With the NBA seemingly holding their breath for Heat rumors and news updates regarding free agent LeBron James, this next bit of speculation from the typing fingers of ESPN's Chris Broussard might be enough to send media outlets into a feeding frenzy:
When the Miami Heat's "Big 3" went their separate ways after a lunch meeting last Wednesday, they went not knowing whether they had played their last game together, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
While Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were committed to returning to the Heat, LeBron James was unsure of what he would do, the sources said.
The only certainty coming out of the meeting concerning James was that he wanted a maximum-level salary.
James did not ask or suggest that Wade and Bosh opt out of their deals or take lesser salaries to allow the Heat to add other top players, according to the sources.
When Bosh and Wade opted out of their contracts a few days later -- joining James who had done so before their lunch meeting -- it was widely assumed the three were working together and would all return to the Heat.
But sources who have spoken with two of the Big 3 said that was not the case. Bosh and Wade are intent on returning to Miami, but neither of them knows what James will do.
"It's not a done deal," said one source, when asked about James' return to Miami. "That's for sure."
The brass tacks still remain the brass tacks, however.
LeBron James' most likely landing spot is Miami, with a very slim chance that he will take his talents elsewhere at this juncture. His friendship with Wade and Bosh, his relationship with the Heat front office, and his affinity for Miami make it hard to ascertain him walking away from the team after their fourth-straight NBA Finals appearance.
However, if Broussard's sources are to be fully believed, there's at least a nagging possibility (albeit a very unlikely one) that LeBron could push for a max contract elsewhere - even if it's on a one-year deal.
Chat Sports will continue to keep an eye on the latest surrounding LeBron James and his free agency, providing you up-to-date analysis of all the goings-on in Miami.
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