Blake Griffin dropped some interesting comments recently in reference to LeBron James' future. “Honestly, I don’t see him coming to L.A. period,” Griffin said on the podcast “View from the Cheap Seats.” “Listen, again, I have no idea. I think something is brewing with him and his Group Of Guys.” LeBron's 'group of guys' is presumed to include Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul, also known as the 'banana boat crew' in reference to their famous vacation photo. Could we see the stars of the 2003 NBA draft class, in addition to Chris Paul, join forces next year?

LeBron making up his mind

LeBron James will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. There have been contradicting reports in reference to where James could take his talents. While some reports point to a possible move to the Los Angeles Lakers or a different western conference team, other reports mention that James will not make a decision until the end of next season.

What seems likely is the end of the LeBron-Irving duo in Cleveland. Irving's probable departure further gives James reasons to believe that the Cavaliers' future might not be very bright. At age 32, LeBron is not ready to be patient with the Cavs' front office. He will defend his own interests, yet again, and that might mean moving to a different team.

Wade leaving Bulls

Dwyane Wade will likely leave the Chicago Bulls this year. ESPN reported that the Bulls were probably going to buy out Wade's contract in the coming months. The Bulls traded their star player, Jimmy Butler, to the Minnesota Timberwolves and are now ready to rebuild and let their young players flourish. Wade's presence on the Bulls' roster no longer makes sense.

Wade could decide to return to the Miami Heat following a potential buyout, but Wade and Pat Riley did not end on the best terms last summer. Thus, Wade could also elect to join forces with some familiar faces, namely LeBron James, to chase a ring one last time. At age 35, Wade will carefully ponder his next decision and look to end his career in the right way.

Carmelo and Knicks' stalemate

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks seem destined to part ways as soon as a reasonable offer arrives. Phil Jackson's departure did nothing to dissipate the disunion between the two sides. The Knicks want to move on from Carmelo and fully commit to rebuilding around emerging star Kristaps Porzingis. Anthony, 33, wishes to finally experience a championship run before his NBA career comes to an end.

Carmelo has been mainly linked with a move to the Houston Rockets, for whom he is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause according to ESPN. But the Rockets have failed to assemble a package valuable enough to satisfy the Knicks' demands.

Carmelo could have to remain in New York until another opportunity emerges

Chris Paul and Harden experiment

Chris Paul made a critical decision this off-season to join the Houston Rockets. Paul will pair up with James Harden with hopes of finally making it past the second round of the NBA playoffs. But Paul moved to Houston via a sign-and trade, so he will still be an unrestricted free agent next summer. It remains to be seen how Paul and Harden will fare together, for both are dominant ball-handlers. If things do not work out, Paul, 32, could look to join forces with other stars.

LeBron to the Knicks?

While many have linked LeBron with a move to LA next year, Blake Griffin has a different opinion.

"I could see him going to New York before L.A.," said Griffin. Could LeBron, Wade, Carmelo, and Paul plan a venture with the Knicks? That would certainly make an interesting story. Knicks fans surely hope so.

LeBron had little to say to a TMZ reporter in LA who mentioned Griffin's comments. "I don't even know what you're talking about, shorty," James said. It remains to be seen if he will be back as a Laker one day. On the other hand, the option of revitalizing a dormant franchise like the Knicks cannot be discarded. LeBron and his friends may be ready to make some noise next year.
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