(AP)—As speculation grows that a megateam could be created in Miami—the idea of Wade, James and Bosh together has been floated for weeks, and seems to be gaining steam with July 1 looming—Heat second-round draft pick Da’Sean Butler out of West Virginia has already figured out what position he’ll play if he was ever alongside that star-studded triumvirate. “Passer,” he said Monday.

Tweet of the Day Part I: Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons took to Twitter to start the NBA’s version of an international incident, predicting (or announcing?) that Bosh is leaving Canada’s team for South Florida. “Sorry to break Toronto’s heart, I love that city, but Chris Bosh is heading to Miami,” Villanueva offered.

SKY’S THE LIMIT—In this Nov. 12, 2009 photo, Cavaliers forward LeBron James jokes with Heat guard Dwyane Wade during a game in Miami. For stars like Wade and James, the difference between staying with their respective teams and signing elsewhere could be about $30 million. Either way, a maximum contract for either likely would start around $95 million for five years, or $125 million for six years if Wade was to stay in Miami and James remain in Cleveland.

Last week I spoke about the absurdity of pro sports executives being rewarded for failure. Hey, wait a minute. I have a brilliant idea, let’s all go to work one-third of the time. Bumble and stumble our way through. Treat our subordinates and our fan base with disrespect and disdain. Expect them to support our product and if they don’t we will get paid anyway.

I am convinced that there is and has been a concerted effort to mislead, falsely educate, under-relate and procrastinate in regards to educating students and student-athletes from the inner city. Pittsburgh Public Schools are closing at an alarming rate with no rhyme or reason.

by Tim Reynolds
AP Sports Writer

MIAMI (AP)—Pat Riley’s summer of 2010 truly started with the summer of 2005.

There was no elaborate plan for the Miami Heat to woo Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh then. Instead, that’s when Riley got Shaquille O’Neal to sign a $100 million, five-year contract. A championship followed the very next season. Riley believed another NBA dynasty was on the way.

Then, thud.

PAT RILEY

by Brian Mahoney
Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)—New coaches for the NBA’s winningest franchises. New superstars for some of the teams chasing them.

Anything is possible in an offseason that could reshape the league, and it officially started after the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 June 18 in Game 7 of the NBA finals to win their second straight championship.

CELEBRATION BEGINS—Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts as Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers looks on as time runs out in Game 7 of the NBA basketball finals, June 17, in Los Angeles.