Is James most likely to join the Knicks? The Cavaliers remain the top favorite destination, Warriors fourth, Rockets seventh.

On October 17th Beijing time, in the latest podcast episode, respected reporter O'Connor and ESPN salary expert Max concurred that if James truly intends to depart from the Lakers, the New York Knicks are the likeliest destination for him.

“If it’s a straight trade, New York is certainly the first place you’d think of, and it’s a real possibility,” Max said.

“I also think it’s the Knicks,” O'Connor added. Then, O'Connor further explained what joining the Knicks might mean for James if he decides to sign with them.

“That’s Madison Square Garden — he has always said it’s his favorite arena. If he can help the Knicks win their first championship in decades, he could become the so-called ‘savior.’”

Max mentioned that the Knicks not only have the appropriate salary cap space but also sufficient roster depth to facilitate such a trade. Many immediately think of the big man Towns, who has a salary of $53.1 million this season, as a likely part of the deal. If Towns isn’t traded, one of Anunoby or Bridges could be included instead, and even then, the Knicks would still maintain a fairly strong roster capable of competing in the Eastern Conference.

However, in the latest odds for James’s next team, the Knicks currently rank third, with the hometown Cavaliers still holding the top spot, and the Mavericks, featuring former teammates Irving and Davis, in second place. The current odds ranking is as follows—

1. Cavaliers (+100), 2. Mavericks (+200), 3. Knicks (+500), 4. Warriors (+700), 5. Bucks (+900), 6. Pelicans (+1400), 7. Rockets (+1800), 8. Pistons (+2000), 9. Timberwolves (+2200), 10. Nuggets (+2500), 11. Clippers (+2800), 12. Spurs (+3300), 13. Pacers (+4000), 14. Heat (+4500), 15. Raptors (+5000).

James is currently sidelined due to sciatica. According to reporter Shams, he is expected to return around mid-November.