The Spurs may have just reshaped free agency

The Spurs recent shellacking of the Heat might send waves throughout free agency this off-season. Probably the biggest question will be whether or not LeBron James stays in Miami. Obviously losing in the NBA finals in five games is frustrating when you have little support from your team (especially in game five). LeBron faces a big decision, and that decision could change the landscape of this off-season.

As of now, the biggest name out there is probably Carmelo Anthony. If James were to exercise his early termination option, he would instantly become the frontrunner. So how does this affect what the Grizzlies will do during free agency? Well it more than likely won’t change who they go for, it will just up their chances of landing a player they are targeting. We’ve discussed who would be a good fit for Memphis, and you’ll notice that LeBron and Melo aren’t realistic choices.

What LeBron joining the free agent pool does do is focus more teams attention on the big name stars. A handful of big market teams will be looking to sign him, and as a result they won’t focus on other players at a similar position early on. Take Luol Deng for example. He would be a great fit for the Grizzlies. Say a team like the Lakers were looking to sign him. Now LeBron is a free agent, so he clearly becomes a higher priority. The Grizzlies, who may be looking at Deng, would probably have a better shot at him if one of his big market suitors were turning their attention elsewhere. It’s possible that the Spurs winning could have a positive effect on not only the Grizzlies, but other small market teams as well.

Whether or not LeBron will become a free agent is yet to be determined, but the Spurs beating the Heat in the Finals could be a big reason he decides to move on. Although if he does decide to test the free agency waters then the Grizzlies could potentially benefit in an indirect way.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the San Antonio Spurs on their NBA Finals win. Congrats Spurs, you’ve certainly earned it.