Lebron’s going back to Cleveland. The dominoes have fallen. Now that the King has decided on his future, other free agents are finally beginning to follow suit.
Chris Bosh has agreed to sign a 5-year/$118 dollar contract with the Miami Heat. In a related move, the Rockets traded Jeremy Lin and his expiring contract to the Los Angeles Lakers, before realizing Miami won the race to Bosh’s signature. Now, the clock is ticking for the Rockets to do match Chandler Parsons’ offer sheet, who has agreed in principle with Dallas for $46 million over three years. Nick Young will stay with the Lakers on a new 4-year/$21.5 dollar deal. Isaiah Thomas will switch teams from Sacramento to Phoenix, where he’ll be paid $28 million over four years.
But still, bigger questions loom. What will Dwyane Wade do with just Chris Bosh in Miami? The Chicago Bulls have shown interest in D-Wade, and he could be a boost for a Chicago team if they lose out on Carmelo Anthony. Given his age and injury history, Wade won’t be offered anything like he has been in the past, but he can still play, beefing up the Bulls offense with his craftiness.
What about Carmelo Anthony? Reports earlier this week suggested that New York and Melo’s camp had closed a deal, but nothing was official. Now with Lebron off the market, reports suggest that he is again open to joining the Bulls. I still see Anthony as the best fit for a defensive Bulls team that struggles some nights on the offensive end, but regardless, only New York will be able to offer the max contract that Melo has seen Lebron and even Chris Bosh take over the course of today.
There’s also Lance Stephenson, who can’t seem to find a team that will give him appropriate money for his immense talent but risky character. Trevor Ariza’s been taking all the time in the world to decide, with so many teams interested in the versatile swingman. And Pau Gasol took to Twitter saying he will have a decision soon, whether it be signing with the Spurs, Thunder, Knicks, or staying with the Lakers. Of course, rumors have it that the Cavaliers are in the pursuit of Kevin Love (not even a free agent until 2015), to pair with Lebron and Kyrie.
Lebron might have decided, but a plethora of free agents still haven’t. Keep an eye out the next couple days as NBA franchises make moves that will impact next season.
Photo Credit: Mark Runyon | BasketballSchedule.net // BasketballSchedule.net/hawks-vs-heat-photos
