“Not
one… not two… not three… not four… not eight” by now we have all heard LeBron
James’ declaration to Miami Heat fans, made four years ago shortly after the ‘Big
Three’ assembled in South Beach. Unfortunately for LeBron and company, the Big
Three have only garnered two NBA Titles in their four seasons together. With
all members of the superstar trio opting out of their contracts this summer,
there is no telling whether the Big Three will ever fulfill the championship-winning
prophecy which James laid out four years earlier.
On
June 24, James’ agent, Rich Paul, announced that the 29-year-old would be
opting out of his contract with Miami. Since shaking the whole orbit of this
year’s free agency market with his decision, James has not been shy to discuss
financial desires for his future services. James has made it known that he
wants a maximum-payday for the 2014-2015 season, this would approximate at a value
around $20.7 million for the upcoming season.
The
Miami Heat possess a massive salary cap space of $55-million dollars entering
this free agency period. Considering that Pat Riley and his organization decide
to resign all members of the Big Three this summer, their cap space would be
diminished and the club would have hardly, if any, leftover dollars to spend on
adding beneficial pieces to their roster. The prospect of Miami keeping all
three of their superstars is beginning to seem more and more faint by the day,
sources report that after holding a private meeting amongst themselves, the Big
Three are still not certain about their futures together.
Several
other clubs are already salivating over the prospect of claiming James, the gem
of this free agency period, and making him the cornerstone of their franchise.
The Lakers have
reportedly contacted James’ agent about acquiring LeBron’s services. If it came
down to dollars, a big market franchise such as the Lakers would have no
struggle in providing the money to James.
The Los Angeles
Clippers have also shown interest in signing James. The Clippers acquiring
James would not be so unrealistic, considering that point guard Chris Paul and
James are very close friends on and off of the court. Just imagine a player of
LeBron’s caliber joining forces with an electric, dynamic roster, like Los
Angeles’.
Houston is also
looking to make a blockbuster deal for the 10-time All-Star. The Rockets
already possess a pair of franchise cornerstones in James Harden and Dwight
Howard. Considering that rings are what LeBron desires, he has an excellent
opportunity to form another Big Three in the Lone Star state.
The prospect of packaging
a deal uniting James and fellow superstar free agent Carmelo Anthony is also on
the wish list of several NBA franchises.
Cleveland and
Atlanta are among the teams hoping to construct a deal which will land both
superstars on their rosters this upcoming season.
Cleveland, oh
Cleveland, how could we forget about you? James’ return to Ohio could be a
reality and the Cavs have certainly shown interest in getting their icon back.
With point guard Kyrie Irving signing an extension this offseason, Cleveland
could be signaling to LeBron that they are title-contenders and finally have
supplied the supporting cast he so desperately desired as a Cavalier.
With
his opting out, James has once again put himself in the eye of the NBA free
agency storm. Will he decide to keep loyal to his Big Three in South Beach, or
will the four-time MVP “take his talents” elsewhere on the NBA map in pursuit
of Finals hardware? Stay tuned folks, ‘The Decision’ … Part Two.
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