Wade and Bosh bienvenido a Miami

For years we have heard about the Summer of 2010. Wade, James, Bosh, Boozer and if it wasn't for a contract extension, Kobe could have easily been on the list. Cartoons have been animated, celebrities flown in, money flashed, and who knows how many PowerPoint presentations have been clicked through.


The first piece of the puzzle fell into place with Joe Johnson signing a max deal with the Hawks. Then, Amare Stoudemire signed with the Knicks. Rumors began flying that DeWayne Wade would go to Chicago to see his baby-momma, Bosh could follow or be part of a sign-and-trade with Cleveland to pair with Lebron or go to Houston with Yao. And while the G8 featured the most powerful countries in the world, the M3 Summit received more attention housing Lebron, Wade, and Bosh in Miami.

The largest piece to this puzzle fell last night, along with many chances many teams had of instant relevancy. Wade and Bosh are said to be expected to have signed with Miami. This just leaves Lebron James of the big three and Carlos Boozer as the only remaining max deal guys left. Everyone would have to expect that Lebron has narrowed his search for teams significantly - choosing between staying at home in Cleveland (90%) and potentially going to New York with Amare (10%). Odds on favorite are for Lebron to remain the King of Ohio.

Where does this leave Chicago? Chicago is a team that was a playoff contender but just not championship contenders, Chicago sold their fortune for a shot in the lottery. They sold most of their possessions, went to Vegas and put it all on black --- and lost. Their small fortune blown just to have a chance on the Lebron roulette wheel. Sure, there are guys like Kyle Korver and David Lee are still floating, but when you build a room for a King to only have it filled by the Jester; the whole kingdom is going to be upset.

Sure, teams like the Clippers and Nets wanted to be a part of the game, they wanted to feel important - but ultimately they risked nothing. When you're prize is the same, it's much easier to bet a dollar on a long shot than it is to bet the house on the favorite.

So tip that beer up Chicago, I realize it's not as sexy and as successful as James, Wade, or Bosh but there's always the Kyle Korver, Carlos Boozer or maybe you can squeeze Ray Allen from the Celtics while you're looking to overpay...bsides you could be the Clippers...

The real loser in this will ultimately be Lebron as he watches Wade and Bosh win championships while he waste away in Cleveland.