The biggest NBA Free Agent frenzy in history is set to take place at EXACTLY 12:01 a.m. EST on July 1st 2010. The names are familiar by now, from the obvious - Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and Carlos Boozer to the unexpected - Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki. There are at least a 1/2 dozen future Hall of Famers who will be pampered and primped beyond a King's wildest dream. Speaking of Kings, Lebron James is rumored to have several billionaires woo him in hopes of landing his immense talent, as well as make huge financial impact for their cities and their teams. We have already seen billboards, music videos, public rally's, crocodile tears (no disrespect Chris Brown) and REAL tears. ALL the stops will be pulled out and there will not be an expense spared. We are after all not just talking about winning Championships here; we are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars in franchise revenue almost as instantly as the ink is dry on the contracts. The benefits of landing 1 or maybe even 2 of these Free Agents is very cut and dry. Your franchise will be in contention or near contention for as long as your player is healthy and management remains conscious. What about the flip side? What about the FALLOUT?

I will list in order the 5 franchises that are set to lose the most if things do not go their way.

5. Dallas Mavericks
If Dirk Nowitzki decides not to return to Dallas and take less money to play somewhere else that may set the franchise back for several years to come. The message will be loud and clear; Mark Cuban cannot build a contender. I do not think it will get that far but what kind of record would a team be expected to achieve with a 60 year old Jason Kidd as it's primary play maker along with Caron Butler as it's go to guy? Ummmm, how about 26-56 or the same record as the 2009-10 Washington Wizards.

4. Atlanta Hawks
It has been rumored all day that Joe Johnson will get the maximum offer from the Hawks to remain the face of the franchise and lead the Atlanta Hawks to a round 2 playoff exit for the next 6 years. Yes that is the ceiling for the Hawks with Joe Johnson as their best player. On the bright side, those extra playoff games are STILL revenue and without Johnson their will be nothing but lotto parties and ping pong ball bounces to look forward to.

3. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics received the surprise of the off-season so far when team Captain Paul Pierce decided to opt out of the final year of his contract to test the Free Agent waters. Already facing the possibility of losing Ray Allen who is an unrestricted Free Agent as well the Celtic franchise can ill afford to lose Pierce as well. Losing Pierce will turn back the hands of time to the season prior to the new "Big 3" in which there was an 18 game losing streak and Greg Oden faced brown paper bags booing in the aisles of the TD Garden.

2. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks franchise and it's fans have had the date 07/01/10 etched on a crown and thrown since it was clear they would be able to throw the world at the feet of Lebron James in hopes he would save the franchise from it's most miserable period since it's inception. The opportunity to be the biggest star in the biggest city and basically run the franchise will be at Lebron's disposal. But if Lebron declines and they are unable to sign two max free Agents, they may be faced with a team who's best player is a power forward. One that either can't rebound - Ama're Stoudemire; can't stay healthy - Carlos Boozer; or isn't a franchise player - David Lee. It should be Lebron or bust and it is looking like the Knicks balloon is going to land on that one needle sitting in the free agent haystack.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The destruction left when Hurricane James passes through the state of Ohio will be felt for years. Do not believe me? All I can say is read the following and grab a 6 pack of Kleenex.

LeBron James's Departure Would Cut Value of NBA Cavaliers by $250 Million:www.bloomberg.com
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