(See update at end of post)

Maybe it’s because we’ve suffered through I don’t know how many straight days of brutal cold, dark, freezing weather here in NYC, but I think Lebron ends up in Miami.  I don’t think weather, climate or environment can be underestimated.  Seriously.  Think Shaq to LA and then Shaq back to Miami.  Also, remember Miami has a happy superstar (Wade) already in place, and has proved itself to be a successful franchise in the past decade, both major considerations for a super-duper star.  Not to mention that Miami seems like the ultimate playground for rich people.

Okay, so obviously Wade is already in Miami, has had success there by himself, and seems very inclined to stay in Miami.  What are the other pros and cons for a guy like Lebron?  While NY does have the glitz, the ‘world’s most famous arena’, and the ultimate superstar coach in Mike D’Antoni as enticements, Miami has it’s fair share of glitz, as well as a champion builder-winner Pat Riley to woo free agents.  I  think the most negative thing you can say about Miami is that it has an apathetic fan base.  But, whatever.  These guys are so loved by the whole country that they’ll soak up excitement and admiration everywhere they play.

This older ESPN article sums up the summer cap situation best.  Miami has $18 mil to spend this summer.  And the Chad Ford article on Bosh possibly being traded makes it seem like Miami really has the ability to pick Bosh up, re-sign Wade, and sign Lebron.   Not exactly sure how that would work — Bosh makes $15.8 mil, so Toronto would have to have an interest in taking back a combo of potential star, Beasley (at $4.6), and expiring cap space in Q (at $9.3).  Possible.  The talk of Toronto doing a Bynum for Bosh deal seems a little more enticing from a Toronto standpoint, I’d think.

Anyways, The Knicks meanwhile are likely to have $23 mil to spend this summer if nothing happens.  That’s one max guy (starting around $15 mil), and one solid guy ($8 mil).  And that doesn’t include signing David Lee, who potenially is your ‘one solid guy’ signing.  If Donnie pulls off the impossible and clears Jeffries $7 mil from next years books, then we are looking at 2 max guys, and we’re in business.  But, even then Wade and Lebron are the only two guys I’d consider true max guys in this economy, and I think that tandem only happens in Miami.

Seems to me that the Knicks should take advantage of the current economic climate, trade for a star on a struggling franchise now, and still preserve at least $15 mil for the summer, and one more max guy.

One last thing to note: OKC, who are uber-promising already as we witnessed just the other night will likely have $11.8 mil in cap space this summer to pick up a quality player.  That’s incredible.  If I’m David Lee, I might seriously be considering that OKC is where I want to be next year.

UPDATE: If you get a chance, listen to the latest Sports Guy podcast with Chad Ford. Neither are optimistic for the Knicks this summer. And, as much as it pains me to give either guy too much credit, they both sound logical in their pessimism.  The only real hope seems to be if the Knicks have a hidden promise from Lebron.