The Cleveland Cavaliers supposedly believe free agent LeBron James is considering leaving the Miami Heat and returning to Cleveland. James, meanwhile, reportedly is scheduled this week for what could be a make-or-break meeting with Heat president Pat Riley.
James hasn't yet met face-to-face with teams, but his agent, Paul Rich, reportedly already has met with the Phoenix Suns, the Dallas Mavericks and the Cavaliers. ESPN reports Cleveland now believes they have a legitimate chance of luring James away from Miami.
"After more than two years of planning, the Cleveland Cavaliers believe they have LeBron James listening to their pitch to leave the Miami Heat and return to his home state in free agency, according to sources close to the process," ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein wrote on Monday. "... There has yet to be a firm indication that James is ready to leave Miami after four years and two championships with the Heat, but sources told ESPN.com that the four-time MVP is increasingly considering the Cavaliers as an option as he moves into the final stages of deciding which team to sign his next contract with."
Cleveland has a more competitive team than Miami, whom James seemingly gave an ultimatum: improve the roster now or else. Reports last week indicated James was giving Riley time to upgrade the roster, but Riley's window to do so may be closing.
Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday James would begin meeting with teams in person this week if Riley hadn't yet made significant changes to the roster.
That topic could be broached when James meets with Riley.
James is scheduled to meet sometime this week with Riley, according to ESPN. Although Riley improved the Heat's chances of re-signing James by drafting Shabazz Napier last month, Miami's roster hasn't drastically gotten better.
James can sign a contract beginning on July 10, although it appears unlikely he will have a team selected before the end of the month.
