Lebron James Leaving Miami Heat? This Year Is The Last For The Big Three! Who Will Wear A New Jersey Next Season?

The Miami Heat are the closest to a sure thing in the NBA. When they formed in 2010, they had two of the top five players and another in the top 10. The Big Three does not have the same credentials now because they defer to each other, and they get two championship rings for that. Will they continue to win together? Or is 'together' the big question?

All three players have player options at the end of the season. They are given the power to play a year more in Miami terminate their contracts and sign with any team for a maximum of four years (with any team) or five years (if they resign with Miami).

On ESPN Sports Nation Chat, NBA Insider Chad Ford was asked an interesting question which he answered with an intriguing response:

"Opening night next year - Is the big 3 intact for Miami?

Doubt it. But I'm not sure it will be LeBron that leaves. From what I can gather talking to teams and agents around the league, it's Chris Bosh who is the most likely to leave. LeBron and Wade are so good, I think we all forget what a force Bosh can be. Lots of teams would give him the max and feature him in ways Miami can't. LeBron might leave, but I think the odds are in Miami's favor."

Miami President Pat Riley has enough sense and pride to trade any one of them. They are dead-set for a title run this year and the prospect of them breaking up gives a sense of heightened urgency. They have to face whatever happens.

Bosh went from franchise player to third wheel. He claims he is happy in Miami with his rings. However, if he can win a ring at the same time play a bigger role with another team, why would he not take that chance? Will the Heat pay Chris Bosh the maximum if he opts out? They probably won't. How much will the extra year that Miami can offer matter?

Wade is the player that was most hampered by age and injuries. He might not even be a top 10 player anymore and it is doubtful that another team will still pay him maximum money. The only original Heat player of the Big Three would probably stay. The only question is, would he take less money to keep the other two guys? Short answer is "No." Not after Kobe's contract.

Lebron is a once in a decade (or maybe even more) type of player. Teams' destinies can change with his decisions. Pat Riley will work his magic to keep him more than any other Big Three member. The other two guys will have to wait until the King is secure. Only a team with a better title chance than Miami can pry him away, and that team would probably not have the cap space to throw at him. James is at the top, and there is no strong reason not to stay there.

Short answer is Bosh. Bosh may move out West and make another super team where he could average 20 points and 10 rebounds again. The Dallas Mavericks want to be that team.