NBA Free Agency: The LeBron James Domino Effect

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Nov 27, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) stands in front of the Cleveland Cavaliers bench in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBron James Signs With The Cleveland Cavaliers

How It Would Happen:

Rich Paul and LeBron’s family wanting to return to Cleveland impacts the King’s decision. LeBron realizes the only place it’s possible for him to go other than Miami without tarnishing his image once again is his hometown. The Cavs find a way to get rid of Jarrett Jack’s contract and are able to offer LeBron the max deal he wants.

How It Would Affect:

The Cleveland Cavaliers – LeBron’s return becomes an official holiday in Cleveland. The Cavs see a turnaround from 10th in the East to Eastern Conference favorites in just over a year. LeBron is able to mentor both Kyrie and Wiggins, turning around the public perception that Irving might be overrated and that Wiggins could be a bust. However, despite breezing through the Eastern playoffs, the Cavs fall short in the Finals to whatever juggernaut emerges from the loaded Western Conference, including a Rockets team that signs Chris Bosh on as a stretch-4.

The Phoenix Suns – After the Suns miss out on the dream scenario of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, they turn their attention to Gordon Hayward with a max offer. The Jazz match and Phoenix goes after Luol Deng, but the Atlanta Hawks have already beaten the Suns to the punch there as well. General manager Ryan McDonough either chooses to offer Greg Monroe or Chandler Parsons a max deal, or he calls it an offseason right then and there because rejection hurts and Phoenix was caught waiting too long on LeBron.

Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade is left to fend for himself and his oversized contract in Miami. The Heat become a fringe playoff team as Chris Bosh leaves for Houston. Pat Riley vows revenge and tries to sign Pau Gasol, but is unable to present a more attractive offer than the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks without LeBron around. Miami has to settle for role players as the other teams around the league gobble up the most valuable remaining assets on the market, something they’d been waiting to pull the trigger on while awaiting LeBron’s decision.