LeBron James Opts Out, Will Test Free Agency

LeBron James informed the Miami Heat that he will opt out of his deal, exercise his early termination option and become an unrestricted free agent. James spent the past four seasons with Miami and won two championships during his time. Miami made it to the NBA Finals all four years James was there. The Heat had the chance to win three championships in a row, but the San Antonio Spurs put an end to that by defeating the Heat 4-1 in the 2014 NBA Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets have the best chance of acquiring James with the cap space they have. The Rockets would have to trade some players and a roster with LeBron, Dwight Howard and James Harden they should be able to win a title right away with good role players. Joining Kobe Bryant and the Lakers would not make much sense unless the Lakers bring in some more free agents. Kobe and LeBron on the same team would be dangerous. Kobe probably will retire in the next two or three years so James would need to win right away.

The Bulls are a defensive minded team with the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of The Year, Joakim Noah. If former MVP Derrick Rose can stay healthy, the Bulls are a young team that can contend for championships the next few years. There has been speculation the last couple of years that James will return to Cleveland and retire with the Cavs. The Cavs have Kyrie Irving one of the best point guards in the league and the #1 pick in the upcoming 2014 NBA Draft.

I believe James will stay with Miami and take less money so Miami can sign some key free agents. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have until June 30th to opt out of their deals and possibly end the future of Miami’s Big Three. All three can resign with Miami and take less money so Miami can sign some free agents. Miami will need to sign a center or point guard and bring in some younger players. This will be a very interesting summer once the draft is over. Tim Duncan is returning to the Spurs to try win two titles in a row. LeBron may give us The Decision part 2 or stay in Miami to reclaim his throne and win the 5 or more championships he promised the Big Three would win.

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