The NBA trade rumors host the discontented king. After a string of losses, LeBron James wants some changes.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a rocky start in 2017, highlighted by a 35 points demolition against their rivals Golden State Warriors. However, the low point came when they dropped a 124-122 decision against the New Orleans Pelicans-without franchise star Anthony Davis.
That prompted a tirade from King James about their still unfulfilled quest for a playmaker as chronicled in ESPN.
"I just hope that we're not satisfied as an organization," James said. "I just hope we're not satisfied."
"We're not better than last year," he said. "From a personnel standpoint."
James complained that the team is "top heavy" and rely too much on him, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. In the game against the Pelicans, Irving scored 49 points and James added 26 but they still lost. It would be an absolute disaster for the Cavs if any of their Big Three is injured, specifically Irving.
The point guard dilemma for the Cavs has not been solved since the departure of Matthew Dellavedova. They were counting on Mo Williams, but we don't even know which team Mo is with now-and he's actually retired.
There are ample point guards in the trade market but the Cavs are bereft of tradable assets (unless they're willing to break their Big Three, which they aren't).
According to Forbes contributor Mitch Lawrence, there are some guards that the Cavs can pursue.
"For their thin backcourt, the Cavs have been looking to add Denver's Jameer Nelson, Chicago's Rajon Rondo or Dallas' Deron Williams. Any of the three could help the Cavs. Nelson now is serving as Emmanuel Mudiay's mentor, but could be dealt for the right price. Rondo, every coach's nightmare, is on the outs in Chicago and in a backup role since being demoted from his starting spot. Williams could be a buyout candidate for the 15-29 Mavs since this looks like a lottery season for Mark Cuban and Dirk Nowitzki."
Is Rondo actually in the cards for the Cavs? He is a high risk acquisition even if they take him via the buyout route, the chemistry issues could still unravel. James may have to ask his buddy Dwyane Wade about this.
For Rondo, it could be his last chance to prove he has anything left to offer in the big league. He always maintained that he led the league in assists last season with the Sacramento Kings despite the lack of talent in that squad.
But that's precisely why Rondo should not be an option. His assists have not translated into actual wins and most of the NBA could no longer be misled with that anymore.