I know the finals start tomorrow evening, but already the majority of fans' thoughts rest on the upcoming free agency class. This class is expected to be the biggest and most talented group ever assembled. With superstars like Lebron, DWade, Amare, Dirk, Bosh, and Joe Johnson all being available, many teams believe they have a shot at changing their franchise's fortunes. The Knicks, Bulls, Nets, Clippers, Heat, and Cavs in particular believe they have a shot at obtaining at least 1 superstar, having freed up cap room to offer max deals this summer. The owners and GM's of teams all across the league are brainstorming for new ways to sell these guys on why their team is the best choice. All of these guys will receive competitive offers from teams all across the league. With this many high profile players being available, the power in the league could shift dramatically in just one off-season. Every owner with cap space believes they have a shot to land Lebron or Wade or Bosh by throwing millions of dollars his way. The question that comes into play here though, is who really holds the power?
Lebron and Wade have both been quoted as saying they would get together this off-season with other free agents and discuss where each would land. An adviser for Chris Bosh has stated that he would follow Lebron to New York or Chicago, or he would follow Wade to New York or Miami if either happened. Lebron has publicly stated how good he thought he would be playing with Chris Bosh. In all of this talking there is no mention of owners or contracts. It's all about where each guy want to play and who he want to play with. Is it out of the question for Lebron to tell the Knicks, "I'll sign, but only if you bring on Bosh"? I think not. If Wade and Lebron are serious about sitting down with other free agents and discussing what they want to do, then this could easily become the most interesting off-season of all time. For the first time I can remember, the power, this year, will truly be with the players.
Lebron James is going to get max offers that differ by only a few million dollars from at least 5 teams. Wade will be the same way. Amare, Johnson, Dirk, Bosh, and other free agents will all wait to see what those 2 guys do. Expect their to be numerous conversations between all of them about where they might land and who might be following. If Lebron and Wade decide to wait until late July or August to decide they will essentially handcuff the owners and the entire NBA for as long as they want. There will be very, very few deals done before Lebron's.
Free agency was designed to allow the players to choose where they want to play. It gave the players power to do as they chose. It weakened the stranglehold organizations had on players. It did not however swing the power away from the owners. How often does a player in any sport take less money from a team because the player likes one team better. Not very often. It does happen. Michael Young did it for Texas. Steve Nash would have for the Mavs if Cuban would have put up the money. My point is that most free agents go the higher bidder. That may not be the case this year. The Cavs and Heat will be the highest bidders for Lebron and Wade. In the NBA, no team can offer a bid higher than the player's current team. If it was only about money then we wouldn't be asking so many questions about what's going to happen. That's what makes it so interesting. It's also what is driving owners crazy. Their pocketbooks become less meaningful.
Starting July 1st when players can officially opt out of contracts and become free agents, the NBA is going to be worth paying extremely close attention to. Lottery teams could become finals favorites and conference finalists could become lottery teams. There is absolutely no way anybody can accurately predict what is going to happen in the coming months. I have an idea on certain guys, but everything could change at any moment. But if there is one thing I know, Lebron, Wade, and the rest of this free agent class are in control of their own destination.
I enjoyed the insight and ideas, although they are broad. I would like to see what you predictions on Lebron and Wade going to the same team maybe both to the Heat or Cavs. Could they play together?
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for comment Meguell. Lebron and Wade have said they would have no problem playing with each other, but I don't see it happening. I think they both want the opportunity to create their own legacy. I also think they enjoy getting to compete against one another. It is much more likely that these guys with pair with Bosh, Johnson, or Lee.
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