Where LeBron James ends up playing basketball next season is, without doubt, the biggest offseason storyline in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers want to make sure that he stays put in Northeast Ohio.
The Cavs' front office has reached out to LeBron's camp ahead of the NBA Draft on Thursday according to a report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
The two side have met face-to-face and have been in contact via phone to discuss the King's future with his hometown team, however, no deal is imminent and the Cavs won't know his intentions heading into the Draft.
James can still opt into the last year of his contract which is worth $35.6 million - he has until June 29 to do so but the expectation is that he'll choose against it and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
GM Koby Altman will run his first draft holding the eight pick and reports are that the Cavs wish to remain competitive after once again reaching the NBA Finals this season.
League rules state that Cleveland must make the pick on Thursday before trading it away. They can also make the pick, sign the player and then wait 30 days and send him to a new team - similar to how they acquired Kevin Love from the Timberwolves in exchange for Andrew Wiggins.
The team has not yet met with LeBron himself, but at least the lines of communication between his camp and the Cavs are open.
Thursday night's Draft is shaping up to be one for the ages.
