The NBA’s biggest free agent catch made his decision Thursday evening and it left one team extremely happy.

Lebron James, who until the end of the 2009-10 NBA Playoffs played all of his seven years in the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But would the 25-year-old James continue with the Cavs?

Here is a James’ timeline leading up to Thursday’s decision: He was drafted with the first pick in the 2003 draft out of St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron, Ohio. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 20.9 points and 5.5 rebounds that season, as well as being named to the U.S. Olympic gold medal team that year. In 2005, James made his first of many all-star game appearances. In 2007, he led the Cavs to their first NBA Finals appearance in which they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs 4-0. At the end of the 2009 season, James was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy and would also receive this honor the next year. In 2010, his contract was set to expire and he wasn’t sure if he would resign with Cleveland. James told management to get him some players that could help take some of the load off of his back, and in a trade with Phoenix they landed Shaquille O’Neal, which didn’t prove to be enough, so in a midseason trade, they acquired forward Antawn Jamison from the Washington Wizards. 

Summer 2010: The Cavs were defeated by the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, which left some fans speculating and wondering if they had just seen James wear a Cleveland jersey for the last time? Suitors started lining up trying to woo “King James” to their respective cities and teams, in all only six teams had a major chance of landing him.  

New York Knicks: Who wouldn’t want to play in the “Big Apple,” the biggest city in the country? They just signed Phoenix Suns star Forward Amare Stoudemire.

Chicago Bulls: The Windy City, the third largest city, recently signed Utah free agent Forward Carlos Boozer, they have an up and coming point guard in Derrick Rose.

Los Angeles Clippers: Nothing too exciting in Clipper Land, but it is the second largest city and Blake Griffin (2009 first choice in the Draft).

New Jersey Nets: Kind of along the same lines as the Clippers, only won 12 games last season, but did draft Forward Derrick Favors third in the draft last month.

Cleveland Cavaliers: His hometown team, the team that drafted him, the team that took him No. 1 in 2003.

Miami Heat: The Heat re-signed star Guard Dwayne Wade, (went fifth in the same draft) and signed Toronto Raptors star Forward Chris Bosh (fourth in the 2004 draft). 

Where did Lebron James end up signing?

Decision:  In a televised interview with ESPN’s Jim Gray, after much hype and speculation, after everyone was on the edge of their seat, James finally announced his decision. “This fall, I am going to take my talents’ to the South Beach and join the Miami Heat.”

OK, why Miami? James told Gray “I feel this is going to give me the best opportunity to win and to win for multiple years and not only to win just the regular season, or just five games in a row, or three games in a row, I want to be able to win championships and I feel I can compete down there.” 

When did he come to the decision to sign with the Heat? “I woke up this morning (Thursday) and had a conversation with my mom. I have no doubts about the decision.” 

Did many people know about this decision?  “Not many, just a select few, and the team found out prior to the announcement.”

So I guess it’s safe to assume with James, Wade and Bosh, the Heat is more than likely to win the championship next season, right? Not so fast, says Cleveland majority owner Dan Gilbert. In a letter to Cavs’ fans on cavaliers.com, Gilbert goes on to say, “I personally guarantee that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win an NBA Championship before the self-titled former ‘King’ wins one.” Don’t be delusional, Gilbert.

Notes: Some former Blazers have signed with new teams. Guard Steve Blake recently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, forward Travis Outlaw with the New Jersey Nets and forward/center Jermaine O’Neal with the Boston Celtics.

Dave Nelson is the sports director, for KMUN Radio in Astoria.