Page "Miami Heat" Paragraph 54

Entering the 2010-2011 season with nearly $ 48 million in salary cap space, the Heat caused a major power shift during the blockbuster 2010 NBA Free Agency, adding Chris Bosh and LeBron James with local superstar Dwyane Wade, whom they had re-signed to a six-year, $ 107. 59 million contract.

During his infamous Decision, broadcast on ESPN, James announced he would take his " talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat ," which triggered a volatile fusillade of anger, primarily from Cleveland fans ; Cavaliers ' owner Dan Gilbert released an over-the-top letter that reeked of bitterness, as he claimed that Cleveland would win a championship before James would.

Later that evening, the Heat announced the trade of Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a pair of second round picks and cash considerations.

On July 9, the Heat completed sign-and-trade deals, sending a total of four future first-round and two second-round picks to the Raptors for Bosh and to the Cavs for James ( signing 6 years and $ 110. 1 million contracts each ).

Heralded as a " Big 3 ", Wade, James and Bosh made their debut at the 2010 Summer Heat Welcome Party at the American Airlines Arena, where they were introduced as The Three Kings by Heat play-by-play announcer and event co-host Eric Reid.

James predicted a dynasty for the Heat and alluded to multiple championships: " Not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven ".

Howard Beck of The New York Times described the national fan reaction to the party: " Everyone saw something: greatness, arrogance, self-indulgence, boldness, cowardice, pride, friendship, collusion, joy, cynicism, heroes, mercenaries.