The big domino fell with a bang. LeBron James announced, in his own words and in an exclusive with SI.com, that he is returning to Cleveland after four years with the Heat.
An excerpt from the SI.com piece from LeBron, as told to Lee Jenkins:
When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn't had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what's most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio.
I always believed that I'd return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn't know when. After the season, free agency wasn't even a thought. But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown. I looked at other teams, but I wasn't going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy.
One other very interesting thing from the piece:
I think I can help Kyrie Irving become one of the best point guards in our league. I think I can help elevate Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters. And I can't wait to reunite with Anderson Varejao, one of my favorite teammates.
As noted by NFL writer Ian Kenyon, there is no mention in there of Andrew Wiggins, this year's No. 1 overall pick. We would also note that he didn't mention Anthony Bennett, last year's No. 1 overall pick.
If you are a conspiracy theorist, you can use that as a sign that talks between the Cavs and the Wolves over Kevin Love are legit, because any trade has to begin, at the very least, with Wiggins coming here. It could just be an omission. Or it could be calculated. Just a little strange in the midst of a very precise message that he would not mention the last two No. 1 overall picks.
