If you were shocked by LeBron James’ announcement that he is leaving the Miami Heat to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, you are not alone. Even LeBron’s ex-teammates were surprised.
Chris Bosh, who also opted out of his contract with the Heat following the season, has been abroad traveling with his family in recent weeks. Rather than the Heat’s Big Three working together to plan the team’s future, LeBron had been working independently of Bosh and Dwyane Wade, who share the same agent. We now know that’s because LeBron was plotting to leave the team.
Upon learning of LeBron’s decision, Bosh said there was a “shock factor.”
Bosh makes out quite well in this whole situation. Rather than taking a pay cut to stay with the Heat, Bosh is going to sign a maximum contract worth $119 million over five seasons. He loves Miami and wanted to stay there with his family, so I’ll bet he never imagined he’d be getting this kind of max money while being able to remain in the city he loves. He also gets a chance to be a team leader again.
Bosh will be the top player on the Heat team, which will still have a competitive core. In addition to Bosh, the team agreed to deals with Luol Deng and Josh McRoberts. They likely are bringing back Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers as well. They are probably going to sign Dwyane Wade, too.
LeBron’s departure shocked Bosh, but few will benefit from the move as much as he will. Now he gets to be a star again and remind people what he can do.
