NBA

LeBron James’ Warriors interest comes with Cavs at rock bottom

If you can’t beat ’em, meet ’em.

ESPN.com reports LeBron James is open to sitting down with the Warriors this offseason, when he is expected to decline his $35.6 million player option and hit free agency. The mere possibility of a meeting five months from now is intriguing given the parties involved, though it is unclear if the Warriors would be willing to clear the cap space necessary to sign James.

ESPN says that Golden State could consider a sign-and-trade that sends Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala to Cleveland, then get Kevin Durant to decline his $25 million player option and agree to take less.

This still seems extremely far-fetched. This is not 2010, when James, desperate for a title, signed with the Heat to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. James has three championships now, and being a cog in the Warriors’ wheel of dominance does not sound that appealing.

The Warriors are building one of the most impressive dynasties in NBA history, and it likely could continue with or without James, who is said to be impressed with their winning culture.

James’ Cavaliers are currently the picture of dysfunction with Kevin Love’s injury, Isaiah Thomas’ rocky return to the court and a total lack of defense. The Cavaliers did disrupt the Warriors’ reign two years ago with a stunning NBA Finals upset, but Golden State has won two of the past three titles and is the clear favorite to win another this season.

James is rumored to also be considering the Lakers and Rockets, if he opts to leave the Cavaliers again.