When it comes down to it, it’s the players that truly sell NBA tickets around the league. This summer there are some great players that are hitting free agency. Here is my prediction of where some of the top guys land.

LeBron James: LeBron isn’t called the King for nothing, and he’ll be the piece that probably dictates how the rest of the chips fall. I just don’t see him joining Dwyane Wade in Miami, because I don’t think it would work great on the court or from an alpha dog standpoint. The Knicks don’t have enough talent. The Nets won’t be in Brooklyn for at least two years. That basically leaves Cleveland and Chicago. He’s been loyal to Cleveland, and I don’t think he necessarily wants to be vilified in his hometown of Akron for leaving the Cavs. He’s flirting with the rest of his suitors, but I think he’ll head home when it’s all said and done. Prediction: Cleveland.

Dwyane Wade: Wade probably isn’t going anywhere, as he can simply recruit players to join him in South Beach. He’s the best selling point the Heat have and they’re not going to let him get away. I would be shocked to see D-Wade in a different uniform next season. Prediction: Miami.

Chris Bosh: Bosh is one of the toughest guys to get a read on. He seems like the only big name that could be involved in a sign-and-trade, so that really opens up the possibilities as far as destinations go. Houston seems to be a legitimate sign-and-trade destination, and they appear to have the assets to get one done. I think Bosh is really interested in the idea of joining Wade in Miami, though. I don’t know if he wants to be the third most popular player on the Bulls if LeBron goes, so I think Miami is the best bet. Prediction: Miami.

Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk probably just opted out so he could get a long-term deal that includes a no-trade clause in place before the new collective bargaining agreement comes about. I fully expect him to remain with the Mavericks. Prediction: Dallas.

Joe Johnson: Johnson might want to move on from the Hawks, but word is that Atlanta is ready to offer him a max deal. I highly doubt he gets a max offer anywhere else, so I think he probably ends up staying. That Hawks team looked soft in the postseason, but money talks. Prediction: Atlanta.

Amare Stoudemire: Stoudemire is also seeking a max deal, but most teams probably don’t think he deserves one. New York could be a landing spot, but is he really that much better than David Lee? Despite their desperation for a big name or two, I don’t think Donnie Walsh is going to overpay a guy who doesn’t play defense, doesn’t rebound like he should and has a history of injuries. If Amare is willing to take less than the max, which he might have to, the Knicks could be his most likely destination. Prediction: New York.

David Lee: Lee will definitely get some love from the Nets and the Thunder, but I think he wants to stay in New York. However, if the Knicks get another big, Lee might have to go elsewhere. Brand Levitra I think the Nets would love to pilfer him. Prediction: New Jersey.

Rudy Gay: Gay will get a lot of attention from teams that missed out on the big names. I think the Knicks could be a very attractive destination for a player that has spent his entire career to date in a small market. The Knicks have to come out of this offseason with something, right? Prediction: New York.

Paul Pierce: Pierce surprised a lot of people by opting out of his contract with Boston. They’re going to try to work something out, but I think there’s a good chance the Clippers offer him a serious deal. ESPN’s Bill Simmons made a solid case for this scenario recently. Los Angeles feels like they’re on the cusp of making the playoffs and plugging an L.A. native like Pierce into their hole at the three would make a lot of sense. Pierce if the kind of guy that Donald Sterling would pay big dollars because he’d bring people to the arena. With most of the big names staying home, this would be one of the bigger surprises of the offseason.

Carlos Boozer: Boozer might not have a ton of options when it’s all said and done this season. New Jersey will probably come after him and there are rumors of an Orlando sign-and-trade, but the best fit seems to be the Bulls. Chicago has lacked a frontcourt scoring presence since Elton Brand left town in 2001. That’s a long time. Prediction: Chicago.

Ray Allen: I think Allen will be looking to win one more title before calling it quits. He can probably see that the Celtics’ window is closing, and it will slam shut if Pierce leaves. With Wade and Bosh in Miami, Allen would have to really consider joining up with them and Pat Riley in pursuit of a championship.

Mike Miller: Miller isn’t on the level of most of these guys, but I think he could be a major contributor for a team that lands him. I think he’d be a great fit in Chicago, especially with Boozer in town. The Bulls needed a shooter next to Derrick Rose and Miller fits the bill. Prediction: Chicago.

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Category: Recreation and Leisure/Sports/Basketball
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