Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat with the goal to team up and win championships. That has happened twice now with the potential of a third coming this season. However, uncertainty remains after this year as all three can opt out of their contracts and head elsewhere. With speculation running wild over what they will do, does one player determine the future of the other two?
It is possible that the return of James could rest in the decisions of Wade and Bosh. According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the only way James is leaving South Beach is if Wade and Bosh decide to leave as well. Kyler reports that as of now James is expected to stay with the Miami Heat with the only situation that would result in his departure is if Bosh and Wade sign elsewhere.
Most of this is merely speculation right now since all three have been extremely vague on what they plan on doing with their potential free agent status. Bosh has dropped several hints, but has not committed to anything. In the preseason, Bosh noted that a championship would likely play a large factor into what the three decide to do. He followed that up on ESPN by simply saying yes when asked if he and James would be in Miami next year.
This season has not been easy for the Heat. Wade is suffering from knee issues, missing more games than ever before. A quest for a third straight title will be an uphill battle. If Miami does manage to pull out another victory, can they really contend for four with all three still on the roster? James has clearly been frustrated with Wade's health and Bosh can easily command a max contract somewhere else. All three players took pay cuts to sign with Miami and would have to be willing to do it again if they stay.
Every team in the league has their sights set on a member of the Big 3. It is assumed that Wade will stay in South Beach and likely play out his career with the Heat. The Dallas Mavericks are hoping to be a player in the race to sign Bosh while the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers would love to add James to their roster. Anything is possible and until the season if officially over, no one will know for sure the future of the Big 3 in Miami.
