Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade Make Miami Heat Instant Championship Contenders

Maybe LeBron James was the big prize of free agency. But boy, was it sure easy to forget about him today, as Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade announced their decision to join forces in Miami.

As the two interviewed with Mike Wilbon later in the day, there was a sense of focus between the two. It had a Boston Celtics circa 2007-2008 feel to it as well, with both parties cognizant that the goal isn't a championship.

It is a dynasty.

Wade and Bosh, by themselves, are enough to assure Miami will be a top three team regardless of wherever LeBron decides to go. But if there is anything that separates winners from losers, one word comes to mind: sacrifice.

If you look back at the Wade and Bosh interview with Wilbald, both each echoed the word again and again.

Miami still has enough money to fill out the rest of their roster with some more talent.

Now they also have the lure of playing with two players of Bosh's and Wade's caliber to add with all the inherent appeal that playing in South Beach already has.

Today marks a day that is arguably the biggest in franchise history.

Not only did Miami keep their man, they also got their target.

And the best part about it is that both are entering their prime together and will play for another five or six years.

This isn't getting Shaq big. This is bigger. Shaq came to Miami on the downside of his career. Yes, he was still good enough to play second fiddle to Wade. But the year after, his skill set had diminished noticeably further and his behavior was an albatross.

Everything that Miami has done since the 2006 championship has lead to this moment.

All the mediocrity.

All the quiet offseasons.

All the frustration.

Now Miami is coming out of the tunnel and finally seeing the light.

As are we all.

And the best part about it all is that Miami still has a lot more money left to spend, Michael Beasley as a piece still to trade, and Pat Riley showing that he does in fact know what he's doing.

Make way, NBA. The Miami Heat have just entered the building.