NBA Free Agency: LeBron James’ 5 best destinations

MIAMI HEAT

It’s very important to realize that just because LeBron opted out, that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to return to the Heat. It could very well be the first domino to fall in the creation of a “Big Four.” Remember, if the Heat want to go after Carmelo Anthony, they need James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to opt out, then re-sign with the Heat at a discount. They’ve taken less money to win before, why not now?

LeBron is comfortable on South Beach, where he’s as popular as any star in the city. He hasn’t had any issues with teammates or coaches in Miami and seems to get along well with Pat Riley. The main thing standing in the way here would be his desire to make history. Is it important to James to make five consecutive NBA Finals appearances with the Heat? Has he done it all at this point and now wants a new challenge?

Being fresh physically is one thing, being fresh mentally is something completely different. Even at the highest level of basketball, players have to fight boredom. They have to be challenged and they have to be pushed. James has gotten himself up for the same challenge four years in a row now. How would adding Anthony to the mix change that? It wouldn’t. I’m not ruling the Heat out, but whenever a player wants to “check out his options,” that usually doesn’t bode well for the home team.