NBA Rumors: LeBron James has no free agent meetings set up
By Sam Richmond
NBA teams hoping to steal LeBron James away from the Miami Heat this summer are having a tough go so far, according to a new report by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
"In recent days, teams that have hoped to schedule pitch meetings with James once the free-agency period begins next week have been unable to do so, sources told ESPN.com."
While there obviously remains time for these unrevealed teams to set something up with King James on July 1 and beyond, the fact that LBJ has nothing in the works right now strongly suggests that his desire is to remain with the Heat. Carmelo Anthony, for one, already has three visits scheduled for just the first day of the free agency period.
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Factoring in this nugget of information, on top of the news that Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem opted out of their previous contracts on Saturday, all signals point to the Big Three era continuing for years to come in Miami. The assumption is that Chris Bosh will join Wade, Haslem and James by opting out soon, giving the Heat $55 million in cap space to re-sign all four players and possibly another highly sought out player.
Windhorst adds that point guard Kyle Lowry could be in the mix to join Miami.
"Bosh will head into free agency willing to accept a pay cut from the $20 million he was owed next year, sources said. Haslem is looking for a multiyear deal that will assure him more guaranteed money than what he originally was owed next season but is also willing to take a pay cut, according to a source.If Wade and James are willing to accept reductions in pay as well, the Heat potentially would be able to open up a salary slot to add another player. The team is known to be interested inToronto Raptors free agent point guard Kyle Lowry."
As unrestricted free agents, LeBron and Co. can’t sign with the Heat (or any other team) until July 1.