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Q: Ira, I read your story about LeBron James switching agents, and in there you mentioned his opt-out in 2014. Why did the Heat put that in there? And why did LeBron have it put in there if this is where he wanted to be? Micky Arison is a lot smarter than that, isn't he? -- Julio, Miramar.
A: Oh, he's plenty smart, and so is Pat Riley, and if that is what it took to get LeBron (and Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who have similar clauses) to sign on, then that's what was going to be offered. And those 2014 opt-outs likely will come into play, either to ease the Heat's luxury-tax burden or to allow each of the Heat's stars to maximize the length of their contracts going forward. But, again, a James confidant told me that his shift of agents in no way automatically triggers that escape clause (or the one he holds for the 2015 offseason) and that the opt-outs are totally independent of the agency switch. But when the 2014 offseason arrives, be prepared hold your breath for at least a few days before clarity sets in. The bottom line is another championship between now and then will go a long way toward reducing angst.
Q: Ira, I respect the fact that LeBron has been loyal to his longtime friends as opposed to abandoning those that helped him grow to the person that he is today. Although, I'm puzzled as to why his friends remain at the center of his business affairs, particularly as it relates to formal representation. This kind of decision making reminds me of small-business thinking where figuring out how to do it on your own is typically preferred over hiring highly experienced experts to do the job. While his latest departure from CAA doesn't have me concerned about him staying with the Heat, it does make me wonder if LeBron is limiting his "off the court" opportunities to the best-effort learning curve of his trusted circle of friends. -- James, Pinecrest.
A: To a degree, I think the opposite, that so much of this is now automatic, from getting a new contract to anyone and everyone wanting to shower him with endorsements. For LeBron, it now becomes an issue of "comfort" with his opportunities, instead of having to find someone savvy enough to squeeze every last dollar out of a deal. And who would know LeBron's desires better than those he regularly confides in?
Q: Ira, do you think that the Heat will attempt to trade for a better big man during this year's regular season or just lay low like they did last year? -- Brandon, Somerset, Mass.
A: I think among the reasons Riley does not want to take 15 guaranteed contracts into the regular season is because he wants the flexibility to add a player who shakes free during the course of the season, perhaps through a buyout, as has been the case the past two seasons with Erick Dampier and Ronny Turiaf.
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