Miami Heat: LeBron James Opting Out Not Reason To Panic
LeBron James has officially opted out of his last year with the Miami Heat. Should Heat fans start rioting, running around the streets like their favorite James jersey is on fire (or maybe set one on fire)? As good old Lee Corso would say,”not so fast, my friend!” It’s not time to panic, but we should definitely keep an eye on the situation, realizing that the end could very well be here for the Heatles.
START PANIC IF…
There’s one situation that could come up that would officially clinch the panic for the Heat — Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh opting in. That would all but ensure that James is taking his talents elsewhere (though not to Minneapolis, sadly). Remember one thing — if the Heat are going to make a run at adding another superstar (i.e. Carmelo Anthony), each of the Heat’s current stars have to opt out, then re-sign at a discount.
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This could simply be the first domino to fall. I know I’ll be keeping a very close eye on the news ticker to see what Wade and Bosh do next. That should provide some clues as to LeBron’s next move. On top of that, let’s also not forget that James has earned the right to hear out offers from other teams. That doesn’t mean he’s gone, it just means he wants to weigh his options. There’s no doubt that Miami is a desirable locale and another team is going to really have to blow his proverbial doors off to get him to leave South Beach.
GET EXCITED IF…
If you’re a Heat/LeBron fan, you’ve got to be excited about the prospects of Miami finding a way to add Anthony to the mix. They’ll be able to continue getting veterans to fill the bench at a discount, they’ve got a promising young guard in Norris Cole and Chris Andersen has been better than anyone expected.
When news breaks that Wade and Bosh have opted out of their regular deals, that’s the time for Heat fans to get excited. Sure, it’s possible that Bosh could opt out because he wants to go somewhere that he might be more featured. I can’t see Wade opting out unless the plan is set for the Heatles to add a fourth member.
DOES THE DRAFT MATTER?
The timing on this is interesting, as James didn’t have to opt out so early. It makes me wonder if James wants to have some pitches that have something to do with draft picks. Perhaps he’s considering a return to Cleveland but wants to make sure Kyrie Irving will be there and Andrew Wiggins will get drafted? One thing is for sure, James is just the first domino to fall…once he decides, everything else will fall into place.
Don’t panic yet, Miami. The good times aren’t over just yet.