According to the New York Times, an NBA executive has revealed that the Chicago Bulls have emerged as the favorite to sign LeBron James along with Chris Bosh, who were both teammates during the 2008 Summer Olympics. The NBA executive went as far as to say that it was a “done deal.” However, he wanted to keep his name private, because he was discussing players who are not currently free agents.
If this rumor is true, and is in fact a “done deal,” the Chicago Bulls may be in danger of violating the NBA’s anti-tampering rule. Under this rule, teams are not allowed to start discussions with players until July 1. Until then, LeBron James and Chris Bosh are still technically under contract for their respective teams.
By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta
The rumor looks to be even more believable when you consider the comments from LeBron’s business partner and friend Maverick Carter, who told ESPN the Magazine’s Chris Broussard that LeBron will stay in Cleveland to negotiate with potential teams, rather than going on a tour.
This plan would keep LeBron from getting lured in by the bells and whistles of cities like Los Angeles and New York. He can focus on just the basketball aspect of the decision. This helps the Bulls’ chance of landing James, because other than Cleveland, no team can give LeBron a better opportunity of winning immediately.
LeBron’s decision is already causing a domino effect around the league.
According to several sources, the New York Knicks have emerged as front-runners to sign both Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire. Both were former teammates in Phoenix under current Knicks’ head coach Mike D’Antoni. If these rumors hold true, Chicago will go from an eighth seed in the East to an immediate title contender and New York will go from a regular lottery dweller to a possible playoff team. The East will be the strongest we have seen since the Jordan era, when MJ and his sidekick Scottie Pippen ruled the roost.
The theme of NBA free agency thus far has been teams wanting to sign one-two punches. With the Knicks and Bulls reportedly close to signing their pair of superstars, where does that leave the other star free agents?
If Dwyane Wade stays in Miami, which sidekick joins him?
Carlos Boozer?
Dirk Nowitzki?
David Lee?
It’s not even July 1 yet, but the rumors are starting to flow like water. The NBA playoffs may have just ended, but things are just starting to get interesting in the NBA.
Read more blogs by Justin Mertes-Mistretta at https://www.percysperspective.com/