The major dominoes in 2010 NBA free agency are beginning to fall into place and one can only imagine the ripple effect that will result throughout the league.
After learning that LeBron James will announce where he will sign on a one-hour Thursday night ESPN special, now comes word that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be joining forces in South Beach.
According to ESPN.com, NBA Insider Chris Broussard has learned through sources that Wade and Bosh are expected to announce they will sign with the Miami Heat with or without LeBron James.
Wade, a six-time All-Star, will be re-signing with the club that selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft while Miami will sign Bosh, a five-time All-Star and the fourth overall pick in the 2003 Draft, as an unrestricted free agent or acquire him through a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.
The announcement of the respective decisions by Wade and Bosh is expected to come Wednesday, which will lead to tremendous debate and speculation about where LeBron James will be headed.
‘The King’ could decide to join Wade and Bosh on the Heat to form a ‘Big Three’ the likes of which hasn’t been seen in the NBA in decades.
Alternatively, James could opt to remain in Cleveland and hope that the Cavaliers will continue to build around him with the remaining free agents on the market.
Finally, James, a six-time All-Star and the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, could make his way to the Big Apple to form a comparable tandem to Wade and Bosh in Miami with Amar’e Stoudemire on the New York Knicks.
These appear to be the most viable options for James who attempted to persuade Chris Bosh to join him in Cleveland, but was unsuccessful because of Bosh’s unwillingness to play for the Cavaliers.
Ultimately though, James will be viewed as either a follower or a leader when he finally announces his decision.
Stay tuned.
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Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh to sign with Miami Heat
