NBA: Top 5 Free Agency Moves In NBA History

By Ray Petree | Aug 3, 2016

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left), Kevin Durant (center), and general manager Bob Myers (right) pose for a photo during a press conference after Durant signed with the Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 7

Apr 23, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 103.95. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBron James to Cleveland (2014)

LeBron James is one of the seven greatest players ever. Period. I don’t think there’s any argument necessary. So, obviously leaving Miami to return to Cleveland completely broke the game of basketball. I mean it is basically like signing an all-time great power forward, one of the best point guards ever, a coach, general manager, and money printing machine all at once.

So how could LeBron possibly be number four? Well that’s easy…

What knocks LeBron down a few pegs on the list is the lack of anticipation. We all knew LeBron was returning home.

Why would you continue playing with the same old run-down team, when you could trade the keys in for a new Ferrari? In this case the Ferrari being Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins (who eventually transformed into Kevin Love). Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Miami’s downfall is the quintessential-cautionary tale of building through free agency. It may be an immediate road to success, but it can never succeed long term.

Next: Oakland Monstars

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