I think Lebron is starting to realize that the whole storyline about staying in one place and cementing your legacy is totally bogus. Soccer has done away with this decades ago; now it's all about the power franchises, with an ocean of superstars moving to and fro every 3yrs as if it were nothing. This is what the NBA is going to turn into I guarantee you. In the end, when talking about all time greats, one thing and only one thing matters now: championships. Lebron knows. He can see the ship sinking in Miami, all the rust and old age and bone-on-bone joints collecting dust over there. They might be Finals-quality now, but they weren't Finals-caliber in the West I guarantee you, and they were nowhere near the level that the Spurs, and probably even the Thunder or Clippers attained. Lebron knows. Hide yo kids. He's coming for his rings.
The only way that Wade opts out is if they have an agreement to resign him for a longer deal at less money per year. He is at the end of his playing career, whatever money he can get from this last contract will be his last big payday.
That article sources this article from the NY Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...h-calling-carmelo-answering-article-1.1838772 It's a throw away line at the bottom of the article:
Haha, I'll admit I didn't read it at first. It looks pretty bogus (especially since it's from 2 days ago).
Why would Wade opt out of 2 years and 41.5 million to sign for 4 years and 50 million? That would be a dumb financial move from Wade.
he still is getting 50mil which is more money despite having to play 2 yrs longer. he might have only been offered vet min after his 2 yrs if he had opted in. plus this allows them to get better free agents.
LeBron's not only forcing Miami's hand but also Wade's hand. It'd be dumb for Wade to opt out but it would show good faith and loyalty to LeBron if he does the same and re-sign for 3 years/$45 million. In turn, if Bosh does the same then all three can come back and save the heat $15 million in salary that would give them some flexibility. If Wade does not opt out then we should be looking for LeBron to pack his bags out of Miami.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Source on LeBron's thinking about where to play next season: "He doesn't know yet." Away we go, folks.</p>— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds/statuses/481433410028974080">June 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
from 20.75 to 12.5 million is a huge pay cut...Taking approx 8.25 million/per year less at the age of 32 year old is a lot of money for a guy that basically has accomplished everything he needed to in a basketball uniform. He is looking to keep getting a big check.
If they all opt out and sign for $15 million each, they'd still be right at the salary cap number depending on precisely where it falls. All they would be doing is opting out to save luxury tax room for the owner to spend the MLE. They'd have to take BIG paycuts to buy real cap room. If they got down to $10 million each, then they'd have real cap room to try to fill out the roster. About 13 million or so.
Bev Harden Parsons Lebron Howard Jones Donuts Canaan Daniels The bench is subject to change depending on how much Lebron wants.
I don't see LeBron even considering Chicago. Just too much Michael Jordan legacy. Everyone already compares Lebron to Michael, picture it if LeBron goes to the freaking Bulls! LeBron, with all respect, has always been about creating his own legacy. If Lebron went to Chicago, he would have to win the title every year or else everyone would be on his back. Making the Finals won't be enough. It's doable but so much of it relies on Derrick Rose's healthy that Chicago becomes an even more less likely destination. I think Chicago rather have Love or Melo anyway. With all biased aside, Houston has to be plan B for LeBron if Miami doesn't make the changes he wants. Lakers? Lolol, not with Kobe making 24 million the next two years.
