NBA trade rumors: LeBron James expects to return to the Heat for $68 million by trade deadline

The uncertainty surrounding LeBron James and his future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to spark discussions across the league about his next landing point. While the ideal situation is that he might stay in Los Angeles, things can change, especially before the deal deadline.

If this happens, James has the option to explore. Due to the apron rules, not many teams have the flexibility to trade him, and some teams may feel that they have found the best combination and trading James is not feasible.

Considering these situations, The Ringer's Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe agree that if James leaves the Lakers on the February 16 trading deadline, the Miami Heat may be the ideal place for James to stay. Both ruled out the possibility that James was bought out, suggesting he would not stick to his position of leaving Los Angeles.

"Honestly, I'll say Miami. I don't know why. It's like a weird intuition," Simmons told Lowe on Wednesday's Bill Simmons Show.

Simmons ruled out the possibility of James and Pat Riley's 2014 division as a potential obstacle, citing his return to Cleveland, despite his terrible end to his first term in 2010.

Simmons added: "If it's the right choice for both sides, if the Heat can see that, and then say, 'If we turn Wiggins and anyone else into LeBron, we can win the Eastern Conference championship.'"

Meanwhile, Low guarantees James will partner with the Heat's $68 million duo Taylor Sheero and Bam Adebayo. Considering the Eastern Conference weakened due to the Achilles tendon injury of Jason Tatum and Tyres Halliburton, any team has the chance to make the finals.

In particular, the Heat with LeBron James could achieve this feat.

Explore the trading plan of LeBron James to the Miami Heat

LeBron James was traded to the Miami Heat on the February 15 trading deadline, which is logically possible. The Heat have a contract to comply with the apron rules, so neither party needs a third team to participate. The key transfer from Miami will be Andrew Wiggins and David Mitchell.

Here is a potential scenario:

Heat get:

LeBron James

Brown James

The Lakers get:

Andrew Wiggins

Davidian Mitchell

Simon Davidian

2028 first round draft pick

By trading Brownie James, the Lakers will have 14 players instead of 15 players who can sign a player in the buyout market after the deadline. The Lakers have received three two-year or shorter contracts that meet their criteria to sign shorter contracts in 2027 to get more cap space, when many superstars could become free agents.

Friends who like it can follow me and share more NBA related matters with you every day!