LeBron James declined to commit to the Miami Heat past the 2013-14 season, when he can opt out of his current contract. While he's been vague about his future beyond this season, re-signing with Miami is anything but guaranteed.
"I have absolutely no idea," James recently told ESPN when asked about staying in Miami after the 2013-14 season. "I would love to spend the rest of my career in Miami with this great team and great organization as we continue to compete for championships. That's ideal.
"But we don't know what may happen from now to the end of the season. That's the nature of the business. It's the nature of not knowing what tomorrow brings.
"I mean, as a kid, I never thought the Bulls would break up. Never. If you'd of told me as a kid that [Michael] Jordan and [Scottie] Pippen wouldn't play together for the rest of their lives, I'd have looked at you crazy. And Phil Jackson wouldn't be coach? I'd have looked at you crazy. But sometimes the nature of the business doesn't allow things to happen like you would want them to. But we'll see."
The "nature of the business" is why James isn't a lock to remain in Miami. As of now, it appears unlikely the Heat's Big 3 would be able to stay together in Miami after this season. The repeater tax, which goes into effect for the 2014-15 season, and new sign-and-trade restrictions make it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for the Heat to keep the Big 3 and field a competitive team around them.
It's uncertain what plan of action that Heat owner Mickey Arrison and president Pat Riley have for the team. With Wade appearing to be on the downhill end of his career and the play of Chris Bosh being inconsistent, James could decide his best chance at another championship is elsewhere after this season.
His former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, is the Heat's biggest competition for James' services. A return to Cleveland is very possible, according to ESPN. The Los Angeles Lakers, who would have the cap room to sign two max free agents next summer, are also a possibility given the LA's large market and deep pockets.
Playing with Kobe Bryant doesn't appear to be a deal breaker, like it was in part with Dwight Howard. James has proven he's unselfish with the ball, and he excels at getting his teammates involved. While Bryant is expected to sign a contract extension at some point with the Lakers, James would be sharing the spotlight with the 35-year-old for only another handful of years.
Only James knows where he'll end up, and it's something he's unwilling to talk about any time soon.
"I owe it to myself, I owe it to my teammates and I owe it to the Miami Heat to stay focused," he said. "As a leader, I'm not even going to let that side of the business get me unfocused on what I'm trying to do and that's trying to win another championship."
