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NBA players exchange ideas about LeBron James' next team

By Alex Butler
Cleveland Cavaliers player LeBron James (R) argues with the official on a call against him during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors Sunday at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA-EFE
Cleveland Cavaliers player LeBron James (R) argues with the official on a call against him during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors Sunday at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA-EFE

June 4 (UPI) -- C.J. McCollum and Jared Dudley speculated about where LeBron James will be playing in 2018 during a spirited Twitter exchange.

Jamal Crawford sparked the debate, tweeting during the Golden State Warriors' 122-103 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals Sunday in Oakland. James, 33, can become a free agent this offseason if he opts out of his $35.6 million player option.

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"As great is Bron is, just no way he can sustain that every single play," Crawford tweeted. "The role players have to help to even make this competitive. But truly needs another superstar [and more] against this juggernaut."

Basketball analysts from around the globe have speculated about James' next landing spot, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, among other squads.

"Facts ... next season he'll have more," Dudley responded to Crawford.

"Where will he have more at?" McCollum asked.

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"Houston! The Warriors done force his hand bruh," Dudley responded.

"That's actually not a bad prediction," McCollum tweeted. "They gotta make room. Means they wouldn't be able to sign Capela. Have to get rid of [Eric Gordon] and figure out a way to move Ryan Anderson contract. Possible, but tough."

"Man they can pull a [Chris Paul] move and have him opt in bruh! You know I'm a GM/coach in the making. Houston can make room easier than a Ritz Carlton," Dudley wrote.

"Hilarious! You're right and they can go over the cap to sign their own free agents," McCollum wrote. "That luxury tax ain't no [expletive] though."

"Most owners would pay that for Bron, Paul and 'the Beard' for 3-4 years bruh," Dudley wrote.

The Warriors lead the Cavaliers 2-0 in the NBA Finals, with Game 3 set for Wednesday in Cleveland. Kevin Love is the second-leading scorer for the Cavaliers through two games, averaging 21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per bout. Love is averaging 14.7 points and 10.2 rebounds throughout the playoffs.

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Kyrie Irving averaged 29.4 points, 4.4 assists and four rebounds per game last season in the NBA Finals, playing alongside James and Love. Irving also posted 25.9 points, 5.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game during the 2017 postseason.

During James' last championship run, Irving posted 25.2 points per game in the postseason and 27.1 points per bout in the NBA Finals.

James has never won an NBA Finals series without the help of a teammate averaging at least 19.6 points per game in the Finals and at least 15.9 points per game in the postseason.

McCollum, 26, is signed with the Portland Trail Blazers through the 2020-21 season. Dudley, 32, has one year remaining on his three-year pact with the Phoenix Suns.

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