The Miami Heat Big 3 have managed to avoid most of the free agency insanity for most of the season. Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade all have to option to opt out of their current contracts and sign elsewhere in free agency. Considering all three took pay cuts to sign with the Miami Heat, it is assumed they might want to make a fair amount of money in their next deal. While everyone speculates what is next for the Heat, Bosh notes the players have had very little discussion on the matter.
If anyone thinks Bosh, James and Wade are negotiating with one another every day about what to do in free agency, think again. Bosh told USA Today Sports that no one is really talking about what the future holds right now because they are so focused on attempting to win a third-straight championship. Bosh has no plans of approaching James about free agency discussions.
"I wouldn't do that to him, because my answer (about his uncertain situation) would be 'I don't know.' The truth is that we don't know, and I wouldn't ask him. And even whatever he tells me, you're not the same person now that you're going to be in July. It's just a matter of fact. You're going to change," Bosh said.
Bosh told reporters that the players have an agreement to not talk about the future until the season is officially over. The Heat are attempting to avoid any and all distractions and free agency is certainly the biggest of them all. Bosh says he is simply just trying to live in the moment and win.
"Everybody doesn't win it, and you're that close from being really good or having the highest of highs or the lowest of lows," Bosh said. "I came into this season just soaking it all in because I want to win this year. I hope it happens - like 'Man, just one more. Please.' "
Bosh is certainly sounding like a guy preparing to make an exit in the offseason. While many predict James and Wade stay the duration of their contracts, Bosh is the one predicted to make the jump. Despite being 29, he is still playing at a very high rate and numerous teams would be interested in his versatility. ESPN.com's Chad Ford reports that Bosh is the player assumed to leave over James and Wade simply because he is more focused on the money in basketball.
Bosh has said that winning or not winning a championship this season will play a factor into his decisions in free agency, but many wonder if Wade's health will be a bigger factor. The guard has struggled heavily this season with knee issues. It is likely Wade will not play past one more contract which could impact the futures of James and Bosh.