For the first time in nearly a decade, LeBron James is a free agent.
And to nobody’s surprise, the 22-time All-Star and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is capturing headlines, especially as it pertains to the Miami Heat.
In July of 2010, James made The Decision, a highly publicized free agency special, where he ultimately decided to leave Cleveland for the first time in his career and join the Heat. Now, in an entirely separate saga, Miami appears to be one of the teams making a big push to land James, and they could have the leg up.
“I had somebody tell me today that one of the other teams believes that Miami’s in the lead,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick said earlier this week on a KNBR Radio appearance. “And I don’t know where they’re getting intel, and that’s always the tricky part.”
While the head of Klutch Sports Agency, Rich Paul, made a whiteboard detailing all the possible core fits for James (Heat were mentioned), Paul also revealed that a decision isn’t expected to be made any time soon.
At the end of the day, James and Klutch keep their cards very close to their chest. We can’t speak about the conversations being had behind closed doors, but teams aren’t having meetings with James. They aren’t even making pitches to him — they’re making pitches to Rich Paul to relay to the four-time champion.
This is James’ last opportunity to capture everyone’s full attention for where he’ll play next. And he’s milking it like a cow.
The Heat’s case is quite compelling. They can currently offer him the most money (~$7 million) of any of the listed suitors, who are mostly relegated to the veteran minimum; they already have an established defense — led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo — to cover up for James’ miscues; he would immediately be the team’s most gifted playmaker; Miami has a lot of golf!
Teaming up with Erik Spoelstra, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo isn’t a bad idea, especially in a good-not-great Eastern Conference. But the ball will be in James’ court at the end of the day.
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Another drama. I really dont like that.
One thing for sure, James will not want to be saddled with the task of being the primary ball handler. Any team he is going to have to guarantee him of that and show him what will be in place.
Dwayne Wade is one of LeBron’s closest friends. I thought his silence was suspect. Finally, he spoke yesterday without saying much. 😒 🤔
Clickbait.
Yes, that’s all it is. But, we are being held hostage again. I wish we didn’t become paralyzed in these situations. It ended poorly for us two times already. Why can’t we pick up one player now? I may not be in the majority, but I d rather have DeRozan than LeBron. Irregardless, we need another good player because if we go empty handed from here into the season, we will be better, but it will still be more of a wait till next year season.
How are we being held hostage? What free agent has accepted 3-4 million that Miami missed out on?
Khris Middleton got nearly $6m from the Wizards. Maybe DeRozen and Beal want more than $3-4m
This narrative that LeBron is the reason Miami is stagnant in free agency is dumb. The reason is the Giannis trade.
Do you think that if LeBron had decided to stay with the Lakers we would already have signed at least one, maybe two players already? I do.
Absolutely. As long as Miami doesn’t miss out on signing any free agents who can make a difference, it’s ok. However, if targeted players start signing elsewhere, then it will be detrimental to the team, especially if LeBron also signs elsewhere. The longer this goes on, the greater the chance Miami will be damaged.
The decision shouldn’t be that difficult. Warm weather, no state income taxes, familiar city, organization and staff, best shot at a title with a healthy Giannis and Bam, best defense, city where he has had the most success (four years, four Finals appearances and two titles).
I’ll only believe Miami was damaged if a player takes the same or less than Miami has to offer.
Both Beal and Derozen have earned over $300m in their careers. Why would they be desperate to sign with Miami for $3-4m
They, like LeBron are probably waiting for the best situation and or unlike LeBron the best contract.
I don’t think we’ve seen a lot of these veterans fly off the market. If they want to play for a contender off the bench, their are teams like the Spurs and Knicks, who don’t seem in on LeBron who haven’t signed them either.
Both Beal and Derozen have earned over $300m in their careers. Why would they be desperate to sign with Miami for $3-4m
Why? Because they both have more money than they will ever be able to spend. However, neither one of them is getting any younger and neither has ever won an NBA title. This may be their very last chance.
I mean who? I think players want more money than Miami has. Maybe we re-up Keshad? I just don’t know that I buy that Bradley Beal or DeRozen are banging on the Heat door asking to take league minimum.
So really I doubt they would have signed anyone.
Hang loose. Miami has already waited this long. What’s another few days?
I get you. After looking at the math associated with the Heat in relationship to the first apron, the Heat have 10.5 mill. to spend. Since DeRozan probably does want more than the minimum 3.3mill., we probably aren’t going to be able to get him and LeBron. But, perhaps Beal may take the minimum. Still, I can see why we are waiting and so are a few other teams. Another good player did go yesterday, Gary Trent, back to his old team. But, he was way out of our price range.