Warriors hit with disappointing LeBron James take

LeBron James is reportedly drawing interest from at least six potential free-agency suitors.

However, for the past week or so, rumors tying him to a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers have only grown stronger.

It initially seemed he was poised to team up with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors, but most reports say they're no longer at the top of his priority list.

According to NBA analyst Bill Simmons, they never were. Instead, he was just using him to get the Cavs' attention. 

LeBron James used the Warriors as "leverage," says Bill Simmons

“The thing that happened to poor Golden State is, I think they thought they were getting LeBron and potentially [Anthony Davis] and now, it’s pretty clear they were being used by leverage, as leverage, as LeBron goes back to Cleveland,” Simmons said on his podcast.“…The Cleveland thing is done.”

Simmons may not have a direct line to LeBron James, but he's well-connected around the league.

Of course, he's also made his fair share of wrong predictions, so one can't take his word as gospel. Whatever the case, this does sound like something James would do, given how he's handled free agency in the past.

Anyhow, a return to Cleveland also makes the most sense for the four-time NBA champion, at least legacy-wise.

Teaming up with his nemesis and the same player who beat them in the NBA Finals three times would only be a stain on his resume, but one final title run with his hometown team can only elevate his already legendary status.