1. LeBron James (sign-and-trade)
Now this is the only one here that wouldn’t be a trade, but instead a sign-and-trade for a Heat reunion with LeBron James. Different from a regular trade, Miami would have much more control in this scenario. They would be able to sign James outright, and then salary dump to the LA Lakers the necessary contracts to make a deal work financially, similar to when Jimmy Butler arrived from the Philadelphia 76ers. If a player of his caliber is indeed trying to move on, the Lakers surely would take a package with a piece to build on like Herro than let him walk for nothing.
Both sides have a storied history together, with James earning two NBA championships during his four-year stint in South Beach a decade ago. James may be the oldest player in the league, but he is on route to being the only basketball player ever that could compete with Father Time.
Shams recently reported that James is planning on playing another season or two, and what better way to ride off into the sunset on a contending team in sunny South Florida? Not only could James be the missing piece to this Heat team’s championship aspirations, but they could also pose a good franchise for Bronny James. Bronny, James’ son, declared for the NBA draft a few weeks ago.
There has been some speculation of Bronny going undrafted. Which organization in the NBA has the best success with developing undrafted talent?
A lot of stars would have to align for this storyline, but James is expected to decline his player option this summer and hit free agency for the final time of his legendary career. It is unclear if he would leave the Lakers, but if he does, Miami provides arguably the best situation for him both on and off the court. Pat Riley mentioned years ago that he would be open to a James/Heat reunion, mentioning he would leave a “shiny new key” under the mat for the greatest player of all-time.