New York Knicks: Is acquiring LeBron James a possibility?

Could LeBron James really play for the New York Knicks?

Back in 2010 when LeBron decided to take his talents to South Beach, he was deciding between six teams. Those six teams were the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers. Is there any possibility that he decides to play in orange and blue starting next year?

For the 2018-19 season, the Knicks owe their players a total of $99,972,105 in guaranteed money. With the salary cap sitting at $99.093 million, the Knicks are already diving into the luxury tax so in order to get LeBron they would probably have to do a sign-and-trade deal. With this, LeBron would opt into his final year in Cleveland and the Cavs would then trade him to New York for a package.

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If this were the case the Knicks might give up players such as Courtney Lee, Lance Thomas, and more which would clear up $19,373,430 in cap space for the 2018-19 season. This would make it a bit easier to take on the $35,607,968 they would owe LeBron James for the 2018-19 season.

A starting five with LeBron James could look something like this:

• PG: Jarrett Jack
• SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
• SF: LeBron James
• PF: Kristaps Porzingis
• C: Enes Kanter

This is, of course, if the Knicks decide to bring back Jarrett Jack. However, it is highly likely that if the Knicks did somehow get LeBron they would make other moves in order to make a run at the 2019 Finals and make the most of every season. The reason for this is that if you have the best player on the planet you want to surround him with other talent.

If the Knicks did get James, their first move would be acquiring a guard. With Jarrett Jack’s contract expiring following this season, it is likely they’d go after a point guard unless they were to give Emmanuel Mudiay or Frank Ntilikina a chance.

So will the Knicks get LeBron James?

Is it possible for the Knicks to get LeBron? Sure it is. Is it likely? No, it is not. The Knicks simply do not have enough talent to secure a player like LeBron. The only real talent the Knicks have is Kristaps Porzingis, Enes Kanter, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Three players, however, are not enough to reel in a big fish like LeBron.

Next: It's not easy without Kristaps

The only way the Knicks get LeBron James is if they can somehow secure a high-profile guard to sell LeBron on a big three in the Big Apple. Maybe someone like Elfrid Payton, Avery Bradley, or Zach Lavine could entice James.

If the Knicks were able to secure one of those three players, it would make New York a desired destination for the King. If they don’t secure a guard, however, it is unlikely they reel in LeBron.