Ala Hann Sport picks

World Cup betting is very hot right now, as well as the NBA and NHL finals going on right now, but one of the major stories in the sports world centers around the free-agent bonanza of July 1^st, when some of the biggest stars in the NBA will hit the market, and here’s an idea of how it’ll all shake out.

LeBron James

This is the big chip that everyone is waiting to fall, even Larry King, who interviewed the two-time defending MVP for his show.   The head-coaching situation in Cleveland isn’t encouraging for James, but he’ll probably get some say in who the next one is as the Cavaliers don’t want to let him go.  If we had to make a guess, we’re guessing James stays at home in Cleveland, making them next year’s NBA playoff betting favorite.

Dwyane Wade

Wade was the one who broke the news of this “free agent summit” that is going on, but we’re betting that James and Wade wouldn’t be able to play together as both are being used to being the alpha dog.  Miami is in the driver’s seat to resign their stars (remember, teams can offer their players an extra year and more money), but don’t be surprised if Wade ends up in Chicago.  He’s a Chi-Town boy, and even though there are whispers of disloyalty at the top of the franchise, could D-Wade turn down being the next idol in his city, not to mention the chance to play with Derrick Rose?

Chris Bosh

Bosh already has one foot out the door in Toronto, so it’s best that they do a sign-and-trade so they don’t lose him for nothing.  Some say that Bosh would go to Houston or Dallas (he’s from Big D), but the Rockets don’t have much to offer, and the Mavericks have Dirk Nowitzki (more on that later).  For some reason, we’re thinking Bosh will join James in Cleveland, with the Raptors getting someone like J.J. Hickson and money/draft picks/expiring contracts.

Joe Johnson

No one’s stock fell more during the playoffs than Johnson, and virtually no one wants to pay him max money.  But someone will, and we’re thinking that will be New York as their coach, Mike D’Antoni, got Johnson to improve when they were together in Phoenix.  We also get the feeling that Johnson’s not big on winning or defense, which will make him perfect for the Knicks.

Amare Stoudemire

Stoudemire is another player who looks to be up the Knicks’ alley, but we’re thinking after his time is done in Phoenix, he’ll head to Chicago with Wade.  Stoudamire almost went to Miami to join Wade, and he may have just liked the idea of playing in Miami. But with Joakim Noah rebounding and playing defense, Stoudemire won’t have to.

Dirk Nowitzki

Odds are Nowitzki will stay in Dallas, the only place that he’s ever played.  Opting out of his final year was more just to see what he could get on the market, but Nowitzki is comfortable and feels loyal to Dallas, so they can continue their trend of being NBA betting underachievers.