LeBron James’ decision four years ago was much anticipated. With speculation mounting that he will return to Cleveland, the team he abandoned four years ago, the anticipation of this decision is even higher.
James met with Miami Heat president Pat Riley in Las Vegas on Wednesday for about an hour. He did not announce a decision afterward, although the Cavs became the top choice of speculation, especially after reports emerged that movers cleared out James’ Miami home.
If James chooses to leave the Heat, free agent Chris Bosh will sign with the Houston Rockets offer of $88 million over four years, sources told ESPN. James could put a time squeeze on Bosh, who hopes to remain with the Heat along with James.
The Rockets’ position, however, got more complicated on Wednesday when their restricted free agent Chandler Parsons agreed to a three-year, $45-million offer from the Dallas Mavericks. Once Parsons signs the offer sheet, which could be as early as Thursday, the Rockets will have three days to match.
If the Rockets match, they will lose the requisite cap space needed to sign Bosh. They can match the offer and still afford Bosh, but only if they sign Bosh first. To make room for Bosh, the Rockets will need to execute at least two trades, likely involving Omer Asik and point guard Jeremy Lin to clear cap space.
