The NBA Season 2014 has ended with the San Antonio Spurs taking the glory. And now, it's free agency season once again, which starts on July 1. Let the rumors start amongst the biggest names in the NBA.
Carmelo Anthony
According to Epoch Times, it looks like Carmelo Anthony will "opt out of his contract and test the market." Yahoo Sports reported that Anthony is leaning towards going to the Chicago Bulls or Houston Rockets. Both teams want to sign the hottest name in the NBA right now.
A source for Yahoo Sports shared: "His heart is in New York, but he wants a chance to win now." But the New York Post tells a somewhat different story. A source told the New York Post that Phil Jackson and Leon Rose (Anthony's agent) talked and the meeting went well. Also, that the Rockets and Bulls aren't really front-runners in getting Anthony because he can still be back in New York. Even the Miami Heat is setting its eyes on Anthony to be part of the Big Four.
What does new NYK president Phil Jackson have to say about it? "I'm not losing sleep over it, but I'm definitely concerned about the idea of a guy going into free agency. It only takes one bidder out there that has the ability and can ruin your hopes and your chances."
LeBron James
LeBron James may come runner-up to the NBA 2014 season, but as a free agent, he might just be number one in the list of other teams James is now a free agent and there's rumors that James will leave the Heat and go to a team and try another run at a championship.
There's another rumor going around too, CBS reported: "Of all the convoluted superstar concoctions that are possible this summer, James and Anthony joining Bryant with the Lakers might be the most plausible — as long as you operate from the assumption that both would be willing to take a significant pay cut to do so."
James hasn't commented on his free agency yet. But reports say that James will enjoy a family vacation first before making a decision.
Kyle Lowry
As a free agent, ESPN reports that Kyle Lowry expressed interest in joining the Miami Heat. The feeling is mutual as the Heat is also thinking about getting Lowry as guard. However, this may not be as easy as it looks.
Stephen Babb of Bleacher Report explains: "First, Miami is well over the salary cap, leaving it with only a midlevel exception to acquire additional talent. That exception may be better-used to restock the bench by acquiring a shooter or two. Second, there aren't very many good free-agent point guards available, especially if you're looking for someone who's actually a step up from Chalmers."
Simply put, the Heat might not be able to afford Lowry right now. Rather, Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions should be considered.
Tim Duncan
Coming off a championship, Tim Duncan has a player option for 2014-2015, according to Bleacher Report. He has until June 24 to decide. But more or less, everyone knows that Duncan will stay with the Spurs. He loves the team and at 38 years old, he only has a few seasons left. It's best if Duncan would retire with the Spurs.
Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson had tricks up his sleeve when he defended Lebron James in the Eastern Conference Finals. But his free agency is no trick, he might be leaving the Indiana Pacers after all. Yannis Koutroupis of Basketball Insiders predicts that Stephenson will go to the Charlotte Hornets. He will be offered more than what the Pacers can give him.
