NBA Free agency The Breeze Vol 2 Number 4 The official Column of WWS

Four years to the day when Lebron James announced his decision to go to Miami it appears he has the NBA and Miami in a vice. that is to say 55 million  dollars has been technically saved by these actions. The opt out has led to a toe dance by GMs around the country that  would make Barishnikov proud. With the New CBA and a hard salary  cap in place. that limits teams in terms of contract years and maximum money they can offer plus the mid level exception the Big 3 led by James can essentially call his own shot 4 years later we are still waiting. The problem is other free agents are being held hostage by his non decision.. I put a portion of the blame on  ownership are you listening Mickey Aronson. For 2 years he has had a contending team with no bench. This time around no pay cuts and calls for max money are loudly proclaimed. Owners who do not wish to pay the graduated luxury tax for Cap reasons. can extend payouts over a set number of years but that would require compromise on the part of players who have collectively bargained to have as many max 5 year contracts and the money that comes with them but it is possible for other cornerstone and  franchise players to collude with each other prior to July 10th 2014. The 1st day new signings can become Official. The Wednesday meeting  between Mr. Showtime coach and James  might go something like this James demands max money and enough cap space to get a bench for a change. If GM is smart he will not suggest a pay cut. James may say Bosch to Houston for max money and Cap space to bring Carmelo to  Miami. Lebron will  still be holding Miami in a vice that would make Don Johnson Proud.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQDU-2qMre0

Mark A Janisch  Founder and Senior writer  for wws
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