INDEPENDENCE, Ohio _ New general manager Koby Altman said he and LeBron James have a "shared vision" for the Cavaliers, but owner Dan Gilbert said Wednesday he knows he won't control James' decision next summer on whether he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
"We do not control all the cards that we get dealt. A player who goes into _ LeBron or otherwise _ unrestricted free agency, if the team wants them then it becomes their decision, not our decision," Gilbert said during a news conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Altman said James has been helpful during the offseason, especially with the signing of Derrick Rose, and called James an "incredible partner" and a "magnet" for free agents. In regards to James, Gilbert called James "responsive" and said, "We have communication with him often."
Despite the uncertainty about the future of the four-time league MVP, Altman said he can feel James' commitment.
"LeBron remains deeply committed to this organization. He remains deeply committed to this team and deeply committed to this city," Altman said. "He has deep roots to this city. And it means a lot to him to be here and compete for championships for years to come. That's his goal, and so we have shared goals. We have a shared vision.
"When you talk to him in the offseason, it's always about how do we get better? How do we improve? Because the goal is singular. It's focused on trying to win championships. And so we're committed to him. From an organizational standpoint, that's our goal and that's our task, and so it doesn't really change my mindset in terms of me getting this position. I know what we are tasked to do."
Gilbert said he believes if the Cavs had pulled out a victory in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, they would have extended the champion Golden State Warriors to six or seven games in June instead of being eliminated in five. But he doesn't think the disappointing result in James' seventh consecutive trip to the Finals, three with the Cavs, has affected him.
"It seems to me, I'm just a fan like you, and it looks like that hunger is as strong as I've ever seen," Gilbert said of James. "You saw him the next day and he's working out in the gym and I think he is very hungry for this season and he will tell you that, too. Beyond this season I don't know. We're focused on this season."
