LeBron James will ruin his legacy if he runs to Golden State this summer

Let me state for the record that in my opinion there is no way LeBron James will become a member of the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors when he becomes a unrestricted free agent this July. That being said, that does not mean there is not a slim possibility that this could happen. 

According to Chris Haynes at ESPN, LeBron James will consider listening to the Warriors if they can somehow create a max salary slot.

 If the Golden State Warriors can create a max salary slot this offseason, the defending NBA champions could position themselves to secure a meeting with LeBron James, league sources told ESPN.

​There is no indication that Golden State is evaluating such options to acquire the Cleveland Cavaliers star at this time.

Out of respect for the Warriors' winning culture, James would listen if Golden State explored ways to clear the necessary cap space, sources said.​

​This offseason, James is expected to decline his $35.6 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent for the third time in his career, although re-signing with Cleveland is not out of the question.

First off it will take financial gymnastics by the Warriors front office just to get a meeting with LeBron James. Now that does not necessarily mean we should rule out the possibility because as the old cliche goes or as Kevin Garnett once screamed to the heavens "Anything is possible". 

Now I do not have any sourcing on this at all. My gut tells me this story has LeBron James prints all over it. It is likely his team of people put this story out there to distract everyone from an otherwise toxic situation going on in Cleveland where the underwhelming Cavaliers have struggled in the last month in addition to rumored infighting within the franchise. 

Then there is the perception.

Never mind the fact that LeBron did bolt Cleveland for Miami back in July, 2010. To leave the Cavs a second time is one thing. It's pretty much expected and assumed by many across the league that he will depart the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer if you follow the tea leaves.

​But to go to the historic Golden State Warriors? Led by Steph Curry, Kevin Durant among others? The team that has beaten you two of the last three NBA Finals.

It would put a stain on LeBron's legacy from a perception point of view. 

It's easy to sit here and assume that he does not care how he is perceived by others be it the media, legends before him and most of all -- the fans. But his passive aggressive nature in how he handles conflict proves otherwise. 

I am not suggesting LeBron remains in the shit-storm that is Cleveland because quite frankly he is actually partially responsible for creating it. But to make the transition to the Golden State Warriors of all teams would be the most weak decision a player of his caliber would have ever done. 

But of course that is his prerogative.