With rumors flying that LeBron James could leave the Miami Heat this summer, James and his agent will meet with Heat president Pat Riley this week, according to Sam Amick of USA Today.
LeBron James to meet with Heat in person amid free-agent frenzy
Riley will get the chance to make another pitch to his superstar in the next few days.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The date and time for the meeting haven’t been decided, but it should happen in the next few days:
As @sam_amick reported, LeBron James & agent Rich Paul will meet w/ Pat Riley. Details being worked on, but should happen in next 2-3 days.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 7, 2014 James' agent, Rich Paul, has had discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers about the possibility of the four-time MVP joining those teams. James himself hasn't been a part of any of those meetings, but perhaps that changes after the discussion with Riley. ESPN's Chris Broussard has posited that the Cavs are the new favorites to land James.
James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all opted out of their contracts with the Heat over the past few weeks, and NBA free agency has been in a bit of a holding pattern as teams wait to see what happens with the Big Three. Many believed the trio would return to Miami, possibly with an improved recruiting cast, but it could be hard to attract another impact player with what likely would be limited cap space.
James wants a contract with a max salary for next season, while Bosh and Wade stand to take pay cuts. However, it's unclear just how big a cut they'd be willing to take, and Bosh is sure to receive plenty of interest elsewhere. The Rockets plan on making a hard push for Bosh if they miss out on Carmelo Anthony, who's expected to re-sign with the New York Knicks.
ESPN’s Mike Wallace reported Sunday that “nothing’s changed” in Bosh and Wade’s approach to free agency since it started on July 1. The two players continue to weigh all options for the future, especially with the current uncertainly surrounding James:
Around Bosh/Wade, there's uneasiness about James' intent; uncertainty. No one's sure -- yet. Heat aren't done, but empire's teetering.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 7, 2014 The Heat hope Riley’s meeting with James will provide more clarity on the situation.
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