference in his last eight seasons with the Cavs and Heat, and he could make it nine Eastern Conference championships in a row after returning from Hollywood.
