He was actually recruiting people to come to Cleveland: Brendan Haywood on Lebron James

He was actually recruiting people to come to Cleveland: Brendan Haywood on Lebron James
Brendan Haywood

Everyone knew why Lebron James left Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami Heat. The answer was simple, because of the lack of being able to register a championship against his name. Before winning the historic championship for Cleveland against the Golden State Warriors in 2016, the dream trio of Lebron, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh went from heights to further heights in the NBA. But Lebron’s desperation to strengthen his squad increased to strengthen the squad for Cleveland. 

One such player was Brendan Haywood; the star defender was one of the key reasons for success of Dallas Mavericks’ Championship triumph in 2011. With 13 seasons in the league, he averaged more than 6 points and rebounds per game. 

Take a pay cut to be part of something special: Lebron James to Brendan Haywood 

Haywood’s Mavericks defeated Lebron’s Heat in 2011 to win the NBA Championship

Brendan had an interesting story about how LeBron James wanted him to join the Cavs with a pay cut. He said, “So, it is my free agent year I’m in Dallas, and I made alright money on the first deal that I signed on my rookie deal. But I hadn’t got the big money, I was making like five [million] a year.” 

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“So, it’s free agency time when [Le] Bron is trying to make his decision on where he is going to go. He was actually recruiting guys to come to Cleveland. So, I’m cool with Jawad Williams, and he gets my number from [him]. Jawad Williams hits me up and is like LeBron wants your number,” revealed Haywood. 

“So, I get a text like ‘Yo, This King James.’ I was like, first of all, why are you calling me. He is like I wanted to know if you would be willing to take a pay cut because I know what you are supposed to get on the market. But, wanting to know if you would be willing to take a pay cut to be a part of something special.” However, Haywood refused as he did not want to be like the Bulls’ player alongside Jordan with the pay cuts.  

But having said that James did not back down from giving the city of Cleveland their one of the favourite NBA memories to cherish in the next few years.

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