“Pat Riley Been Talking to Him”: Tim Hardaway Sr. Is Confident LeBron James Will Choose Heat Over Warriors and Cavs

As LeBron James' free agency saga continues, Golden State Warriors legend Tim Hardaway Sr. has insider information about his next destination. After eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, James is looking for greener pastures, and the former five-time All-Star believes that James will end up in Miami, due to talks with a certain team president.

Five teams are in the mix, but Hardaway believes Pat Riley, president of the Miami Heat, will win out. Based on the rumors, all signs have been pointing towards the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Golden State Warriors acquiring James. However, Hardaway doesn't see that happening, as he said on The Jim Rome Show.

"Anthony Davis, I don't think he's going to get traded (to the Warriors)... So, (LeBron James) is not going to Golden State. Unless they get rid of (Evan) Mobley or (Jarrett) Allen, I don’t think LeBron is going to go (to Cleveland). The longer that you wait, I think he’s going to Miami... Pat Riley, he's been talking to him now. That’s all I can say."

Riley brought LeBron and Chris Bosh to the Heat in 2010, forming the Heat's Big Three, along with Dwyane Wade. This previous connection could lead to a deal with the Heat now that LeBron is a free agent. Previous reports suggest that LeBron told his agent, Rich Paul, to handle business for him before he makes his decision.

While Hardaway spoke on The Jim Rome Show, Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about James potentially returning to South Beach. During a livestream with Twitch streamer N3on, the Greek Freak was asked if the King was coming to Miami. Giannis brushed it off by simply giving a shoulder shrug.

However, there have been recent reports that James could make his decision by the end of the week.

Agent Rich Paul Holds Final Intel as LeBron James Weighs Options

With LeBron James entering free agency, it feels like 2010 all over again when he made his shocking decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. However, this time around, it seems that the decision has been more difficult compared to his previous rodeo.

According to a recent report by NBA insider Chris Haynes, James' agent, Rich Paul, has gathered all the intel his client needs to know and is now waiting for his decision.

"I've talked to LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, and he said LeBron James has all the information needed," Haynes reported.

"So now it's all up to LeBron James to make a decision. As of right now, he's in deliberation phase. The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, they're in the mix along with Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Philadelphia 76ers."

Whichever team LeBron decides to sign with may become a serious contender for a title. This is especially true for the 76ers and the Timberwolves.

The Sixers recently acquired Jaylen Brown via trade. Adding James to the newly formed big three of Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey could prove to be a big threat in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, the Wolves recently traded with the Charlotte Hornets to acquire LaMelo Ball. Anthony Edwards and Ball are two of the young, bright stars in the NBA today. Bringing in a veteran presence like LeBron, still capable of keeping up with today's generation, could help Ball and Edwards take that next step to winning a championship.