The two-time MVP will leave the Cavs after the most successful run in team history which saw the shattering of win records and the franchise's only visit to the NBA Finals in 2007.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be able to continue their friendship as teammates in Miami, along with forward Chris Bosh.THE NEW TEAM: MIAMI HEAT
Last season: 47-35, lost to Boston, 4-1, in first-round playoff series.
Last five years; recent playoffs: 201-209; 20-19 in playoffs last five years, including 2006 NBA championship with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.
Coach: Erik Spoelstra. Two years with Heat; career, 90-74; playoffs, 4-8).
Key players: G Dwyane Wade; PF Chris Bosh; F Michael Beasley.
Needs: Players, besides the trio of James, Wade and Bosh. Beasley has star potential, but has thus far been a study in inconsistency. He might be traded to allow maximum contracts for the star trio. Also under contract is so-so point guard Mario Chalmers. As of now, the Heat must fill the roster with seven minimum-salary contracts. There is some speculation that James, Wade and Bosh might surrender some dollars so Miami can offer a reasonable contract to a talented veteran such as guard-forward Mike Miller. James and Wade will have to work out some things. Who is the guy to take the big shot at the end of the game? Star duos have made it work before, but these are two especially strong personalities, so it will be intriguing to watch – although maddening for Cavaliers fans. Throw in the ego of team president Pat Riley — who could unceremoniously dispatch Spoelstra as he once did Stan Van Gundy when a title run seemed possible — and there are certain dynamics which could create problems.
-- Mike Peticca
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The witnesses have been excused.
In a decision that will likely rock Northeast Ohio for years to come, LeBron James announced that he was planning to leave the Cavaliers and sign with the Miami Heat during a primetime special called "The Decision" on ESPN Thursday.
The news was expected for most of the day after reports surfaced overnight that James had decided to join fellow free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Florida. Neither James or his marketing firm would confirm the reports in the hours leading up to the telecast, which only fed suspense and fueled rumors that the reporters were some kind of smokescreen to drive ratings.
In the end, it was just denial.
The two-time Most Valuable Player will leave the Cavs after the most successful run in team history which saw the shattering of win records and the franchise's only visit to the NBA Finals in 2007.
James was attracted to the Heat because he believes the three stars with the Heat can compete better for championships against strong teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Magic.
James, the team's all-time leader in scoring among other categories, potentially could be leaving as much as $40 million on the table by not signing a maximum contract with the Cavs and instead going with the Heat. It is believed the Heat attempted to get around this fact by pointing out the different in state income tax rates.
Florida has none and Ohio's is six percent. James would have to pay out of state income tax for most of his 41 road games per season but none of his home games. But still that is a difference that could save James millions over the next five years when also including his endorsement earnings, which are believed to be about $15-20 million per year.