Where Should King James Go?
The most anticipated free agency period in the NBA is about to begin. Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudamire, and Joe Johnson are all in line for max deals. The big prize however is LeBron James.
James has that rare blend of franchise making talent and marketability that can take a sub-par pretender to championship contender.
Only LeBron knows where he will wind up playing. If he goes to the Knicks, Nets, or Clippers, LeBron can rule out winning a championship in 2011.
There are only a few cities where LeBron could have a legitimate shot at a championship next year. Here is my list of the best four cities that have the talent and cap space for LeBron to win a ring next year.
1. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs are trying everything possible to sign LeBron James. It has become quite obvious that Dirk will never win a championship as the alpha male. Pair LeBron with Dirk and now you have a championship contender in the West. Throw in Jason Terry, Caron Butler, Jason Kidd and the Mavs just might hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy next June.
2. Miam Heat
This one should go with an asterisk next to it. IF (That's a big If) Dwayne Wade comes back, the Heat have a great shot at landing LeBron. LeBron, Dwade, and Michael Beasley make up a nice trifecta. Add in the fact that Jermaine O'Neal's $23 million dollar contract comes off the books and so does Quentin Richardson's $8 million. The Heat still have cap space to add a Joe Johnson.
3. Chicago Bulls
Does LeBron want to play in the city that Jordan built? It would be difficult following the greatest player that ever lived. The Bulls have a team loaded with young talent. Derrick Rose is the perfect Robin to LeBron's Batman. All the Bulls need is a quality big man to win a championship.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
This is a team that no one mentions but the Thunder are $11.5 million under the cap and have a great nucleus. Kevin Durant is a top five player at just 20 years of age. Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green are young budding superstars. If LeBron went to OKC, the Thunder would become a championship dynasty. It may be a long shot but the Thunder should try.
