If LeBron James becomes a free agent this offseason and holds talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a new contract, there are some who believe his no-trade clause will be a sticking point.

James has been on a no-trade clause since returning to the Cavaliers, which has limited the team's leverage as much as his short-term deals.

"Dan Gilbert's not going to do what it takes to keep him," one source predicted. "Not a chance in hell he's going to give him a no-trade clause, or let him dictate contract terms."

James relinquishing his no-trade clause as part of a new deal with the Cavaliers would be a major concession at this point in his career. While James has valued maximizing his earnings as a principle, he has also wanted the ability to maintain his self-determination.