LeBron James and the Miami Heat: Possibility More Real Than Advertised?

We are a year and change away from what could be one of the most exciting spectacles in sports history. What makes it so interesting is that it won't be played on hardwood, grass, or ice. 

This monumental event will be taking place over the phone lines, in face-to-face conversations, and behind closed doors.

If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm talking about the possible free agent class of 2010, and more specifically, LeBron James.

We all hear about it, we all think about it, and we all can't wait for the results. 

With such a surplus of available talent and teams doing everything in their power to have money to spend, the NBA might have its own version of musical chairs by the time October 2010 rolls around.

We hear about the "Coaching Carousels" of college football, but rarely do we get to see something of that magnitude when it comes to superstar players.

Here's the list of guys that may be available:

Unrestricted Free Agents: Joe Johnson, Manu Ginobili, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Marcus Camby, Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, Larry Hughes, Rafer Alston, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Restricted Free Agents: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo, Tyrus Thomas, Carl Landry, Luis Scola, Jordan Farmar, Rudy Gay, Randy Foye, and Andrea Bargnani.

Players with Options: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Amar'e Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce, John Salmons, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, TJ Ford, Michael Redd, Richard Jefferson, Tyson Chandler, and Peja Stojakovic.

With that stated, many of those players might sign extensions or decline their options and remain with their current teams. As of right now, though, these guys can all potentially switch (or attempt to, in the cases of the restricted guys) alliances during what's sure to be a frantic summer. 

But even with so much possibly going on, the attention will surely be on one thing: What will LeBron do?

Will he sign an extension beforehand, remaining with Cleveland? Will he opt out and re-sign? Will he opt out and look to go elsewhere?

Or will he decline his option, wait another year to become a free agent, and force teams to freeze their spending for another year?

Most evidence indicates that he'll opt out and at least explore his options, whether he plans on re-signing or switching jerseys. 

So where would he want to go if he no longer fancies his home state? 

The Brooklyn Nets used to be everyone's favorite possibility, but with the move on hold, it seems like it's no longer a real possibility.

People say LeBron is made to play in New York, in the basketball Mecca known as Madison Square Garden. Then there is everybody else, hoping he sees something in their team that makes them unique and desirable. 

Well, I'm going to be looking at one of those "other teams"—The Miami Heat—and I'm going to describe to you why it really does make sense.

1. Money

It's all about the money, and Miami will have it. If Wade opts out, as expected, Miami could have no players under contract if they chose to do so. And for those of you who aren't so great at math, having no salaries on the books means you have the most money to spend. 

With that said, Miami will have players under contract in 2010. Miami has team options on Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, Daequan Cook, and James Jones that summer. Most likely, Miami will pick up three of those, releasing Jones and his remaining $15 million.

That will leave Miami with three young (20, 22, and 21 respectively), very talented (all making impacts in less than four years experience combined) players who come at the low price of just under $8 million in total.

In comparison, the Knicks will probably have four players under contract: Eddy Curry, Jared Jeffries, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler at a total of $23.5 million. Miami has better talent and more cap room.

We're also assuming Wade will also be on the Heat's payroll. He has stated his desire to remain in Miami and has even discussed signing an extension this summer. If that were to happen, he'd keep his $17 million contract in 2010, which would bring Miami's total to around $25 million. If he declines and they resign him, that number would be closer to $30 million.

2. Miami

While it isn't the "Media Capital of the World," it's definitely not San Antonio

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?