Save Some Face

Maybe I'm alone in this, but free agency thoroughly exhausts me to the point of frustration. As it stands, the only free agents of significance likely to leave are Amar'e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, David Lee, Chris Bosh and possibly LeBron James. A strong class, without a doubt. But if LeBron does in fact remain in Cleveland, I will be disappointed. Not only because he's not a Knick, but also because the climax of the hype was non-existent.

Dwyane Wade is not innocent either. Despite repeatedly announcing that he wants to stay in Miami, he continues to take meetings with other teams. According to Ric Bucher of ESPN, he's attempting to play interference by distracting teams from other targets. Bush league, I say. His refusal to commit to the Heat has created an annoying domino effect. Without Wade, neither Bosh nor Boozer will commit to the Heat. If Wade does in fact choose a new basketball home, others will have to await his decision before reaching their own.

Same for LeBron. If he stays, the equation completely changes. If he goes, the equation changes again. In short, the James and Wade hold both their own destiny and that of their fellow free agents in their attention-seeking hands. LeBron can claim that he wants to hear the pitches of individual teams before deciding, but what can the teams say that will be shockingly new or innovative? LeBron and his camp already know what each team has to offer.

His taking of the meetings would not be so frustrating had he already announced his departure from Cleveland. Then, obviously, details might make the difference. But if he stays in Cleveland, he already knew he was going to. Nothing these teams say in meetings will single-handedly propel LeBron to their respective cities. There is only one reason to stay in Cleveland: loyalty. The team has very little room to maneuver under the cap and is unlikely to make improvements in the near future. Long lasting basketball success is more readily available somewhere other than Cleveland.

So leave Cleveland and Miami, LeBron and Dwyane. Not simply because I want the door to New York to remain open, but to save some face. Prove to us that the hype monster you two created was worth it.