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After countless days and hours of speculation, LeBron James has finally made his decision on where he wants to take his talents once again. Would it be the Miami Heat or the Cleveland Cavaliers?
EXCLUSIVE: I'm Coming HOME by @KingJames http://t.co/3dAzWO3ZXH (via @SI_LeeJenkins) pic.twitter.com/wIxfyojPIQ
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 11, 2014
It's an understatement to say that the whole basketball world has been holding their collective breath, waiting on what its best player will decide. The rest of Free Agency, for the most part, seems to have been held hostage as most players and teams were waiting until James made his move before making their own.
It's funny to think that the media wildfire around Jame's free agency in 2010 could be topped. But with the amount of crazy speculation from reporters to cupcake shops, the sequel to "The Decision" (2 Decision, 2 Furious) has definitely raised the bar in terms of anticipation and social media frenzy. While highly criticized, at least the television special occurred at a distinct time and saved us from perpetually sitting on the edge of our seats.
Immediate concerns for the Sixers obviously hinge on what Chris Bosh's decision would be as it's been reported that the Rockets and the Sixers have a deal in principle centering around Jeremy Lin. Now that James has decided to return home to Cleveland, Bosh's decision should be easier.
It remains to be seen how the rest of the pieces drop. Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade have yet to make decisions of their own. Kobe Bryant, feeling a little left out, got his name in the headlines. The "Summer of Kevin Love", originally thought to be the pervading headline, has taken the back seat since James stole its thunder. Even former Sixer, Evan Turner is still a free agent and waiting on LeBron (or his Ferrari ran out of gas again, because of course that happens).
How it all shakes out will be interesting to watch. You have to figure Sam Hinkie is doing some homework of his own and laying out feelers to see if he can capitalize on the market. Regardless, let's collectively exhale, sit back and relax. In a season of fireworks, the NBA Free Agency is about to put on it's own light show.
UPDATE #1 [12:40PM]:
The dominos will start to fall now. Houston is moving quickly to complete a deal for Jeremy Lin, clear space and try to sign Chris Bosh.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 11, 2014
As mentioned, with the first big domino falling, Free Agency and Trades will start to pick up. We'll see if Houston makes a trade with Philly or if new buyers have popped up since the first report. Get your popcorn ready!
UPDATE #2 [1:52PM]:
Sources say Houston Rockets trying to trade Jeremy Lin to the Los Angeles Lakers. Report now on @SportsCenter
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2014
Well, this throws a wrench in what has been reported. More buyers were going to pop out once the first domino fell. Stay tuned for more.