The free agency talk is heating up as the summer approaches. There's only about 10 games left of the Regular Season before the Playoffs start. This off-season has been anticipated more than any other. Several teams have been tanking, and shedding salaries to be able to sign some of the Top Free agents. Among those Free agents, there's LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudamire, Carlos Boozer, and many others. These All-Star players are most likely to get a Maximum contract, or close to it. Here's a brief breakdown of each player's situation and my predictions:
LeBron James
LeBron is arguably the best basketball player in the world. He's been putting up incredible stats since joining the league. He's also carried his team to the NBA Finals in 2007, despite having a weak roster. He won the Most Valuable Player award last Season, and it seems like he'll be doing it again this year. James was drafted with the first pick in 2003 by his hometown team, Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers (57-15) have the best record in NBA today, they've made several moves to improve the team bringing in Shaquille O'Neal during the off-season, and Antawn Jamison before the trade deadline. If they can't win it all this year, I can see LeBron leaving. Many teams are in the running to acquire James including New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Clippers. Personally, I don't see him joining the Clippers who have been one of the worst teams in the last few years, despite having a nice core. Nets (8-63) are currently the worst team in the NBA, but they have many expiring contracts which allows them to make a run at James. It's almost guaranteed they'll get the the first pick of the 2010 Draft, which is a very strong class. But I think James would prefer to be in a win now situation. Being the most attractive city, and having a lot of cap space which means the ability to sign two top Free agents, puts New York Knicks ahead of the rest. I think he'll stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but if he were to leave, I can see him heading to play for the Knicks.
Dwyane Wade
Shooting Guard
I see Wade staying in Miami, especially since they'll be able to sign another Top Free agent. If Heat can sign Stoudemire, Bosh or Boozer, there's absolutely no reason for Wade to leave. However, if they fail to make significant improvements, I think he'd head to play for his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.
Chris Bosh
Power Forward
Just like James and Wade, Chris Bosh was drafted in 2003 by the Toronto Raptors. However, his team hasn't been as successful as the Cavaliers and Heat. They've only made the playoffs twice, and couldn't make it past the first round. Some people have argued for years whether Chris Bosh is a franchise player or not. The stats are there to back him up, but he has failed to lead his team to any success in the Playoffs. Many believe he's better suited as a second option player, teaming up with a star player like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. A lot of teams are eyeing Bosh, from Miami Heat to Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls. I don't see him playing alongside another Superstar, especially after this statement from last month: "I was just looking at what people say and it’s like, ‘Chris is going to go here and play with him or this, this and that.’ I’m like, ‘Wait a minute.’ I feel like I should be built around. And maybe that’s just my ego talking, but I feel that I’m a very good player in this league and I’m only going to get better. So … maybe we should be getting somebody [in Toronto]". It seems to me like Houston and Chicago would be the best possible destinations, they have a solid, young core, and they also have the assets to make a sign-and-trade deal. Raptors are 8th in the East, if they make the Playoffs and qualify to the Second Round, or at least play hard, I can see Bosh staying to play for the city he loves. Otherwise he won't be in a Raptors uniform next season.
Amar'e Stoudemire
Power Forward
Personally, I think Stoudemire won't be playing for the Phoenix Suns next year. They have several aging players such as Steve Nash, which doesn't seem like a good situation for him in the long run. I can see him joining Dwyane Wade next season in Miami. If not, I think he will sign with the New York Knicks as long they acquire LeBron James.
Joe Johnson
Shooting Guard
There's a strong possibility Joe Johnson will stay with his current team, Atlanta Hawks, for several reasons. They're a young talented team, and they've been improving every year. They're third in the Eastern Conference right now, and only one game behind the third place. They have a bright future as a team, which is why I strongly doubt Joe Johnson leaves. But I can also see him joining the New York Knicks, who will be making a run at two of the top Free agents, to play alongside Amar'e Stoudemire for example.
Carlos Boozer
Power Forward
Personally, I think Stoudemire won't be playing for the Phoenix Suns next year. They have several aging players such as Steve Nash, which doesn't seem like a good situation for him in the long run. I can see him joining Dwyane Wade next season in Miami. If not, I think he will sign with the New York Knicks as long they acquire LeBron James.
Joe Johnson
Shooting Guard
There's a strong possibility Joe Johnson will stay with his current team, Atlanta Hawks, for several reasons. They're a young talented team, and they've been improving every year. They're third in the Eastern Conference right now, and only one game behind the third place. They have a bright future as a team, which is why I strongly doubt Joe Johnson leaves. But I can also see him joining the New York Knicks, who will be making a run at two of the top Free agents, to play alongside Amar'e Stoudemire for example.
Carlos Boozer
Power Forward
I think Boozer will end up playing for Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, or his current team. He has a good team at the moment, and he's playing with an All-Star player, Deron Williams. I believe his decision will be based on his team's success in Playoffs.
This will be a very interesting off-season, and will determine the future of the NBA. Those were my personal predictions, I'd like to see yours, and I hope you enjoyed reading my blog.
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