In the summer of 2024, LeBron James’ future is always the topic of most attention. Many reports say that he is willing to give up the 1-year automatic extension clause with the Los Angeles Lakers and his salary of 51.4 million USD to become a free agent.
Many people believe that LeBron James wants to return to his hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers, or join a young team that is lacking a superstar like the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, most people explain that LeBron James’ actions were just to watch the developments at the 2024 NBA Draft, where his son Bronny James attended.
Previously, LeBron James had repeatedly expressed his intention to play with Bronny James for at least 1 year. It can be understood that any team that chooses Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft will have a great opportunity to receive the services of LeBron James as a free transfer.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bronny James has received training invitations from 10 different teams. However, LeBron James will only accept offers from the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. Some rumors say that the Phoenix Suns are aiming to select Bronny James in Pick 22 of the 2024 NBA Draft. If this happens, the possibility that LeBron James will play for the Phoenix Suns in the 2024/25 season cannot be ruled out. .
Why could LeBron James join the Phoenix Suns?
If the Phoenix Suns select Bronny James in Pick 22 of the 2024 NBA Draft, they will likely have the services of LeBron James. The superstar 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in 1984 repeatedly expressed his desire to compete with his son and emphasized that he would do anything to make his dream come true.
Theoretically, the Phoenix Suns would be a great landing spot for LeBron James. They have star players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, but lack a true leader to go far in the NBA Playoff. That is something that LeBron James has in abundance, at the same time, he can also provide the ability to handle the ball and deal, something that the Phoenix Suns sorely lacked last season.
At that time, the Phoenix Suns will become one of the most worth watching teams in the NBA. As for Bronny James, it is predicted that he will hardly have a chance to be in the starting lineup, but will provide a suitable choice from the bench.
Will LeBron James accept a salary cut to join the Phoenix Suns?
However, LeBron James coming to play for the Phoenix Suns is only suitable in theory. Not to mention, this move forces LeBron James to accept “humbling himself” and receive an extremely low salary. Remember, the Phoenix Suns have exceeded the maximum salary fund mark and must pay a fine of nearly 127 million USD for the 2024/25 season.
Therefore, the Phoenix Suns certainly will not have the salary fund to sign LeBron James, unless the star 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in 1984 humbles himself to accept the allowed $3 million figure. For a player still at the peak of his form, ranked in the top 10 best players in the NBA, LeBron James will certainly find it difficult to accept this number.
In NBA history, there have been many veteran players who accepted low salaries to play, but that was because they were in the twilight stages of their careers and could not contribute their best like when they were at their peak. For LeBron James, who averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists last season, him accepting a pay cut would be an unthinkable story.
Therefore, the Phoenix Suns may still select Bronny James in Pick 22 of the 2024 NBA Draft. But luring this player back is a completely different story and most likely, they will take advantage of this to exchange. Bronny James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers to seek some benefit in the future.
