Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has never hidden the fact that he is close friends with fellow NBA players Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul. Some have criticized James for being too friendly with his competition, but James has always brushed that talk aside.
James spoke about his relationship with those players in a recent article, and mentioned the potential of playing together in the future. James has already played with Wade when he was with the Miami Heat, but he has not yet played professionally with Paul or Anthony. James said that he has "hope" that the group could play together one day later in his career.
The Cavaliers star said that he would consider taking a "pay cut" to help make things happen, although he didn't give any specifics. James helped create an All-Star team in Miami when he went to play with Wade, and he could have some thoughts about another one.
"I really hope that, before our career is over, we can all play together," James said. "At least one, maybe one or two seasons-me, Melo, D-Wade, CP-we can get a year in. I would actually take a pay cut to do that. It would be pretty cool. I've definitely had thoughts about it."
The logistics of James, Paul, Anthony and Wade playing together make it unlikely that it will happen anytime soon. All four players make a ton of money, and Anthony is still under contract for a few more years. James may be thinking long term, and while it is extremely unlikely, the group could find a way to play with each other at the end of their careers.
All four own homes in Los Angeles and could try doing things out west once they are ready to make the move. James can become a free agent this offseason, but likely will remain in Cleveland, while Anthony still is under contract for the Knicks. Wade will be a free agent again coming up, while Paul is signed through the 2017 season with a player option for the next year.
The aging veterans could join together at that time for "one final run" after they are done as the top superstars in the league. Kobe Bryant is having a farewell tour on a horrible Lakers team. Sure, it's great for Bryant and the Lakers, but wouldn't it be better if Bryant went out with a final run in the playoffs? James clearly is thinking about something like that in the back of his mind.
James is not likely going anywhere until he brings a championship home to Cleveland, but after that who knows? A few years down the road, it may not seem so crazy.
