NBA Free Agents 2010: Pursuit of the C.R.E.A.M.

In 1993 the Wu-Tang Clan released their classic album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).   Included in its gritty tracks was a song that symbolized everything our society is based on.

C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) was an ode to the perpetual paper chase, and the Wu-Tang Clan spoke on how the never-ending love of money dominates most of the decisions we make in life.

It's not hard to see how dollars affect every phase of our own personal lives. Even though I am comfortable in my situation, the opportunity to accumulate more wealth is still an enticing prospect.

Viewing NBA free agency with that perspective makes all the rumors about where LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh may end up look a little foolish. They will ultimately land where the money is greater.

The speculation about super teams is nice, and the idea that young, wealthy basketball players will make decisions based on the game is noble, but in the end it all boils down to the almighty dollar.

That may be why you heard Bosh call the rumors about a proposed Miami Heat team comprised of himself, James, and Wade "pie-in-the-sky"—in that pairing someone has to take the short end of the stick.

The Heat, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and maybe another team or two can all afford to add two maximum contract players, but will the contracts be of equal value to each player?

Why would Wade run the risk of accepting less money by signing with James when he could separately sign with another team and dictate the terms of the agreement?

How does a team measure players like Wade and James, who are considered two of the game's best players, if they are not on equal footing in terms of skill and perception?

I'm sure each player feels he should receive the maximum pay for his abilities, and although it's nice to think Wade or James would take a pay cut in order to win a championship, it doesn't make financial sense.

Why share a pond when you can have it all to yourself?

I would be surprised if Wade or James swayed from that stance, and the same rule also applies to a player like Bosh, who could actually lose money if he decided to sign with either player.

Bosh is not considered on the same level as Wade and James, but if he decides to play in a city separate from those players, someone will pay Bosh like he is a top-tier free agent.

Again, in a world dominated by money, why should Bosh deny himself his personal right to accumulate as much wealth as possible? For the love of the game or dreams of capturing a NBA title?

For a player like Bosh a NBA title is still just a dream, but the potential to cash in on big free agency dollars is real, and in the end his decision will likely be dictated by that reality.

The sign-and-trade deals have made it easier for teams to navigate through the murky waters of free agency, but that anomaly exists separate from the posturing and posing which begins today.

A sign-and-trade can sometimes signal that a player's main intention is to compete for a championship and that he has come to an understanding that he is a lesser talent than another player on the team.

There have been various rumors concerning Bosh and a sign-and-trade with numerous teams listed as the second party, but until a move is actually made, it's still just speculation.

Maybe one of these players will display some selflessness and prove me wrong, but until one does I'm sticking with what the Wu-Tang Clan has to say on the subject.

In this day and age, when James has said one of his main goals is to become the first billionaire player, why should I believe his chase for NBA glory would take precedent over his chase for fortune?