NBA Free Agency begins! Where will LeBron go! What about Dwayne Wade? Lebron is reported to make a decision by July 5th. That's tomorrow!

As the excitement builds over Lebron's monumental decision, the rumors are circling around the possible trades of other big names in the NBA such as Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat and Amar'e Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns.

Lebron will most likely stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, it has been said by Lebron himself that he will go with whatever team pays him the most money. To quote Lebron himself, "At the end of the day the (NBA) is a business." Ideally, the point of a business is to make money. It's time for Lebron to put on the suit and tie and start negotiating. As the sun begins to set on the summer of Lebron, the future of the NBA depends on it.
Unsubstantiated rumours of Lebron's possible trade to Chicago have been circling the NBA world for quite some time. Though it seems logical, only King James has the power to follow his destiny. While a few highly sought after championship rings seem likely if James signs with the Chicago Bulls, as he will be playing alongside current Chicago Bulls Derek Rose and Joakim Noah, he may lose some of his hometown hero credibility in Cleveland. Lebron is expected to announce his long-awaited decision between Tuesday and Thursday.

On the other hand, Dwayne Wade has been said to be sought after by the Bulls. It has been reported that Wade is 'leaning towards" Chicago, and why not? Wade is from Chicago, and has family there. He would also gain the support of Rose and Noah, and Chicago has the cap to sign him. However, Wade has said time and time again that he will remain loyal to the Heat, but will dollar signs blurr his vision when it comes time to make a deal? Only Dwayne Wade knows the answer.

In the meantime, it is a fact that Amar'e Stoudemire is on the verge of signing with the new York Knicks with a 5-year, 100 million dollar maximum contract. This should be the best news Knicks fans have heard in a while, besides the 2010 drafting of former S.U. gaurd and 3-point shooting machine Andy Routins. If Stoudemire decides to become a Knick, Stoudemire will be the icing on the cake to a now impressive Knicks 2010-2011 lineup, which also includes former Stanford small forward Landry Fields.

Of course, not every contract this year is picture perfect. Take Joe Johnson's offer of 119 million dollars from the Atlanta Hawks, to stay in Atlanta. While Johnson shows he has skills, there is no way Johnson is worth more than the likes of Lebron, Dwayne Wade or Dirk Nowitzki. It is official that Johnson has taken this deal. Hawks fans should be pleased to know that this 6'7", 240 lb. sharp shooter who was originally drafted to the Celtics in 2001, will continue to put in work for the Atlanta Hawks.

While Joe Johnson can hang his hat in Atlanta, the sports world will not sleep until the end of the week when Lebron James's decision will become final.

-C.T. Minardi