NBA

Why top 6 free agents will/won’t go to Knicks

With money to give max deals to two stars, there are six players generally considered to be in position to cash in — with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade clearly the biggest prizes in the free-agent sweepstakes. But each of the six has reasons to come, and reasons to go/stay elsewhere.

LeBron James

Why he’d come: The league’s biggest star could come to the world’s biggest stage, and could bring another max-contract player with him.

Why he wouldn’t: Akron born and raised, James could stay true to his Ohio roots, or could decide to play for the Bulls or Clippers instead.

Dwyane Wade

Why he’d come: The Heat didn’t make a move to get him a running mate, and the Knicks would be in position to bring in a second star.

Why he wouldn’t: The Heat will also have the cap space to bring in an established star, and Wade, a Chicago native, is rumored to be the Bulls’ top target.

Chris Bosh

Why he’d come: The big man plays in the anonymity of Toronto, on a team that looks destined to be no-better than middle-of-the-pack for years to come.

Why he wouldn’t: Bosh has repeatedly said he wants to be the centerpiece of a team, and he already is that with the Raptors.

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Joe Johnson

Why he’d come: Johnson made a name for himself playing in D’Antoni’s speedball system in Phoenix, and has repeatedly said how much he loved playing for him.

Why he wouldn’t: Along with Al Horford and Josh Smith, Johnson is part of a young Hawks core that could compete for titles for years to come.

Amar’e Stoudemire

Why he’d come: Stoudemire has been part of trade rumors several times over his career — including this year — and the odds of him remaining in Phoenix seem slim.

Why he wouldn’t: Stoudemire’s top choice is rumored to be to play for the Heat, and given how hard Miami chased him at the deadline, they want him, as well.

Carlos Boozer

Why he’d come: With Paul Millsap ready to take his place, Boozer is a luxury item for the Jazz and has been angling to leave for some time.

Why he wouldn’t: Boozer’s rumored first choice is the Bulls, who will have the money to sign him, and Miami also chased hard after him at the deadline.