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LeBron James: 8 Free Agency Destinations

By Gerald Bourguet

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
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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6. Long Shot: Phoenix Suns

LeBron James
Feb 11, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Heat defeated the Suns 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Being a Suns fan could be a frustrating affair this summer. Although Phoenix has four picks in the deep 2014 NBA Draft and is coming off a 48-win season in what was supposed to be a tank year, hardly anyone is talking about them in the same sentence as LeBron, Melo, or Kevin Love trade scenarios. A team like the Suns probably isn’t on LeBron’s radar since they didn’t even make the playoffs last year (albeit in a loaded Western Conference).

However, it’s hard to look at that potential roster and not think they could be potential favorites in the conference. I’ve already written the LeBron-to-the-Phoenix-Suns pitch, but here’s a brief overview: the Heat failed in the Finals not only because the San Antonio Spurs were the better team and because Dwyane Wade‘s knees failed him, but also because Miami didn’t have enough depth or perimeter shooting to really strain San Antonio’s defense.

If LeBron were to sign with the Suns, he’d be getting an upgraded small-ball roster that would not only play to his strengths, but would thrive with guards Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe at the helm. Unlike Kevin Love, the Suns wouldn’t have to gut their roster as much to sign LeBron and King James would get the hefty contract he actually deserves. Defense would be an issue the first few years, but can you imagine a perimeter trio of Dragic, Bledsoe and James? They’d be unstoppable offensively and could stuff deadly three-point shooters in the corners and on the wings. Bringing Phoenix its first championship would also do wonders for his legacy. Cut to Phoenicians everywhere salivating.