Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown believes the Cavs will pursue Miami Heat star LeBron James in the offseason. James is eligible to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer.
Count Brown among the number who believe James returning to Cleveland is likely. Brown spoke Thursday on "The Dan LeBatard" and indicated Cleveland, led by first-year general manager Dave Griffin, will try to lure James back home.
"I think they will definitely try to make a run at him," Brown said on the show, via Cleveland.com. "With him being from this area it makes more sense for Cleveland to go after him than any other team besides the Miami Heat."
Cleveland's pursuit of James is contingent on him opting out of his contract, which he is able to do July 1.
In addition to being James's home team, Cleveland has the assets to potentially convince James of their championship potential. Although they failed to make the playoffs this season, Cleveland has All-Star Kyrie Irving and young talent such as Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters, along with the No. 1 pick of the talented 2014 draft.
The repeater tax, set to go into effect in the summer, would make it difficult for Heat owner Micky Arison to keep James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and a competitive roster intact for next season. If Miami is unable to field a championship-caliber team, or if Wade's health appears uncertain for the future, James could look to jump ship.
James, though, has been mum about his future plans. He told reporters earlier in the season he wouldn't discuss opting out of his contract, which would allow him to make more money if he re-signed with Miami, and instead wanted to focus on winning his third straight NBA title.
Miami is one game away from advancing to the NBA finals for the fourth straight year.
