The Decision 2.0? While Carmelo Anthony is the focus of the upcoming free agency summer for the NBA, many are also wondering where reigning MVP LeBron James is going to head. The Miami Heat star can opt out of his current contract with almost every team willing to give him whatever he wants to sign. While a return to the Heat appears likely, the Los Angeles Clippers are preparing their offer.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne report the Clippers are seeking a sign-and-trade deal in order to acquire James in the offseason. While everything involving James hinges on whether he opts out, the Clippers are planning on being there if he does. NBA sources say James' relationship with both Chris Paul and Doc Rivers make the Clippers the most likely landing spot should he decide to leave Miami.
If Los Angeles is going to land James, they need cap space, something they simply do not have at the moment after signing free agents last summer and giving Paul a new contract extension. This is where the sign-and-trade option comes. Many NBA executives believe the Clippers will build a trade package around Blake Griffin if James expresses interest in joining.
The deal would not be as simple as that. The Clippers would have to do some more maneuvering in order to shed salaries and get under the luxury tax line, but if the team is interested and James is interested, the Clippers will do whatever it takes.
The trading of Griffin has been a hot topic this season. While he is playing the best basketball of his career right now, his name continues to circulate around potential trade rumors considering he becomes a free agent in a few years. The New York Knicks have highly considered bringing him on in order to keep Carmelo Anthony. Now, Miami could be the target. If the Clippers are going to orchestrate a sign-and-trade for James, Griffin must be involved.
In the end, every rumor surrounding James is speculation. The star has not spoken on his free agency plans and will not until the end of the season. Miami will not negotiate anything until the year is over. James could easily stay with Miami and ride out his contract along with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. No one knows for sure what will happen, but several teams are preparing for every option.