NBA Free Agency: The LeBron James Domino Effect

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Jun 10, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the fourth quarter of game three against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. San Antonio defeated Miami 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBron James Signs With The Miami Heat

How it would happen:

Again, maybe LeBron James decides the return to Cleveland is just Rich Paul’s pipe dream and nothing more. Maybe he rethinks his stance on getting that max contract and decides to show some loyalty to the team that he led to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances. Pat Riley’s crucial meeting with James this week goes well and LeBron decides he can’t leave his brothers Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh hanging.

How it would affect:

The Miami Heat – The Heat remain favorites in the East. LeBron gets his max deal, Chris Bosh gets one too, Dwyane Wade is severely underpaid and Pat Riley has almost no cap room to work with to improve this team. Ray Allen decides to forego retirement another year and returns to Miami. Norris Cole is traded away to make a little more room but the Heat still can’t afford the kind of player that will make them title favorites other than Josh McRoberts, an option at the mid-level exemption. Miami wins the East again, but is destined for yet another NBA Finals defeat at the hands of a superior Western team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers – More depression in Cleveland, as LeBron once again chooses the Miami Heat over his hometown team. Paul’s pushing for the Cavs and giving Cleveland hope does nothing to repair LeBron’s image as the villain. The Cavs are beat to the punch on offering Gordon Hayward a max contract by the Phoenix Suns, because once again, God hates Cleveland. Luol Deng leaves for greener pastures and although the Cavs have a max salary slot open after getting rid of Jack’s contract, they don’t have anyone worth giving it to.

The Phoenix Suns – After missing out on the LeBron James-Carmelo Anthony long shot, the Suns offer Gordon Hayward the max out of desperation. The Jazz don’t match and the Suns upgrade the wing position, albeit at a pretty high price. Someone makes P.J. Tucker a nice offer, which the Suns don’t match. Phoenix becomes a playoff team, but is eliminated in the first round.