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NBA: Free Agency

This is a fun read.

While the Suns are certainly considered an underdog to land LeBron, the Mavericks have a better shot because they offer him the greatest chance to win of any of his potential suitors and the best market (No. 5 nationally) besides L.A. After trading for Tyson Chandler tocreate their own Big Three with Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis, the Mavs have roughly $28 million in salary cap space and Dirk has already said he’s willing to take less money in his new deal to land another superstar like LeBron.

With newly-acquired Raymond Felton and Devin Harris (assuming he re-signs) splitting the point guard duties, Ellis continuing his attacking style from the two spot, LeBron holding down his small forward position, Nowitzki knocking down shots as a seven-foot shooting power forward and Chandler doing what he does best in the paint, Dallas would have unquestionably the best starting lineup in the NBA.

Of course, some would immediately point to the Mavs’ potential lack of depth in this scenario and cite how that eventually doomed the Heat, but one thing to remember about this possible Dallas squad is that it would include a less-brittle, faster version of Wade in Ellis, a better seven-foot shooter than Bosh in Nowitzki and the X-factor: a big, defensive center in Chandler who would give the Mavs a presence in the paint, something the Heat never had with their Big Three.

If LeBron signed with Phoenix, the Suns would be a title contender right away. If he signed with Dallas, the Mavs would immediately be the favorite to win the NBA Finals, even if theSan Antonio Spurs re-sign Boris Diaw and Patty Mills to essentially bring back their entire championship team. Although it’s unlikely James leaves South Beach, he’d be foolish not to take long, hard looks at Phoenix and Dallas, but especially the latter.