Where Will LeBron Be In 2010?

June 29, 2009, at 10:00 am

Why is it a lock that LeBron is either going to be a Cav or Knick come 2010. I brought this up tonight and got laughed at by my friends. Isn’t it a real concern that the Knicks won’t be able to field a team with enough talent to lure LeBron to N.Y? I get it, there’s an allure that comes with playing in New York. Winning in New York isn’t like winning anywhere else, it’s the media capital of the world and the best place for LeBron to play if he wants to become a “global icon.” I’m also aware that the 7 seconds or less offense is perfect for LeBron and that it would artificially inflate his stats to no end. If he comes to NY he will average 30 10 and 10, it’s a lock.

But New York isn’t the only big city with major cap space…

In 2010 the Bulls will have roughly $41 million committed to their cap. Since the salary cap is going backwards they may or may not have enough room to get under enough to add a max contract. However, they are likely to move Kirk Hinrich ($9 million in 2010) before the start of the season. In Chicago LeBron could play alongside, Derrick Rose (who better to pass to LBJ) Loul Deng, Tryus Thomas, Joakim Noah and John Salmons. That’s way more than the Knicks will have to offer.

In 2010 the Heat have literally no guaranteed contracts on their roster. If they wanted to they could have the entire salary cap to play with. However, assuming Dewayne Wade opts out of his contract, his new max deal would account for roughly 18 million or so in cap space. Assuming the Heat pick up Mario Chalmers option ($847K) and Michael Bealeys option ($6 million) they will roughly have $25 million in salary on the books. Meaning they have $30 million to play with (assuming the cap is around $55 million, a low estimate.) That means they could add LeBron and another big gun. Way more than the Knicks have to offer.

Last but not least, what about the Clippers? Sure it’s Kobe’s town but the Lakers fans are a bandwagon bunch. Don’t act like they wouldn’t put down the purple and gold for a shinny LeBron 23 Clipper jersey. In 2010 the Clippers have roughly 52 million committed in salary. However, if they can move Chris Kaman for an expiring contract (as it has been rumored) they would be at $40 million which could make them a player in free agency. Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thorton, Blake Griffin and Zach Randolph…isn’t that a much more appealing group (sans Randolph) than the Knicks could offer?

The “Donnie Walsh shed salary for 2010″ plan seemed good at the time but at least this Knick fan is getting nervous. If, and that’s still a big if, LBJ leaves Cleavland why is he going to come to NY? Is playing with Danillo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Jordan Hill, Toney Douglas, Jared Jefferies and Eddy Curry that appealing?

Obviously a lot can happen between now and next off-season but it’s way too early to be ordering your James 23 jerseys.