Akron, OH (Sports Network) - The speculation has been building and on Thursday night on TSN at 9pm et/6pm pt, two-time reigning MVP LeBron James will disclose his decision of where he'll play next.
Early Thursday morning, sources told ESPN's Chris Broussard that James will join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, barring a late change of heart.
The free agency signing moratorium was lifted at 12:01 a.m. (et) Thursday. Bosh and Wade proclaimed Wednesday they would sign with the Heat with the hope of James joining them in Miami.
James interviewed with a total of six potential suitors last week, including possibly staying with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. He could also join Amare Stoudemire in New York or head to the Windy City to start a new chapter with the Chicago Bulls. Two other options remain, although they're not likely - play for the New Jersey Nets or Los Angeles Clippers - the other two teams the superstar met with last week when free agency began.
The 25-year-old James has played for the Cavs his entire seven-year career and stands to make more money playing for his hometown team should be accept a max deal. The Cavaliers can offer James a six-year, $128 million contract, while other teams can give him a maximum of five years and $99 million. But that may not be the driving force for James, who has come up short of winning a championship.
As far as the announcement is concerned, Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Marketing, said James will formally announce where he will play next season and beyond on a show called "The Decision." Proceeds from the show will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America.
"Due to the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron's decision, we have decided to make this announcement on national television," Carter said. "By doing so we have generated funds that will be given to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. LeBron has a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community, and has worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs in cities across the country."
James, who was second in the league at 29.7 points per game last season, also averaged 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds. the six-time All-Star, 2004 Rookie of the Year, a two-time All-Star Game MVP and 2008 scoring champion, hasn't tipped his hand yet as to which team he'll join. Reports surfaced Wednesday night that James would be at the Boys & Girls Club in Greenwich, Connecticut when the decision is made.
New Cavaliers coach Byron Scott visited James' skills camp in Akron on Wednesday, but did not speak with the superstar. Cavs players Danny Green, Jamario Moon and Christian Eyenga scrimmaged with James on Wednesday.
The Bulls added a potential teammate for James Wednesday when they reportedly landed forward Carlos Boozer with a five-year contract.
