So in keeping with that spin-it-forward theme, it's time to include you in my plans.

In the summer of 2010, probably two to three weeks into free agency, I will write a column that explains why there wasn't as much movement and cataclysmic change as you were led to believe.

Look, I don't begrudge James his fun. All great showmen have a flair for the dramatic. If he can insinuate to fans around the league that he might come to a team near them soon while inspiring fans and management of the Cavaliers to shower him with even more adoration in an attempt to keep him, why not?

That's what athletes who want to be global icons do. They build excitement and move jerseys.

But this is a tricky proposition for all concerned, and it will leave more people feeling empty than satisfied.

James. Toronto's Chris Bosh. Miami's Dwyane Wade. All will be unrestricted free agents in 2010. Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire, Milwaukee's Michael Redd, Boston's Paul Pierce, Houston's Yao Ming and a fellow named Dirk Nowitzki are among those who can opt out of contracts and become free agents.

It will be a class like no other, a chance for bad teams to become good, mediocre franchises to become relevant and elite teams to cement their dominance.

But teams must be careful. If every trade and every expiring contract is accompanied by a wink-wink assurance that all of this is being done with the summer of 2010 in mind, that team better sign one of those major players.

Players must be careful. Sure, it's great to send reporters scrambling to find significance in the most innocuous comments. When James came through Dallas, he spoke of his love for the Cowboys, his love of playing with Jason Kidd and his admiration for owner Mark Cuban.

There. Go ahead and put the Mavericks in the LeBron sweepstakes along with New York, New Jersey and Detroit.

But what happens when a team doesn't get a top player? If fans feel strung along by those players, what impact will it have on their popularity and marketing power?

Above all, fans must be careful not to have their hopes pumped too high by franchises or players who have no idea what will unfold.

I'm not here to dismiss the significance of the summer of 2010. There will be movement. Agents set up contracts to expire knowing the collective bargaining agreement expires in 2011 and there is a good chance the next deal won't be as generous.

Some of these players will sign before reaching free agency. Others won't risk the money they must give up - in Nowitzki's case, $21.5 million - to become free agents.

And remember, the system favors the team that has the player under contract. Cleveland can offer James roughly $133 million over six years. The best offer any other team can throw his way is around $102 million for five years.

Think back to what your favorite NBA team looked like two years ago. Think back to how much money you had in the bank two years ago. Heck, think back two months ago.

Now, tell me with any certainty what will happen in this league two years from now.

Have fun with this, but don't put much stock in it yet.

COURT OF OPINION

The Court loves this time of year. The food, the cooler weather, the generosity of spirit and acts of kindness. Unfortunately, there's always a Stephon Marbury to snap you back to reality.

Stephon Marbury

{ARROWDOWN}

Refused to enter a game because he's not part of the team's future. Is there a more self-absorbed, me-first guy in all of pro sports? Makes T.O. look altruistic.

Scott Brooks

{ARROW}

COURT OF OPINION

The Court has always liked Brooks and believes he will be a good head coach. But Oklahoma City is so bad, he may not get the chance to hang around long enough to prove it.

San Antonio

{ARROWUP}

The Spurs could have gone in the tank without Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. They didn't. Now Ginobili and Parker are back and this team is on the rise.

Allen Iverson

{ARROWDOWN}

We all know what A.I. thinks of practice. But to skip one five days after saying he needed more practice time with his new team, well, that's brazen even by A.I. standards.