LBJ needs 5 more rings to make a case for GOAT at the end of his career. I see him being super effective for 4-5 more years and then tailing off. This is his shot. Miami really makes no sense other than to compete for the next year or two. Even with Lowry and/or Gortat. Harden,Howard,Parsons can all be locked up alongside of him for a minimum of 3 years. While Howard may be past his prime, Harden and Parsons are entering theirs. Also, Howard is still the mother******* man!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Chris Bosh opted out ... and went on vacation as opposed to entertaining other offers. Doesn't sound like someone looking to leave, does it?</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483712311668920320">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Add up Wade's willingness to opt out of the money left on his deal and Bosh's vacation and you get why few think the Heatles are breaking up</p>— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483712680608288768">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I don't get Bosh. If I was him I'm trying to get to Phoenix, Houston, GSW, anywhere I can regain my dignity, make money and have a shot at 20+ppg again. Spoelstra has Bosh playing at 70% capacity and Lebron/Wade probably have the guys manhood down at 50%.
Bosh just might be more of a beta. He's OK with being a side kick and cashing his checks while living in south beach.
Wade's opt out/opt in means that LBJ's wagon is hitched to Wades for even longer. If Wade's absences throughout the season and finals performances are frustrating, what does the 2017-2018 season look like? But, hey, they have Shabazz Napier.
Fans are weird. Get max dollars on a team and score 20 points+ as the focal point but never win anything: Soft! Empty Stats! Worthless! Winning is the only thing that matters! Take a paycut to go to a team where you are third option but you win and still play well: Soft! Beta! Not man enough! Should want to be a star somewhere else! It's true, we are impossible to please.
I remember in 2010 when Chris Bosh was a free agent he was quoted saying he wanted to go somewhere where he was "the man"- the number 1 option. Then he went to the Heat lol
lol true I have no problem if Bosh wishes to be the 3rd option - an "elite" role player of sorts and get paid 15+ million in doing so. The funny thing is that Miami probably should care if he does that though - they are still spending near top dollar for less than optimal output from a player of Bosh's caliber. It would be one thing if Bosh was 37-38 but Bosh is still in his physical prime - and if anything has less "mileage" on him compared to his other Big 3 counterparts. I mean in Miami's eyes if they could get another player to average 16/6.6 for like 8-9 million it would be better wouldn't it? Guys like Thad Young, Gordan Hayward, Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, Tobias Harris, and Trevor Ariza all put up stats around what Bosh averaged last year and will command far less than Bosh (except Josh Smith who is on that absurd contract) Its the same with Wade - Miami is ending up paying "top dollar" for not so top production from its two other "stars" I mean from Bosh's perspective its great - he gets to go out there play hard but not need to have any real expectations placed on him, still get a huge amount of money, probably will still make the all-star team and make it to the finals. Bosh knows he wont be a guy who makes the HOF and all - he just is extending his own career by having to do less and still getting paid a lot of money for it.
Great analysis, Cat, but what I think will happen is Option D: LeBron gets max deal, Bosh and Wade take a few million less to get four year deals. The goal will not be to get cap room to sign a marque free agent, as the pay cut required would be too painful for Bosh and Wade to accept. The goal is to get Miami under the luxury tax threshold to avoid the repeater tax and to get back all of the exceptions. Miami may even pay Bosh and Wade a premium on a four year deal based upon the repeater tax savings. So no Melo, no Lowry, no Gortat, etc. Targets will be MLE players from here out, maybe a new one every year as the tax threshold continues to rise.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A solid Heat roster: PGs-Jameer/Cole/Shabazz. SGs-Wade/Ray/Ennis. SFs-LeBron/Parsons/Beasley. PFs Humphris/Haslem/Lewis. Cs-Bosh/Hawes/Bird</p>— Michael Wallace (@WallaceNBA_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/WallaceNBA_ESPN/statuses/483728638685491200">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
So the heat are going to be able to re-sign the big three, and then go out and sign Parsons, Humphries, Nelson, and Hawes? LOLOL
I don't think Bosh would be the best player in Phoenix, GSW or Houston... I also don't think it's weird to go make the most money. Seems pretty logical to me. I'm not even sure why Miami is bothering with Bosh, Lowry + Hayes are better and cheaper. Just 3-way him to Phoenix already.
