Even before LeBron James made his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, there was speculation over what his new team may have to do to appease the superstar forward.
The Golden State Warriors certainly felt that with reports they were on the outside of the James pursuit unless they made a big move like trading for Anthony Davis. As much as the Warriors are in an underwhelming position as a result of missing out on James, they'll be happy to avoid one headache that's already rearing its head thanks to his former championship teammate Kevin Love.
Kevin Love rumors prove Warriors avoided one LeBron headache
Just over two weeks since James announced his move to the 76ers and there's already talk, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, that Love would like to reunite with his long-time friend in Philadelphia.
"Love's agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in touch with the Philadelphia 76ers' front office since James picked Philadelphia, sources told ESPN. Though the 6-foot-10 Love and James have remained close since teaming up for four seasons with the Cavaliers and even vacationed extensively together this summer, that bond doesn't necessarily mean there will be a roster spot for the former five-time All-Star by training camp."
There's a fine balance between James being a great recruiting tool and forcing the team into unwise moves, with his previous organizations -- the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers -- all experiencing both sides of the equation.
Now the 76ers face these kinds of dilemmas. They've already benefited by landing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope after he was bought out by the Memphis Grizzlies, with his move to Philadelphia assuredly impacted by James' decision and their relationship as former championship teammates.
Yet going down the path with Love would be a major mistake, and would be the first sign of the 76ers really catering to James in a way that puts an individual over the team. It may have made sense as a way to lure the 41-year-old to the team, but not now that's he's actually signed with them.
Warriors may face similar pressure from Stephen Curry
The Warriors have not only avoided this headache by failing to sign James, but they haven't had to deal with such a predicament with their own franchise superstar, Stephen Curry, who's very rarely, if ever, asked the front office to make moves to appease him.
That could change in the next 12 months given the disappointing nature of Golden State's offseason which has arisen speculation over the 38-year-old's future. It's highly unlikely Curry actually considers heading elsewhere, but he could use the threat of that to lead the front office into a major move that prioritizes his timeline.
Curry is eligible to sign a two-year, $136.7 million extension on August 29, but delaying his signature could be a signal to the Warriors that he needs to see more activity from them before solidifying his future beyond next season.
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