LeBron James to the Phoenix Suns? Here’s why it should happen

Jun 25, 2014, 5:22 PM | Updated: 8:41 pm

Arizona Sports

The Phoenix Suns are getting LeBron James.

OK, maybe they aren’t. In fact, they’re probably not.

But since The King decided to opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat, he will become a free agent and thus be able to sign with whatever team he chooses, which could be the Suns! Is it really an unreasonable thought?

Shoot, folks over at USA Today and Grantland think it’s a good idea, and we agree, especially after seeing how comfortable he looked at the US Airways Center while putting on this impressive display during a Miami Heat practice. Who was he showing off for? The Suns, perhaps?

Until he signs with a team that isn’t the Phoenix Suns, we’re going to assume he might decide that’s who he wants to play for. And in case he’s waffling on this decision (see what we did there?), here are some of the top reasons for the two-time NBA champion and four-time NBA MVP to come to Phoenix.

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Expectations

Let's face it: If LeBron stays in Miami, he's expected to win a title. If he goes back to Cleveland, he's expected to be the franchise's savior. With the Lakers he'd have to carry on after Kobe (and some with him), and in Chicago he could never live up to Michael Jordan.

But in Phoenix, LeBron could be LeBron, and that would be plenty good enough.

Sure, James would be expected to lead the Suns to the first championship in the franchise's history, but given that Phoenix has only been to two NBA Finals (last one in 1993) it's not exactly a colossal letdown if they don't reach that point. And while a team with LeBron would have a better chance than one without, adding James wouldn't automatically make Phoenix the favorite or give them a "championship or bust" mentality.

Cleveland? Really?

A lot of folks believe if

'Mini-LeBron'

One of LeBron's best friends in the NBA happens to be a Phoenix Sun (or, at least, someone the Suns can keep if they want).

Back in February, James was asked about his connection to the young Suns guard.
"Very close," he said. "Been knowing him since he was in high school. It started from there. He's like a little brother of mine. I wish him the best in getting back healthy. I know he misses the game. Phoenix got a good one in having him here."

Bledsoe missed 39 games last season, but averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game while in the lineup. The 24-year-old is an emerging star who could very well satisfy James' desire to make sure there is enough talent around him to win.

Team on the rise

Let's face it, the only reason for LeBron to leave Miami is if he thinks the Heat's days as a championship contender are coming to an end. And while any team that has James on it is a contender, it's clear he understands a title cannot be won singlehandedly.

While the Suns missed the playoffs last season, they were close. Damn close.

Led by coach Jeff Hornacek, a young team featuring Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee and the Morri, the Suns are on the verge of big things and would get there much quicker with LeBron in the fold.

The King won not one, but two titles in Miami. If he comes to Phoenix, he would have a legitimate shot at adding to his collection.

$$$$

LeBron is going to get paid -- a lot. And unlike a lot of teams, the Suns could give him a maximum contract and still have money to spend on other players.

Right now, the Suns have roughly $30 million on the books for next season. Sure, that number is going to go up if the team re-signs Eric Bledsoe to a long-term deal and the team is going to add salary in the way of draft picks, but the Suns have plenty of room to bring LeBron in for the maximum $94.8 million over four years, if he chooses to accept it.

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