Report: LeBron will enforce no-trade clause

[July 24, 2017]  The Sports Xchange

LeBron James is one of three NBA players who have with no-trade clauses in their contracts, and the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar plans to enforce it during the 2017-18 season, according to an ESPN report on Sunday.

The news emerged two days after ESPN reported Kyrie Irving is requesting a trade from Cleveland so the point guard could be a "number one option." Irving's request puts the Cavaliers in a situation where they might not receive fair value for the point guard.

Only James, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki have no-trade clauses.

With or without Irving on his team, James plans to play out his contract, which contains a $35.6 million player option for the 2018-19 season. James is expected to decline the player option and test unrestricted free agency next summer, fueling speculation he might leave Cleveland for a second time.

According to the report, the four-time MVP is focusing on competing for Cleveland's second NBA championship and leading the Cavaliers to their fourth straight NBA Finals appearances.

James is frustrated with the developments concerning Irving, ESPN reported. Cleveland.com also reported he is disappointed at owner Dan Gilbert's decision to part ways with general manager David Griffin last month and the lack of offseason moves, which so far included adding Jeff Green and Jose Calderon in free agency and re-signing Kyle Korver.

Those moves occurred after the Cavaliers were unable to acquire Jimmy Butler or Paul George in trades. Butler was traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Minnesota Timberwolves, while George was dealt by the Indiana Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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