LeBron James and the Denver Nuggets? Nothing More Than A Pipe Dream
By Andrew Dill
Dec 30, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) dribbles the ball past Denver Nuggets shooting guard Wilson Chandler (21) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Heat defeated the Nuggets 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
According to LeBron James‘s agent, the superstar forward announced that he’ll opt out of the final two-years of his contract with the Miami Heat which was expected to pay him up to $42.7 million. According to Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post, the Nuggets will try to make a pitch for the forward — as will every other team.
James is expected to become a free-agent on July 1st, so that means no one can contact, bring-in the forward until that date. Denver Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly said the team will be aggressive this summer when it comes to the draft, trade, or even via free agency. So why not go after the best player on the planet right now.
The problem with the Nuggets is, they are basically a small-market team. They would have to try to find a way to get rid of some contracts that are on the roster right now. Starting with center JaVale McGee, who is going to be making $11.2 million the next season and $12.0 million the following. Then you move down to forward Danilo Gallinari, who is scheduled to make & 10.8 million in 2014-15′ and 11.5 million in 2015-16′. Then you’d have to move down the line and figure out a way to move Wilson Chandler‘s contract as well ($6.7 million) — which would be very hard.
The Denver Nuggets have also been in talks about acquiring Kevin Love who is unhappy with the losing ways of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets offered Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler, and their 11th overall pick to acquire Love and Kevin Martin, but we have heard nothing more on the matter.
Looking at the Nuggets trying to land LeBron would be nothing more than a pipe dream, but hey — we can all dream can’t we?