Now that the trade deadline has come and gone, the focus now shifts to the summer of free agency. With several big-named players expected to hit the market, speculation is now running wild on potential decisions. The Miami Heat are at the forefront of that as the Big 3 can opt out of their current contracts and sign elsewhere. Naturally, every team will be targeting them with big money.
LeBron James will be the biggest target outside of Carmelo Anthony. Where will the reigning MVP go and will this summer have The Decision 2.0? According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports, the general consensus around the league is that James will re-sign with the Miami Heat this summer. Baring a shocking departure which seems unlikely, James will remain with the Heat for the future.
If Dan Gilbert has any input on the matter, James will shock the world and return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The owner has already made it known the team will be targeting their former super star in free agency. The Cavaliers are holding out hope that playing alongside Kyrie Irvin is enough to entice James to make the jump. Keep dreaming, Gilbert.
The Los Angeles Lakers are prepared to go all-in on Chris Bosh. Amico notes that it is assumed if James re-signs with the Heat, Bosh will too. However, the Lakers will have salary cap space and are interested in acquiring the center. With Pau Gasol likely out this summer, the Lakers will need to fill the position. Bosh is considered one of the best available so of course Los Angeles wants him.
Dwyane Wade could be the odd man out. Injury history is certainly not helping his case to gain another big contract with a team. The guard seems more likely to finish out his career with Miami, remaining the face of their franchise. Amico reports that he too could remain with the team, but if another team makes a run at him, it could be the Chicago Bulls. The Eastern Conference team is ready to load up on big names are back-to-back disappointing seasons thanks to injuries. The Bulls have their sights set on Anthony, but could make a run at Wade as well.
Essentially, Amico believes everyone stays put this summer. James will set the precedent for everyone else. If he re-signs to Miami, expect Bosh and Wade to follow and keep the Big 3 around.