LeBron James claims he has not even begun to consider free agency. With the ability to opt out of his contract at the end of the season, James could essentially sign with any team he wants. While the Miami Heat are confident the retain all of the Big 3 for the future, plenty of teams are making preparations in case they do not. With the decision 2.0 just under a month away, who is realistically targeting the Heat forward?
First thing is first, do not expect James to be making a big deal about free agency this go around. The forward is maintaining his focus on the NBA playoffs and not thinking about the future until he absolutely has to.
"No, because I live in the moment," James said, via ESPN.com. "It's almost the same with my individual accomplishments. I never really understand them. The only time I'll be able to appreciate it is when I'm done playing the game. I'm in the moment. I don't even think about it."
While James is keeping the future far from his mind, other teams have him as an offseason priority. The Chicago Bulls still have James as an option this offseason. The team is looking for one more marquee free agent to round out their own big 3 involving Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. Adding a player like James would take scoring pressure off Rose and help Noah defensively. The Bulls are attempting to make a trade for Kevin Love involving Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler. That might be the best offer the Timberwolves receive, but it is no guarantee they will agree. James appears to be the team's backup plan.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are another team that believe they stand a chance at getting James, realistic or not. Right now, the Cavaliers are hoping that Kyrie Irving and the No. 1 overall draft pick are enough to entice their hometown hero to return to his Cavaliers glory. The issue is that even with those two pieces, the Cavaliers remain a long ways from being contenders, something that will play a large role in James' decision.
The other option is simply staying in Miami. Right now, both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh intend on remaining with the Heat for at least another year. While most expect all three to opt out of their deals, they could decide to stay put and ride out their current contracts before becoming free agents. The Heat have cap space to where they could essentially re-sign all three, it would just take some creativity to make it all work.
