Now that LeBron is a Cav again, the NBA Free Agency flood gates are ready to explode on us. Not more than two hours had passed since we heard news of James’ homecoming before Jeremy Lin, a future first-round pick, and expected draft considerations were L.A.-bound. And that’s just the opening course.
With LeBron packing his bags for Cleveland, there’s also a lot of moves expected in that direction. Prior to LeBron’s announcement, it was reported that Mike Miller, Ray Allen, and Chris Andersen (all former Heat players and championship contributors) could be making their way to the Cavs. Word is that Kevin Love might be another asset looking east. So, expect a lot of sparks in Cleveland.
In Chicago, not so much. Yes, the Bulls are in the running for very-veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich but the Lin deal hurts their chances at shipping Carlos Boozer to Hollywood in a sign-and-trade for Pau Gasol. Melo could still be in contention, but it’s really looking like he wanted to remain a Knick all this while.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, meanwhile, have a $6.6 million trader player exception they can put toward nabbing someone like Amir Johnson, Landry Fields, or Gerald Henderson. Other than Amir, not really players that would make a huge splash on the Thunder but certainly players they could use to bolster a bench.
Trevor Ariza, Lance Stephenson, Pau Gasol and Luol Deng make up the next roster of talent and interest. Nothing is definite on those sides as all four players surely where waiting for the LeBron domino to fall. All four provide the kind of qualities to make a would-be contender into a certified one. Chicago or OKC, for example, could drastically improve by bringing on their talents.
Meanwhile, in all of this hustle and bustle, we can’t forget about Dwyane Wade. If anyone can be said to lose in all of this, it’s him. Though he’ll have the consolation of an actress wife-to-be, fame, tens of millions, and a posh Miami life, Wade will have to contend with a rebuilding process that will be miles away from what he experienced as a member of the Big Three while LeBron pursues glory of a different form.
