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- Former NBA executive discloses how much Cavs would likely pay Jarrett Allen in long-term deal
- Andre Drummond has hilarious reaction to finding out Cavs traded for another center in Jarrett Allen
- Report: Cavs waive 2 players in aftermath of blockbuster James Harden trade
- Report: Cavs acquire Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince in blockbuster James Harden deal
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- Report: Cavs reveal MRI results of Collin Sexton’s latest injury
- Report: Cavs considered adding Jeremy Lin before signing Yogi Ferrell
- Kevin Porter Jr. highlights relationship with Carmelo Anthony as he remains away from Cavs
- Report: Steve Nash continues to have no update on Kyrie Irving’s mysterious absence from Nets
J.J. Redick Says LeBron James’ Decision to Leave Cavs Drew Hate Because of Racism
- Updated: July 9, 2020
Superstar LeBron James took on a ton of hate for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat 10 years ago.
In an interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, New Orleans Pelicans veteran J.J. Redick explained how James’ decision drew hate because he was a powerful black man making a consequential choice for himself.
“I think an underlying, I really believe this, an underlying reason for the reaction to Kevin [Durant] and LeBron making those decisions is because people were uncomfortable with powerful black men making a decision for themselves,” Redick said. “I really believe that. And that goes back to systemic racism in our society.”
James, 35, was drafted by the Cavaliers with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Although the hometown hero played in Cleveland for the first seven seasons of his career, he did not feel like the franchise could help him become a champion. As a result, he joined forces with All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.
Critics of Redick’s view would say fans were irate with James because he joined a superteam, spurned the Cavs on national television and bloviated that the Heat were going to win several championships.
Of course, James went on to appear in four finals and win two titles in Miami. However, he returned to Cleveland in 2014.
The four-time MVP delivered on his promise to bring Cleveland a championship, as he led the Cavs back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the historic Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.
During the ensuing summer, Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the star-studded Warriors. The move drew parallels to James’ decision to leave Cleveland for Miami in 2010.
Now, James plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, while Durant is on the Brooklyn Nets.
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