NBA Trade Rumors: LeBron James Made Cavs To Re-Sign James Jones? Snubs Heat?

Veteran forward James Jones is staying for another year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James' "favorite player of all time" is gearing up for a third season with Cavs.

James Jones, 36, has signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $1.5 million, which is the minimum for a veteran, ESPN reported. Did LeBron James, who called him as his "favorite player of all time," had something to do with Jones being re-signed? LeBron told the publication, "I told J.J., as long as I'm playing, he's going to be around. He's not allowed to stop playing basketball. So, I'm going to make sure I got a roster spot for him. I love him. He's the greatest teammate I've ever had."

But the publication noted that Jones has gained so much respect among his Cavs teammates. Last season, he came up with the idea of having a secret trophy, which served as a private motivation for the team during the playoffs. So it's no wonder they want to keep him. In a statement, Cavs general manager David Griffin said he is happy to have Jones back, commending his leadership and professionalism that he showed in the two years that he's been with the team. Last season, Jones played 48 games and averaged 3.7 points.

Now that James Jones has secured a spot on the roster of the Cavs, his chance of going back with the Miami Heat is gone for now. He believes that he has greater chances of winning an NBA championship with the Cavs than Heat after all. In an interview last month, Jones said, as reported by CBS Local, "Miami is always open for me. Miami is home. There's a business side and theirs a personal side. I'm always here, this will always be home for me. I'm always open to Miami, but at this stage, it's really about an opportunity to win."