The notion of LeBron James celebrating a championship parade in downtown Manhattan as he concludes his career with New York Knicks doesn’t seem to resonate with the team’s front office.
As per a report from The Athletic, there was no proactive response from the Knicks management to James’ expressed interest, nor any strategic effort made to entice the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar to transition from Hollywood to Broadway.
“Despite all the focus on James’ recent trip to New York, where he sent all sorts of pro-Knicks signals that sparked speculation about that Broadway-worthy possibility, a league source indicated the Knicks’ brass has not discussed the prospect of adding James. Not only does the team lack the requisite salary cap space necessary to make room for James this summer, but the idea of the Knicks making moves to free up that sort of money would be seen internally as a serious setback to their long-term plan. While that could always change, it’s telling that the Knicks didn’t respond to James’ myriad messages by heading straight for the proverbial war room to figure out a plan to bring him to the Big Apple.”
A recent revelation by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne on February 14 disclosed that the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers explored the possibility of acquiring James during the trade deadline on February 8.
However, both the Lakers and James’ representatives promptly dismissed these propositions, as stated in the ESPN report.
It’s worth noting that James famously bypassed the Knicks during the 2010 free agency period, opting to join their rival, the Miami Heat. Given this history, the current Knicks leadership, particularly with James’ former agent Leon Rose at the helm as Knicks president, understands the landscape well.
Rose, who represented James when he made the move to the Heat 14 years ago, brings a deep understanding of James’ preferences and the dynamics involved.
While circumstances could potentially change regarding the New York Knicks’ interest in recruiting LeBron James if he becomes available, their current stance appears tepid at best.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
