LeBron James intends on taking a vacation. The Miami Heat forward just lost the NBA Finals and now must deal with the speculation of his future in South Beach, but after his exit interview James simply said he was taking a vacation. With free agency right around the corner, James has a quick deadline to let the Heat know what he intends on doing about that player option in his contract. Non-committal on his future right now, plenty of other players are waiting to see what he decides.
The Miami Big Three can all opt out of their contracts this summer and like they did once a before, discussions will be had about everyone's mindset moving forward. James told the media that he will talk things over with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and see what everyone is feeling after the pressure-filled season.
"There is a conversation that will be had between the three of us -- I think that's only right," James said, via ESPN.com. "We've earned that for each other. I don't know what Dwyane right now is thinking. I don't know what Chris is thinking right now. We'll see what happens."
Bosh has been the only one of the three to publically express his desire to remain with Miami for the long-term. The center has said on numerous occasions that he prefers to play for the Heat next season and many more after that, but did not hint at what his teammates were thinking. Wade skipped out on speaking with reporters following his exit interview.
Early reports suggest that James has no intentions of taking a pay cut in free agency this summer. He is in a position to control his future since every other team in the league will offer him a max deal if Miami does not. The Heat do not exactly have cap flexibility considering 14 of the 15 roster players have the chance to enter free agency on July 1. James intends on using his leverage.
"I'm in position to be able to do that," James said. "Not saying I want to take that option right now. I'm not sure yet. There's a lot of time when you're not in control of your future in professional sports. I've been fortunate to have two opportunities to do that -- in 2010, and if I decide to use it now, I can be in control of my future now."
Ray Allen is one of those 14 players. The veteran has hinted that retirement has crossed his mind over recent weeks and he would sit down before free agency and determine how he feels and where his mindset is. According to the BleacherReport.com, if James returns for another season in Miami, then Allen will as well. No one would fault Allen if he opts for retirement. He is the reigning three-point leader with two championship rings. However, the idea of teaming up with James for another year has Allen considering putting off retirement.