Some of the Biggest Off-season Stories in NBA History | IXGAMES

When the LA Lakers came back from a 3-2 series deficit against the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals, some were confident that the Celtics would go on to win it all.  The Lakers had something else in mind, however, and they were able to beat the Celtics in the last two games of the series to take the 2010 NBA Championship Title in seven games.  It was one of the most anticipated, exciting, competitive, and fun rivalry matchups to watch.  But just because the season ended, it doesn’t mean that your NBA fun has to end as well.  This off-season is perhaps one of the most exhilarating in NBA history as some of the biggest names in the game are hitting the free agent pool, and franchises around the league are looking to make some huge acquisitions.  Here are some updates on some of the biggest and best 2010 NBA off-season stories: LeBron James being courted by numerous teams? LeBron James, nicknamed “The King,” is one of the most talented, respected, feared, and cheered player in the NBA.  In the 2009-2010 season, he averaged 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs.  Unfortunately, they were defeated in the Eastern Conference semifinals.  Now, LeBron is up for grabs as a free agent and the teams are courting him with everything they’ve got to offer.  Some of the teams vying for The King include the Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and New Jersey Nets.  LeBron James is set to announce his decision on a one-hour ESPN special that airs this Thursday. Amare Stoudemire inks a max deal with the Knicks! The New York Knicks and Amare Stoudemire have agreed upon and signed a max contract, which means that Stoudemire will be leaving the Phoenix Suns to play for the Knicks in the 2010-2011 season.  Worries about Amare’s past injuries, his multiple knee surgeries in particular, have caused the Suns to hesitate signing him for a max deal.  The Knicks, who have a little more cap space to work with, were more than happy to sign Stoudemire.  The Knicks are hoping that signing a dominant big man like Stoudemire will help lure some of the other fish in the free agent pond, like LeBron James or Dwayne Wade. Other free agent stories to look out for Aside from these big stories, you should also keep track of some of these other great players who are in the free agent pool: Dwayne Wade –  He helped the Miami Heat win a Championship in 2006, but since then has been unable to make it back into the same Finals MVP form he was in in 2006. 2009-2010 season stats: 26.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds per game Chris Bosh –  A dominant big man who still has a bright future ahead of him, Bosh is now a free agent after playing for the Toronto Raptors since they drafted him in 2003. 2009-2010 season stats: 24.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game Dirk Nowitzki –  This dedicated Dallas Maverick is likely to stay with his team, but he is still a formidable MVP-holding player who is on the free agent list. 2009-2010 season stats: 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game Other players:  Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, David Lee of the New York Knicks, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies, and Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets