The Los Angeles Clippers could end up with Miami Heat star LeBron James if he chooses to become a free agent in the offseason. The Clippers reportedly can easily create the salary cap space needed to sign James as a free agent, creating the possibility of a Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and James "Big Three" in Hollywood.
James is eligible to become a free agent on July 1 by opting out of the final year of his contract. While James has declined to discuss his future in Miami, it hasn't stopped myriad rumors from circulating. Per Grantland's Bill Simmons, the latest possible landing stop for James is with the Clippers.
"FYI: it's easy for Clips to make a LeBron run. Trade DeAndre (Jordan) + Jamal (Crawford) to teams with cap space (easy), then use 1st rounder to dump (Jared) Dudley (salary)," Simmons tweeted on Tuesday. "Also - if you don't think the Clips are exploring that game plan, you are nuts. Clips, Cavs + Rockets are LeBron's suitors if he gets antsy."
The 2014 NBA finals proved Miami's roster needs improvements. The question, with the luxury tax going into effect this summer, is whether Miami can afford to keep James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh together and field a competitive supporting cast.
Even if owner Micky Arison were willing to spend the money and president Pat Riley got creative with the roster, James's best chance to win a championship -- his only goal -- may not be in Miami with Wade's deteriorating knees and Bosh's routinely ineffective play.
Teaming with Paul and Griffin, assuming they'd both be willing to take salary cuts, looks much more promising than staying with Wade and Bosh.
In addition to having a more talented Big Three in Los Angeles, James would have a proven coach in Doc Rivers and an even bigger market he could use to further his brand.
James hasn't ruled out becoming a free agent, but he also hasn't given any reason to believe he may leave South Beach. He said he would speak with Wade and Bosh over the summer to figure out the next move.
Playing out the final year of his contract is another possibility that would still give him flexibility for the future.
