On Monday, the NBA free-agent logjam piling up behind LeBron James appeared to be starting to move ever so slightly.

Related: Suns awaiting LeBron James' decision

Chris Bosh's agent began negotiations with the Houston Rockets, indicating that Bosh might be anticipating that there is a growing possibility James isn't going to return to Miami.

More: After star free agents, Bledsoe is best option

Heat President Pat Riley, meanwhile, was putting on the full-court press, reportedly agreeing to terms with Charlotte free-agent forward Josh McRoberts and Clippers free-agent guard Danny Granger.

Photos: The last time LeBron James visited Phoenix

Only James knows whether that will be enough to convince him to return to Miami. So far, he isn't saying anything.

NBA free agency: Keep an eye on these teams

And then there was the most fascinating news of the day. The Cleveland Cavaliers removed a link to their website for the scathing letter written to fans by owner Dan Gilbert, ripping James to shreds almost four years ago after "The Decision."

Choices: LeBron James' best options in free agency

That was the one that called James' decision "narcissistic" and "self-promotional." The one that called James a "former hero" who had "deserted" his home region. The one that called James' departure "heartless" and "callous" and promised that James would take only the so-called Curse of Cleveland with him to South Beach along with his talents.

Rankings: Top 20 NBA free agents for 2014

Gilbert called the departure a "cowardly betrayal" and told the team's fan base, "I personally guarantee that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win an NBA championship before the self-titled former 'King' wins one. You can take that to the bank."

Talk about a bounced check. Hey, maybe that was Gilbert's letter, and not a $20 bill, that Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was pictured rolling up in a bathroom.

The Cavaliers did win the lottery twice since James departed on his way to four consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals and two championships.

But though there are reports that "the winds" are blowing James toward home and tweets about "gut" feelings he's going back, it sure seems that the biggest obstacle between a James-Cavaliers reunion has to be that letter.

If Gilbert had ordered it removed almost four years ago, maybe the gesture would have seemed genuine. But taking it down just at the time that James is a free agent again and the Cavaliers are trying to dump contracts to offer him a maximum deal?

How convenient!

The Cavaliers have since said that the letter was removed "years ago" but an external link was discovered only in the past week.

At any rate, the letter is a hurdle, but not the only one. There also were the burning jerseys and a 10-story mural of James in downtown Cleveland that came down amid cheering after "The Decision."

There is an awful lot there for the Cavaliers to overcome. And there aren't many players, especially four-time MVP-caliber super egos, who could forgive all of that.

Reportedly, though, James is willing to listen if the Cavaliers can clear enough cap space to create a maximum contract for him.

If the Cavaliers pull it off, they might just build a statue outside Quicken Loans Arena. No, not one of James. Heck, they might just erect a bronze with a head of copper hair for David Griffin, the Cavaliers' general manager who cut his teeth in Phoenix.

Where do the Suns fit in all this? They're on hold, like other James suitors.

It doesn't bode well that we haven't heard a peep about interest in Phoenix from Bosh, who reportedly is weighing a four-year, $88 million offer from Houston; or from Carmelo Anthony, who reportedly has narrowed his options to the Lakers, Bulls or a return to the Knicks.

The whole key to the Suns' pitch is that they have the flexibility to allow James to join a playoff-ready roster in the desert and bring along Bosh, Anthony or whichever free agent he wants.

If those two are prepared to head elsewhere, it would appear to limit the appeal the Suns have to James, unless they can somehow convince him that if he signs here, they'll be able to work a deal for Minnesota's Kevin Love at some point.

Still, the Suns needed to go for broke.

The team's front office positioned the roster, cap space and draft assets to have the flexibility to pursue star players. They have sold their fans on that plan. To sit on the sideline with the biggest star in the sport on the free-agent market would have been a mistake.

And if they end up losing out on James, they're no worse off for the effort. The Suns can keep what they have (minus forward Channing Frye, who agreed to a deal with Orlando on Monday), which is pretty good, and wait for the next opportunity.

Cleveland is going for broke, too.

And if Gilbert is willing to kneel at the foot of "The King" and kiss his two rings, maybe that will be enough.

Top 20 NBA free agents for 2014:

Show Thumbnails
Show Captions
