Pivoting After LeBron: Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat, Timberwolves Plot Next Moves

With LeBron James choosing another destination, the Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat and Timberwolves shift to Plan B: Cleveland weighs a James Harden reunion (two-year, north of $60 million) and has eyed Jonathan Kuminga, but cap rules complicate a sign-and-trade; Golden State plans to re-sign Draymond Green, finalize De’Anthony Melton’s two-year deal, and fill the roster with veteran minimums to stay out of the tax, with DeRozan as a potential minimum target; Miami, now hard-capped, has a small remaining mid-level exception and a veteran-minimum slot, eyeing DeRozan, Beal, Klay Thompson, Seth Curry or Buddy Hield; Minnesota has an open roster spot and will add a veteran minimum piece, leaning into its new offense around LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards while Gobert anchors the defense.