The Cavaliers are reportedly working to create sufficient monetary flexibility to make a aggressive supply to LeBron James after he knowledgeable the Lakers that he plans to go away in free company.
A key a part of Cleveland’s technique may contain James Harden, who declined his $42.3 million participant choice and is anticipated to re-sign with the Cavaliers.
Nevertheless, Harden is reportedly delaying a brand new settlement to assist protect the group’s wage cap flexibility.
As presently constructed, Cleveland can supply James solely the veteran minimal.
If Harden agrees to a brand new contract beginning round $30 million, the Cavaliers may transfer nearer to creating room for the $15 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
To make that doable, Cleveland is reportedly trying to commerce Max Strus, who’s owed $16.6 million subsequent season.
Transferring his contract with out taking again wage would give the Cavaliers a practical path to providing James the total midlevel exception.
The Warriors are pursuing an analogous technique after Draymond Inexperienced declined his participant choice, with Golden State additionally exploring methods to create sufficient cap flexibility to pursue James.
James Harden Delaying Signing, Cavaliers Pursuing Max Strus Commerce To Open LeBron James MLE Path https://t.co/hmUfS7sSMS
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 30, 2026
