The LeBron James 2014 free-agency saga gets more intriguing by the minute. The latest tidbit was handed down Friday morning by Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine.
According to Broussard, a key reason for James' delay in deciding whether to re-up with Miami or return to Cleveland next season is a letter authored by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert in 2010. That year James decided to leave the Cavs and join the Heat. He announced his plan on an ESPN special broadcast, which infuriated Gilbert.
"If it wasn't for that letter, this would've been done awhile ago," a source close to James told Broussard.
BREAKING: @Chris_Broussard reports that LeBron still hung up on Gilbert letter @ESPNSteinLine on set for reaction NOW https://t.co/g60Zslb2ha
— Mike & Mike (@MikeAndMike) July 11, 2014
Rather than express his disappointment in a professional manner, Gilbert went on a verbal diatribe against his former star player, opining a letter that described James' decision as an act of "cowardly betrayal."
Gilbert didn't stop there, making the attack extra personal referring to James at various points in the letter as "narcissistic" and "the self-titled former 'king.'" After having his say Gilbert made certain that his feelings toward James would never be forgotten. The letter remained on the Cavs website for four years -- the duration of James' time with the Heat. Gilbert finally deleted the letter on July 7 when it became clear that James was seriously considering playing for the Cavs next season. Courtesy TheMarySue.com For his part, James has not said a word publicly about his feelings regarding Gilbert's letter. The information is coming from individuals allegedly close to the NBA's best player. James has not directly spoken with Cavaliers officials, his agent Rich Paul has done the honors. James has also not responded to those who have begun questioning why he'd consider playing for a Gilbert-owned franchise again. ESPN.com NBA Insider J.A. Adande, however, made some solid points regarding the matter in a recent column.
While many NBA fans, especially those who follow the Heat and Cavs, await James' latest free-agency decision. They'd be best served not to hold their collective breath. James is spending this weekend in Brazil to witness the World Cup final and isn't likely to announce where he will be playing basketball next season.
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