Reports of LeBron James’ return to the Miami Heat have been greatly exaggerated as the four-time league MVP’s agent has met with five other teams concerning his client's services in 2014.
It wasn't originally known how many teams met with James’ agent Rich Paul, but soon after the first reports, ESPN discovered that the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers all had an audience with the Cleveland-based agent. The Los Angeles Lakers have also set up an appointment to meet with Paul, Friday.
All four teams made their initial pitch for James, but it is unknown if James himself will make any free agent visits. Sources close to the situation believe the Suns made the best pitch to Paul as they revealed they would like to pair James with either Chris Bosh or Carmelo Anthony if he signed with Phoenix.
Experts are divided on what these meetings actually mean as James hasn't expressed any interest in signing with any team other than the Heat. One side believes James is using the other NBA teams to pressure Pat Riley to improve Miami’s roster while others believe James is legitimately considering jumping ship.
Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski is one such expert that believes James will consider all options this free agency period.
Says official who was part of meetings ESPN reported on: "There's clearly a breakdown in communication between LeBron and (Wade and Bosh)."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 4, 2014
Unless Pat Riley lines up talent appealing to James within cap structure soon, one LBJ suitor says: "LeBron seems ready to explore market." — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 4, 2014
It looks as if the big names of free agency are at a stand still until the Miami Heat’s “Big 3” make their decisions and if these meetings hold any merit, this could be The Decision 2 in the making.
[ESPN]
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