A few short summers ago, LeBron James famously took a pay cut to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and sign with the Miami Heat, the place he had the best chance of winning a championship. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh followed suit and the result was back-to-back titles with the promise of a third. So with free agency approaching yet again, will James accept less money once again?
According to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News, James is not looking to take a discount once again. The NBA insider reports the buzz surrounding Miami's Big 3 is that the days of James, Wade and Bosh accepting less money are over. The three All-Stars believe they have earned the right to earn as much money as they can whether that is in Miami together or elsewhere.
So if Lawrence right? Is the dynasty of the Big 3 slowly coming to an end? All three players have pretty much refused to discuss their status for the summer, opting to focus on winning a third-straight championship. Bosh said during the preseason that a championship will play a large factor in his decision to return to Miami or not. If the Heat fail to win, could the Big 3 stay together to try and win more? Bosh would only say that he is going to enjoy this year and worry about that when the summer comes.
Another factor in the decision to stay or leave could come down to Wade. The guard's knees have been a big factor this season. He has missed numerous games will trying to rest in preparation for the postseason. James admitted that has hurt team chemistry on the court with Wade moving in and out of the lineup. The Heat have also struggled with shooting depth to fill in for the guard when he is on the bench. While Miami is still poised to at least reach the Eastern Conference finals, Wade's health is expected to be a big free agency factor in the summer.
Lawrence has reported mixed rumors surrounding the Heat, so no one knows for sure what will happen with the Big 3 dynasty. Everyone could easily stay put if Miami can work out their salary cap issues. However, if all three are asked to once again give up millions, the Heat might be disbanding.