The 2014 free agency pool is expected to be a good one with guys like Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all expected to opt-out of the final year of their contract. There’s a chance however that Lebron may not take that route.
Many think that Lebron will opt-out and re-sign with Miami this summer but there’s a chance he might wait a bit.
Hey, Mary: Looking at the salary cap, it looks like the Cavs would have to make room on the salary cap if you-know-who decided to come back, assuming they give Deng an extension. Do you know of any current buy-out options with players who have contracts that go beyond this year? If not, how would they make room for James and sign Deng? — Jericho James, Wooster
Hey, Jeff and Jericho: History tells us the Cavs will be active at the trading deadline, especially if the team doesn’t show some significant improvement soon. They have not given up on their goal of making the playoffs, but it’s unclear if this team, as constituted, can achieve that. As far as the future, they could sign Deng and have room for another max free agent. I have no idea if that will be James — and I’m quite sure James hasn’t made up his mind, either. The latest theory is that James will not opt out this summer but will finish his contract in Miami and become a free agent in the summer of 2015. If he ever wanted to come back, Cavs GM Chris Grant has done a good job of structuring contracts so the team would have payroll room. In addition, Dan Gilbert has shown a willingness to spend the money to make this team better.
