LeBron James: 8 Free Agency Destinations

May 26, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Indiana Pacers in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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7. Long Shot: Atlanta Hawks

Dec 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 121-119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Hawks certainly aren’t the sexiest destination and it’s highly unlikely LeBron even considers them over the Heat and his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. But if Atlanta dumped Lou Williams, they’d come close to being able to offer King James a max contract and they’d sport a pretty impressive lineup of Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, LeBron James, Paul Millsap and Al Horford. For those of you keeping tabs, that lineup has perimeter shooting, penetration, inside scoring, rebounding and defense.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer, formerly a lead assistant under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, is the kind of coach who could make a roster like that work and command LeBron’s respect. The Hawks would have enough flexibility moving forward to add bench depth and more perimeter shooters as well.

The only problem is, again, LeBron may only have the cream of the crop contenders on his list this summer. Though Atlanta nearly eliminated the top-seeded Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs this year, they’re hardly what you’d call a cream of the crop contender. The Hawks would automatically be favorites in the East if LeBron joined them, but you could also say that about a number a teams that are higher up on this list. Poor Atlanta may be doomed to more playoff games on NBATV for the time being.