Tim Connelly, now is your moment. LeBron James just became available. When Kyrie Irving said I want out, it happened. The Cavaliers now have to choose between Kyrie and LeBron and they are going to choose Kyrie. Kyrie wants his Westbrook moment and the Cavs will give it to him. I know Kyrie was the one who said he wanted to go but when the dust settles there is an excellent chance he stays. The best money is in Cleveland, and usually the guys follow the money.
The Nuggets need to call LeBron right now. If LeBron tells Cleveland, "trade me to Denver," they will do it and then try and pacify Kyrie. There is a tiny chance LeBron says yes but if we say the following he might.
1. One year, no pressure throughout the year to resign, then you can run off to LA. Let us make a pitch but we understand you are almost certainly going to LA.
2. We have Millsap. Best PF you have ever played with and perfect compliment to your game.
3. We have Jokic. A top ten player in the league. You've never played with someone who is as good of a passer as you and it will change your life. You will enjoy the beauty and perfection of basketball as it is supposed to be played.
4. The whole team can shoot. You will have all kinds of space at the basket.
5. If you come here we can recruit another one or two high tier guys and make things happen.
6. With Millsap and Jokic to carry things you can take some more rest per game and extend your career.
If LeBron tells Cleveland he wants to go to Denver it will happen. Denver will need to empty the coffers. We will be renting LeBron for a year but it's worth it for a chance at a championship. We will need to offer Cleveland a lot but Cleveland will be in an incredibly difficult position and ready to deal.
1. Jamal Murray or Gary Harris
2. Juancho Hernangomez
3. Draft picks (2019, 2021)
Denver just might mortgage the future, but for one year of LeBron/Jokic/Millsap/Harris it will be worth it. After this year we might immediately revert to another rebuild but it will be one I happily endure.
LeBron is a mature professional, playing his cards close to his chest, but just about everyone knows that as a businessman he is going to LA. Kyrie see this, wants to join in on the party and fun, and in a less professional way demands a trade. Kyrie can be sold on staying. LeBron is going no matter what and Cleveland will recognize that. This is the biggest opportunity Denver has ever had. Time to capitalize.
