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One extremely important factor in the LeBron James sweepstakes may be which teams can roster both him and his son, Bronny James.
In the NBA, teams are limited to 15 players on standard, one-way contracts, and three additional players on two-way contracts. Most teams opt to carry 14 players instead due to salary cap concerns, plus the three two-way players who do not count against the salary cap.
Therefore, if James wants to play with his son, then he needs to find a team that has two roster spots open, or at least a team that is willing to cut an additional player loose to bring Bronny on board with his father.
Plus, any team acquiring James will have to swing a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers for Bronny, which is another factor not enough people are talking about.
So, what teams could take on both of the Jameses?
Cleveland Cavaliers Would Welcome Both Jameses With Open Arms
One team that has been heavily connected to getting James is the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent 11 years of his NBA career over two separate stints.
Like his father, Bronny was born in Akron, Ohio, so Cleveland is basically home for him. His early years were spent in Cleveland, when his dad played for the team, so this would be a homecoming not just for the father but also for the son.
Related: LeBron James Connected to Cleveland Cavaliers Homecoming
After spending the past season in the second apron, the Cavaliers have left money open under the first apron this season, so they can bring in both James and his son. Bronny is on a minimum-salary contract for $2.3 million next season, while James is likely looking at a veteran's minimum deal worth $3.9 million, though it only counts at $2.4 million against the salary cap.
The Cavaliers have the cap room to bring both players in, and they are the Jameses' hometown team. No wonder Cleveland has been so heavily connected to the superstar and his son.
Bringing in James will be easy, as the Cavaliers just have to sign him outright as a free agent. As for Bronny, the Cavaliers would have to swing a trade with the Lakers to get him, but he likely wouldn't cost more than a future, top-55 protected second-round pick (a.k.a. a "fake second-rounder") in a trade, as the Lakers would presumably do the Jameses and whatever team he goes to a solid in this case.
The most important consideration in this is the two roster spots and room under the apron. Cleveland has both, so it makes a lot sense that James goes home. But it's certainly no guarantee, not when so many other contenders are chasing after him.
More NBA:
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- Why Denver Nuggets Could Land LeBron James
Other Teams With Two Roster Spots Open
In addition to Cleveland, there are several other James suitors with two roster spots open.
The Miami Heat, the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Philadelphia 76ers are all teams that are chasing James that have two roster spots open.
Gee, I wonder why?
It seems pretty obvious that these teams are keeping an extra roster spot open for Bronny just in case they can get their father to join them. It just makes sense because whatever team is signing James is going to swing a trade with Los Angeles for Bronny, too.
All of these teams would only be able to offer James the veteran's minimum and use the minimum-salary trade exception to bring in Bronny in a trade. All of their front offices have been smart in keeping two roster spots open for father and son.
But here's the truth: if James is coming to town, and if the only holdup is finding an extra roster spot for Bronny, then any NBA team is going to make room to bring in his son.
James is one of the greatest NBA players of all time, and teams will do whatever it takes to bring him in. That includes potentially cutting or trading players to make room for an extra roster spot, and that includes giving the Lakers a draft pick for Bronny in a trade.
"The Decision 2.0," as it's being called, is expected to be made in short order, so it won't be long until we find out where James is going next. But wherever that is, expect Bronny to join the GOAT as his son looks to keep playing with his father.
