NBA Trade Rumors: Lebron James For Blake Griffin Talks Arise! Miami Will Take Consolation Prize As The King Moves West To Join Chris Paul?

The precarious photo of Lebron James and Chris Paul with their gold medals filled the splash page of ESPN. It can be argued that it is a teaser for the LA Clippers vs. Miami Heat game they will broadcast. Well, it actually is.

That would be accurate except for the fact that Chris Paul is not playing. The insinuation that the y actually want to play together has reared its ugly head..ugly for Miami, that is.

The concept that was almost taboo to be discussed was brought up by Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

"If the results of this season ended up with James looking at the Clippers and the Heat were eventually forced to cooperate, league executives believe Miami would ask for Blake Griffin. ...Under any scenario, the Clippers would have to make another maneuver to make a sign-and-trade work, primarily to shed some salary to get under the luxury tax. But it is not that complicated. The bottom line is this: If the Clippers were interested and James got interested, there's a deal that could be done whether it involves Griffin or another package of players."

It is actually a possibility. Perhaps more than last season, the Heat are under serious threat to be dethroned. The Pacers had them at the ropes. This season, they brought reinforcements. Kevin Durant looks like he can take on Lebron James head to head. The Spurs are still competitive, and they did learn a lot about the Heat in their series.

But the most compelling factor why Miami would stand to lose their title: Dwyane Wade never looked as vulnerable. They were hardly the Big Three this year, more like The Big Two and a Half.

From Ethan Strauss of True Hoop: "The situation is precarious for Miami. With the Big 3's decisions so interdependent, multiple factors could cause LeBron to leave. The Wade issue is especially tricky, as he's LeBron's good friend, but his skills are also on the decline."

Pat Riley is sly like a fox. He is not as stubborn as Dan Gilbert. If Lebron would really want to leave for the Clippers, Blake Griffin is the only chip that would come close, and Riley will surely take him.