Former NBA veteran Baron Davis spilled the tea on Twitter by claiming that Cavs owner Dan Gilbert refused to let him out of his deal in order to prevent him from teaming up with LeBron James. Whatever his rationale may be, Gilbert's tactic was effective as both Davis and James never got to share the court together as teammates.
I remember Dan Gilbert sent a message to me he wouldn’t let me out my deal if I went to play with LEBRON!!! Facts. He knew that where I was going so they played hardball… he said if I went to play with LEBRON he would win a title. I told him LEBRON gonna win one anyway. 🤦🏾♂️
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) March 9, 2021
In the second half of the 2010-11 season, Davis was traded to the Cavs with a first-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Jamario Moon and Delonte West. It was a short-lived stint for Davis as he only suited up for 15 games but he did come out with stellar performances to grab some late wins for the team by the end of the season.
At that time, there was still a huge rift between Gilbert and James after the latter opted to leave Cleveland and take his talents to the Miami Heat. The Cavs team owner knew that both Davis and James can potentially team up in South Beach which could result in a title.
As a result, Gilbert held onto Davis for a little longer, ensuring that he won't join James in Miami. The Cavaliers eventually decided to cut the veteran off their roster back in December of 2011. Five days after his release, Davis then chose to sign with the New York Knicks who were also in need of a point guard at the time.
Ultimately, James was able to repair his relationship with Gilbert after he came back to Cleveland in 2014 and eventually delivered his promise of winning a title two years later. Meanwhile, there are certainly some what-ifs lingering in the mind of Baron Davis, especially after missing out on an opportunity to be teammates with a player like LeBron James during his prime.
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