Now to the fun part. What next for LeBron?
At 41, it would be surprising if this summer’s switch is not the last of a career that started with the Cavaliers in 2003.
With career earnings from basketball alone thought be north of half a billion dollars, money may not necessarily be the motive for his next move.
A player of James’ calibre, even at his age, rarely becomes available at what will be a likely affordable contract but the veteran, given his timeline, is surely going to want to move to a contending team to try and add to his four NBA titles.
Like the Cavs, another of James’ former teams in the Miami Heat have also been suggested as a potential home.
A return to Florida would form a formidable starting five alongside fellow new signing and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and centre Bam Adebayo.
Given the Heat traded key members of their squad away to land Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee, a player of James’ calibre would add further scoring power and experience with Miami team focused on a quick rebuild towards a title push.
Cleveland have been on an upwards trajectory with four straight visits to the play-offs, but have lacked the ability to go on a deep post-season run.
A move back to his home state of Ohio, should he play at forward, would form a strong starting line-up with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, one that would not lack talent or experience.
The Golden State Warriors are another team reportedly considering a move.
James and Steph Curry looked at home playing alongside one another during the USA’s Olympic gold win in Paris two summers ago. They too are in need of an injection of quality after their worst season since 2019-20 last term.
Also linked are the Minnesota Timberwolves. They already have one of the league’s new stars in Anthony Edwards who James also played with at the last Olympics.
They have reached the final four of the Western Conference in three straight seasons, but have never reached the NBA Finals.
James remains a box office figure, on and off court. The coming weeks and months of deliberation over his future will cause considerable fanfare, let alone when he plays in new colours this autumn.
