LeBron James, Cleveland
Return of the King part 2. Once again LeBron left the Cleveland Cavaliers via free agency to play for another team.
The decision part 3 was not as dramatic as part 1 and the reception that LeBron will receive will ultimately be different. LeBron James announced on July 1st that he was leaving the Cavaliers once again to sign a 4-year 154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James initially returned to Cleveland in the summer of 2014, citing his desire to complete unfinished business. He fulfilled that promise in 2016 in record fashion, as the Cavs came back from an unprecedented 3-1 finals deficit to win the title. This ended a 52-year championship drought in Cleveland, and thus cementing James legacy in Cleveland.
His return to Quicken Loans Arena on Nov 21st as a member of the Lakers has already caused an uproar. Ticket prices are otherworldly high, and anticipation of the Kings return will have a great effect on local businesses. Unlike win he returned as a member of the Miami Heat when he was booed and taunted,
James will be honored as the greatest player in Cavaliers history. Fans will forever be grateful for him bringing a title to Cleveland, along with 4 straight finals appearances and 4 Eastern Conference Championships.
Khawi Leonard, San Antonio
Leonard’s departure from San Antonio was odd, to say the least. From the quad injury to the discrepancies of physicians, to the miscommunication issues, to the reports of confrontations with teammates, to Coach Pop calling him out in public, to him ultimately demanding to be traded,
The end of Khawi Leonard’s tenure with the Spurs organization was tumultuous. In San Antonio, Leonard was a 2x All-Star, an NBA Champion and 2x Defensive Player of the Year.
It will be interesting to see how he is received when he returns on Jan 3. Ultimately, he will be remembered for his time with the Spurs for his departure as much as his accomplishments with the organization.
DeMarr DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
DeMarr was drafted 9th overall in the 2009 draft by Toronto out of USC. He along with point guard Kyle Lowry, transformed the image of the Raptors, leading the franchise to new heights. This included five consecutive playoff appearances and 4 division titles.
In 2016, DeRozan had the opportunity to leave Toronto via free agency. He could have returned home to L.A and played for either the Lakers or Clippers but instead opted to return to Toronto, a team that has had a hard time retaining big name free agents or attracting them. He instead resigned with the Raptors, choosing to be loyal to the team in which he had been a key factor in building a championship contending team.
However, after the Raptors fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 playoffs, for a 3rd consecutive season and getting swept for the 2nd straight year in the second round, a change was needed. Raptors President Masai Ujiri spoke to DeRozan during the summer and informed him that changes would indeed be made, but he would not be one of them.
Several days later, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs along with other pieces, in a deal for Spurs All-Star forward Khawi Leonard. DeRozan was stunned that the team that he gave his heart and loyalty too betrayed him. The fans felt betrayed as well, and the first time DeRozan returns to Scotiabank Arena on Feb 22, revenge will surely be on his mind.
Tony Parker, San Antonio
Parker's departure from the Spurs was a bit surprising. Most all but assumed that he would spend his whole career in a Spurs uniform, given his relationship with Popovich and his storied history with the franchise.
However, Parker saw his minutes decreasing with the arrival of Dejounte Murray. The 6x time All-Star and 4x champion spent his entire 17 years as a member of the Spurs. He will be forever loved in San Antonio.
Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
Parker’s tenure in Milwaukee was littered with flashes of potential derailed by injuries. The Bucks rescinded the tender they placed on Parker at the start of free agency allowing him to sign with the Bulls, his hometown team for approximately 40 million over 2 years.
Parker's return to Milwaukee will oddly enough come during a preseason game on October 3rd, the grand opening of Milwaukee’s new arena Fiserv Forum.
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