The Miami Heat’s shortcomings were brutally exposed after a Finals beat down at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. The team is elderly (the oldest in the NBA to be exact), and their point guard play is subpar at best. LeBron James is undoubtedly upset that he did not receive consistent help from his teammates, particularly Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, for much of the series. Miami’s disappointing play on the big stage and uncertain future has James seriously contemplating whether he should stay in South Beach or take his talents to a new (or familiar) city.
Much like the summer of 2010, James has all the leverage in the world and is in complete control of his destiny. The four-time MVP can opt out of his current contract, become a free agent, and literally sign with any team of his choice. No, really. Every team in the league would move mountains to ensure that the world’s best player became apart of its franchise if he expressed interest in them.
The Houston Rockets seem prepared to put all their eggs in one basket as it has been speculated that they will make an “all-out push” for the 29-year old. Players with hefty contracts such as Jeremy Lin and Omir Asik would have to removed from the equation to clear cap space for a max deal. All-NBA first-teamer James Hardin would be able to take ball-handling and scoring responsibilities away from James, two things LeBron strongly desires, and dominant big man Dwight Howard would help alleviate pressure on the defensive side of the ball for the two-time champion. The Rockets are a sexy prospect, and they have to be in the back of James’s mind at the least.
Another attractive but far less-likely suitor would be the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are still in the hunt for a head coach, which is not the most ideal situation to be in when you are trying lure in marquee players. Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre are the only players under guaranteed contracts for next season.
Los Angeles is certainly capable of making a run for James. In doing so, however, the Lakers would be pressed for cap space and would have to fill up the rest of their roster with role players on small contracts. James not only wants to win now but for years to come; that does not seem feasible with an aging-Bryant and a 40-year old Nash. But wait, LeBron and Kobe on the same team? Not in a million years. As much respect as the two legends have for each other, both guys have too much pride for that to ever happen.
OK, back to reality. Unfortunately for the the Lakers, the other Los Angeles team has a much better chance to land the all-world small forward than they do. Like the Rockets, the Clippers would have to maneuver some contracts around in order to clear cap space to make an offer to James. The prospect of playing with Chris Paul, perhaps the best point guard in the league, has to be appealing to James. Paul is a true lead guard and initiator of the offense, something James is looking to do less of in the coming seasons.
Then there is the high-flying Blake Griffin, who established himself as a legitimate low-post scoring force last season. James has to be enticed at the possibility of throwing the ball to a player who can consistently get buckets down low, a luxury that does not currently exist in Miami. Then there is Doc Rivers, the epitome of a players’ coach. If the Clippers do not have to deal out Griffin in order to bring James in, then LAC could be a viable option for The King.
James’ next option is not only the most popular but also the most polarizing: returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James played seven, illustrious seasons for the Cavs, but his inglorious departure all but erased every tomahawk dunk he threw down in the minds of Cleveland fans. In the subsequent years since “The Decision”, LeBron has salvaged his name for the most part in Cleveland. Still, it is impossible for us to forget the indelible images of enraged fans burning his number 23 jersey following the infamous announcement.
The Cavs still have the same owner in Dan Gilbert, who accused James of “cowardly betrayal” for the way he left Cleveland. Awkward? Definitely. Harsh? Yes, but it was said in the heat of the moment. Gilbert and James would definitely have to repair their relationship if the former high school prodigy is really considering making a return to his former team.
The Cavs’ roster is full of young talent and has the dazzling Kyrie Irving at its forefront. Cleveland also owns the number one pick in next week’s draft, which gives them plenty of options. The Cavs can draft a top player, perhaps Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins, or they can package the top pick in a trade and acquire another star to play with Irving and James. When you consider the leverage that Cleveland has and the history between James and his former team, you realize that anything can happen.
James also has the option to opt out and resign with Miami on a short-term deal. For that to happen, the Heat will need to make major changes to its roster in order to convince James to sign a new deal. What Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh decide to do will play a pivotal role in shaping James’ final decision. Both Wade and Bosh have the same clauses in their contract as James, meaning they can opt in or out of their current deals. At one point, Wade said he would like to spend his entire career with the Heat. Bosh said he was interested in being more of a primary option on another team but still wants to remain in Miami. It remains to be seen as to what the two star will do.
Team President Pat Riley held a press conference last week and directly addressed the Big Three’s future: “How can we keep the guys together? We’re prepared. We’ve got the whole thing written up. Whatever it takes to keep them together, we’re ready for. Let’s stay here and try to keep this thing going.” Riley made it clear that he wants the trio to stay the course and stick together but also understands that they have options to weigh.
Miami could potentially sign another player to a max deal, but the Big Three would have to restructure their deals. James, Wade and Bosh would need to opt out and sign new deals for less money, thus creating cap space for another star. Riley will have to work some real magic in order to keep Wade, Bosh and most importantly, James, but it seems like he is ready for the challenge.
The last option for James might be the most plausible; the superstar can opt in, play another season in Miami, and become a free agent in 2015. In doing so, Miami will given more time to get its roster together and make another run at a championship. At the same time, other teams can begin devising plans to win the Lebron James-sweepstakes when he hits the market. This scenario seems to give James the most flexibility and freedom to do as he pleases.
Lebron James has exactly a week to decide his future. James can choose to sign with a new team or remain with the Heat, whether it is just for the interim or long term. As of right now, nothing is certain. However, one thing is indeed certain. James’ decision will not only affect Miami but the entire NBA landscape.
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