2013-2014 NBA Season

[funwithteeth]

If LBJ and Bosh jet, what are the chances Riley overpays Wade in a thanks-for-everything gesture? (Because I can't imagine even the dumbest organization would be willing to pay the aging, broken-down Wade what he was owed before he opted out.)

[taylormiller]

It could definitely happen. But if Bosh lands with HOU and James goes elsewhere, the Heat will also need to save a decent amount of cash so they can go after the next best free agent to add to the roster, otherwise Heat games might start looking more like Panthers games.

[funwithteeth]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/breaking-lebron-james-leaning-toward-joining-alqae,36417/

[thelakelander]

If I'm Riley, if Lebron leaves, I'd try to keep Bosh/Wade and use the $20 million freed up to get 2 or 3 decent free agents to complement those two.  It won't beat the Spurs, but that's enough talent as any team in the East.

If they both leave, I'd give Wade is +$40 million over two years, tank during that time and have a favorable cap situation for the 2016 off-season for a second 2010 instant upgrade.

Btw, if Lebron does go to Cleveland, I'm not sure he wins another championship. Irving's health is just as shaky as Wade's, Wiggins hasn't even played in a real NBA game, the front office has never won anything and the coach is a rookie too. You don't win in the playoffs with no experience or defense (Irving doesn't know what that is). With another move this off-season (which I expect all of them to make), teams like Indiana, Washington, and Chicago would easily take them out.

[taylormiller]

AAAAND THAT is why I love The Onion! Allahbron James...wow.

thelakelander, As a person who isn't entirely opposed to the idea of planned tanking, Miami is a whole different beast. Miami isn't like Jax in that they don't stand by their team during difficult times like we do. If they're going to tank, their fan base will shrink. It's not a bad plan in theory, because tanking would allow you to not only save up cash but also be in good position for drafts. Still, if both Bosh and Lebron go, the attendance will suffer.

[KenFSU]

I have never seen anything like this. The fate of Rajon Rondo is now rumored to be tied up with Lebron's decision as well. Reports are that if Lebron stays in Miami, Kevin Love would be interested in joining Miami. Boston, meanwhile, is hoping to make a play at Love. If Kevin Love joins Lebron in Miami or Cleveland, however, the Celtics supposedly want to deal Rondo.

[thelakelander]

The only way Love gets to Miami, is if Bosh goes to Houston.  Same thing goes for Melo, who for some reason, still hasn't signed the new $129 million deal with NYC. However, Bosh is traveling around and world, wants to stay in Miami to play with Lebron, and is waiting for Lebron. So the whole league is at a standstill.

[taylormiller]

It really is a matter of who blinks first. It seems like it's going to be all or nothing for Bosh and Lebron as I just don't see either one of them staying in MIA if the other goes elsewhere.
If I'm Melo, I look at CHI as my best chance to win a championship, especially if MIA loses Bosh and Lebron. Even a CLE team with Lebron and Irving wouldn't scare me in the East if I had Noah, Gibson, Boozer and MAYBE Rose. Yeah the NYK mega deal would be great, but maybe he's put more value on the trophy than the cash.

[thelakelander]

I agree with you there. Chicago would be a serious contender with Melo, even if Lebron and Bosh stay in Miami. 

[funwithteeth]

Well, I wouldn't have thought LeBron would let sentiment outweigh everything else.

[KenFSU]

After the decision four years ago, I really think Lebron handled this one with a lot of class. Good for him. Lebron back to Cleveland is one of the great stories in American sports history. Can't wait to see how this all plays out.

Also, mighty interesting that Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett weren't mentioned in the essay...

[funwithteeth]

Getting rid of Wiggins to possibly only rent Kevin Love is such a Cavs move.

[KenFSU]

[pierre]

Worst job today has to be Miami Heat sales rep

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Worst job today has to be Miami Heat sales retention rep

Fixed.