From Kyrie Irving listing New York in his out-of-the-blue trade request to Carmelo Anthony winning his stand-off with Phil Jackson, the last couple months arguably have provided the most excitement Knicks fans have had in years.
Still, the greatest offseason drama might be a year away. Next summer, LeBron James can become a free agent for the third time in his career. The 2018 version of his free agency has the potential to surpass “The Decision” in terms of intrigue, with the Lakers the top rumored destination.
But like in 2010, the Knicks will want a shot to court the King — and may have one, at least according to Blake Griffin.
Griffin — who just signed a new deal with that other L.A. team — isn’t convinced James is destined to join new Lakers exec Magic Johnson.
“Honestly, I don’t see him coming to L.A. period,” Griffin said on the podcast, “View from the Cheap Seats.” “Listen, again, I have no idea. I think something is brewing with him and his group of guys.”
By “group of guys,” Griffin means Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, the members of the famed “banana boat crew.” James hasn’t been shy about his desire to play with his friends, and some previously thought they might team up in Cleveland. But what’s brewing could be with the Knicks.
“I could see [LeBron] going to New York before L.A,” Griffin said. “I still think, when you go to the Garden, it’s a completely different feeling. The energy, there seems like there’s just a consistent buzz the entire game. … Even last year when you go play them, it’s still there.”
Far-fetched or not, all signs point to James leaving Cleveland when his contract expires. Reports have swirled for months about his frustration with the Cavaliers’ front office, most notably owner Dan Gilbert. Gilbert first let go LeBron-approved GM David Griffin, then sat back as superstars Jimmy Butler and Paul George found new homes outside of Northeast Ohio.
A report Wednesday all but confirmed the rumors of James’ departure. And until free agency beings next July, speculation will run abound as to where the three-time NBA champion will sign next.
James and pal Paul George, who will also be a free agent next summer, have been linked with the Lakers. L.A. already has cleared significant cap room for next summer by dumping Timofey Mozgov’s contract on the Nets, and the team has plenty of enticing young talent on the roster.
For the Knicks, a shot at James would complicate their current plan. Anthony is already in New York, although the Knicks are trying to deal him away, no-trade clause and all. A theoretical promise from James might be enough for Anthony to shut down trade talks. The Knicks have a potential cornerstone in Kristaps Porzingis, along with promising young talent in Willy Hernangomez and Frank Ntilikina. The talent could be attractive for LeBron.
That being said, the contracts on the Knicks’ books make signing James, Paul and/or Wade even more of a pipe dream. Over the next four years, the Knicks owe $143 million to Joakim Noah and Tim Hardaway Jr. alone.
And if somehow the Knicks finagle a trade for Kyrie Irving, fans can forget about a James-Irving reunion in New York. The Cavs teammates’ beef has been one of the more well-covered NBA stories of the summer, and the two are reportedly not on speaking terms.