Though the focus of this summer’s free agency is squarely on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, a theory is circulating through NBA circles that involves another MVP candidate.

Because it seems a foregone conclusion that Kobe Bryant will return to the Lakers for the final year of his contract, his name has rarely been mentioned alongside other stars potentially on the move.

But as coach Phil Jackson‘s contract situation continues to drag on, and as Bryant has failed to sign an extension that would allow him to end his career as a Laker, some executives are beginning to speculate that if Bryant believes the team is no longer willing to commit financially to success, he may opt out of the final year of his contract and go elsewhere.

The primary destination: New York.
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