Triple Threat Revived
Having trouble keeping up with the basketball world this week? You’re not alone. There’s been more gossip than at a Great Gatsby-style summer party. First the triple threat idea of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James signing for the Heat tore through the press — and with it countless other narratives of wine and dine and general pizazz. Then the reality of salary caps and economic gain, and analysts sought to bet on players going separate ways.
Then more news about outrageous franchise presentations, with Forbes magazine getting their paws on the actual presentation the Bulls’ gave to LeBron James. And finally an overhaul of fresh stories powered by speculation and twitter updates. So at this point it’s safe to say the whole world’s been led on a few goose chases.
That was until news spread yesterday that Chris Bosh was meeting up with Dwyane Wade in Miami. The news was confirmed by ESPN, and it changes everything. The word on the street is that James is again headed to Miami as well.
Sources say the star experienced a late change of heart, after getting word Bosh and Wade made good on the plan. James will make his announcement from the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Conn., during a special called "The Decision" on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET Thursday.
One of his best friends, Chris Paul, had urged the superstar to remain in Cleveland, so it is still possible he could change his mind.
According to sources James’ family is divided over his decision to remain in Cleveland. Opinions range from feeling that he is selling himself short in Miami, to understanding his desire to want to play with Wade. There are various questions about not just him, but his personal brand. Will ‘the King’ still be able to rule the throne amongst the royal family? Will Bosh and Wade be content taking royal orders and kissing the ring?
What's more important, a thriving personal brand and the possibility of becoming the first billionaire-grossing athlete, or winning a championship?
James demonstrated tenacity in improving Cleveland’s club to a .500 team. Sources say he likewise tried to see Bosh on the idea of going to Cleveland, but the Raptor’s free agent was adamant about not wanting to play in Ohio.
While sources close to James insist his heart is in Cleveland, his bank may be in Chicago, New York, or even Brooklyn, the new home of the Clippers. Others also say he doesn’t want to re-sign a long deal with the Cavs because of concerns ending up there at “31 years old, with bad knees and no title.”
On June 28 it was reported that Wade and Bosh had a scaled-down version of the free-agent summit originally suggested. Sources say a sit-down took place in Miami, which was nonetheless denied by the players’ agent, Henry Thomas.
James averaged roughly 30 points a game last season for the Cavs. Close behind was Wade with 26.6, and Bosh, with a career best of 24.0.
But in joining the Heat, James would leave nearly $30 million on the table, an amount given him in working out a sign-and-trade with Cleveland. As his current team Cleveland could offer him a six-year, $128 million dollar contract, while Miami could only offer $99 million.
Sources say Wade does not know what the terms of his new contract will be, but that he is happy to resign with Miami. Bosh’s contract remains undetermined. Contracts are contingent on James’ decision Thursday night, and Wade insists he is unsure what the two-time MVP will say.
Contracts cannot be officially signed until Thursday.
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