The free agency period is quickly approaching — less than three hours away — where several of the league's top player will be able to speak and agree to sign with any team of their choosing. The bulk of the chatter around the league prior to July 1 has been focused on the future of All-Star forwards LeBron James and Paul George.
According to Keith Smith of RealGM, the latest talk has James linked to leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Los Angeles Lakers while George may be headed back to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In talking to folks around the league, many believe LeBron James will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers and Paul George will re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Several believe George back to OKC will be one of the first deals reported shortly after midnight on the East Coast.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 1, 2018
The momentum toward these two scenarios playing out has only grown more heavily in the last few days. James has decided in the last couple of weeks to mostly leave the Cavaliers out of his decision-making process that he hasn't even set up a meeting with the team to start the free agency period. Meanwhile, there have been numerous reports to him heavily considering joining Los Angeles with the only true hesitation being that he doesn't prefer to be the first superstar free agent to commit to the team.
Meanwhile, there has been equal moment toward George considering strongly to stay with the Thunder that has only gained more steam over the last several days. Much of this has centered around his budding relationship with All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook. However, the Lakers also remain in the picture to ink George, but the fact that there has been a great number of reports that suggest the 28-year-old will return to Oklahoma City has dampened that scenario from playing out.
Ultimately, things will be in motion in the coming hours with the free agency craze set to begin around the league. These are likely two of the situations that will grab the early headlines that could dictate how the rest of the market plays out.
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