*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (3 Viewers)

[NutterButter]

#3 and #7 pick to Minnesota

Love and Nash to Philly

MCW and Thad to Lakers

____

Melo to LAL

Lakers: MCW, Kobe, Melo, Thad, #Sacreforlife

I thought love was only going to sign with a contender?

 

[B-Deep]

I think Riley knew in that press conference this was going to happen. Riley threw the gauntlet down for others to step up their campaigning. Like Riley said, James is throwing in the towel in Miami and walking away. Money? No. Loyalty? No. Opportunistic? Yes. Cowardice? Yes.

in 20 years no one will care if he was loyal to miami, they'll care if he wins rings

 

[GOB]

LeBron should sign with Orlando. Moving too far could be a shock to the system.

If they can somehow flip the #4, #12, and Afflalo for Asik and Lin they would be title contenders.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I think attaching #26, and $3M to Asik would be acceptable.

Lin on the other hand would probably require Terrance Jones attached to him.

 

[Max Power]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

. Cowardice? Yes.

That's not cowardice. That's business. Miami should absolutely adore Lebron for what he did for them.

The fact he decided to be smart with his business matters is what they should expect.

 

[thecatch]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

$3M max.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

#3 and #7 pick to Minnesota

Love and Nash to Philly

MCW and Thad to Lakers

So #3, MCW, Thad Young and the loss of 10 million dollars.... for Love?

He better sign the full extension, at less then max.

Getting a top-10 player isn't always pretty. Isn't this exactly why teams horde "assets", so they can use them to get a superstar? So let's so Love does sign for the max and Nash retires next season. They would be going in to the summer of 15, when the FA class will be solid again, with room for another max guy.

Then the Lakeshow can keep Nash.

And while playing fantasy GM is one thing, the 76ers owner doesnt want to to give away 10 million when it doesn't have to happen.

In a year the Lakers will be past Nash.

 

[Instinctive]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

I think you can only trade a max of 3 million cash.

 

[Max Power]

I think Riley knew in that press conference this was going to happen. Riley threw the gauntlet down for others to step up their campaigning. Like Riley said, James is throwing in the towel in Miami and walking away. Money? No. Loyalty? No. Opportunistic? Yes. Cowardice? Yes.

LeBron is doing Riley a favor. No way that team could re-tool unless all of the big three took a paycut. Even with an extra 15m this offseason, its going to be hard to restock that cabinet.

 

[MattFancy]

I think Riley knew in that press conference this was going to happen. Riley threw the gauntlet down for others to step up their campaigning. Like Riley said, James is throwing in the towel in Miami and walking away. Money? No. Loyalty? No. Opportunistic? Yes. Cowardice? Yes.

in 20 years no one will care if he was loyal to miami, they'll care if he wins rings

Why did anyone expext him to be loyal to Miami in the first place? If he could leave his home town on a nationally televised "decision", why did anyone think he wouldn't do the same to Miami?

 

[Frostillicus]

I think Riley knew in that press conference this was going to happen. Riley threw the gauntlet down for others to step up their campaigning. Like Riley said, James is throwing in the towel in Miami and walking away. Money? No. Loyalty? No. Opportunistic? Yes. Cowardice? Yes.

How is it cowardice? I don't get why people say this.

 

[Frostillicus]

. Cowardice? Yes.

That's not cowardice. That's business. Miami should absolutely adore Lebron for what he did for them.

The fact he decided to be smart with his business matters is what they should expect.

What this guy said.

 

[stbugs]

There must a be a blog post somewhere breaking down potential landing spots. Anyone got a good read?

He can go where ever he wants. Any team would be able to clear cap space except maybe Brooklyn.

I liked Van Gundy's comment just now on SC.

Basically, Western Conference is varsity, Eastern is JV, and Lebron would be smart to stay in EC. Recommended Chicago.

Geez, that is so ridiculous. Maybe I am being a LeBron apologist, but didn't Miami beat the Spurs last year and OKC the year before? I know they fell apart (everyone but James) this year, but LeBron was able to win two out of the last 3 championships.

If LeBron goes to a playoff contender in the West (ignore cap/anything else), that team is easily a top favorite to win it all just because of him.

Let's not get carried away with thinking that he isn't the best player in the NBA and needs special help to win it all. Sure, he can't beat a complete team by himself (neither could Jordan - #1 and #4 career scoring per game in the playoffs were 3 games and out), but he will compete for titles anywhere he goes.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Lebron is coming to the Big Apple

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sixers?

:hinkieevilgeniuslaugh:

 

[Cliff Clavin]

There must a be a blog post somewhere breaking down potential landing spots. Anyone got a good read?

He can go where ever he wants. Any team would be able to clear cap space except maybe Brooklyn.

I liked Van Gundy's comment just now on SC.

Basically, Western Conference is varsity, Eastern is JV, and Lebron would be smart to stay in EC. Recommended Chicago.

Geez, that is so ridiculous. Maybe I am being a LeBron apologist, but didn't Miami beat the Spurs last year and OKC the year before? I know they fell apart (everyone but James) this year, but LeBron was able to win two out of the last 3 championships.If LeBron goes to a playoff contender in the West (ignore cap/anything else), that team is easily a top favorite to win it all just because of him.

Let's not get carried away with thinking that he isn't the best player in the NBA and needs special help to win it all. Sure, he can't beat a complete team by himself (neither could Jordan - #1 and #4 career scoring per game in the playoffs were 3 games and out), but he will compete for titles anywhere he goes.

I don't think anyone is denying what you're say. LeBron in the East is pretty much a lock to make the finals and he'd be able to coast through the majority of the season. The road through the West is much, much tougher. Any team adding him would still be the favorite.

Miami had a cake walk to the finals this season then they got smoked. In the West, there is no easy series.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Its over in Miami.

What will happen to Lebron's wife's juice bar?

 

[metoo]

LeBron will re-sign with Miami but you guys can dream.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Come on now, not a single Miami fan is allowed to be bitter in the slightest if Lebron walks away.

It's like someone who sleeps with a married man and then is shocked and angry when the guy cheats on her.

 

[Max Power]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

$3M max.

good to know... so Lin is untradeable.

 

[Gr00vus]

LeBron will re-sign with Miami but you guys can dream.

If Wade opts in, all bets are off. That's the guy Riley should have been making his silly public comments to and it should have been all about sacrifice for the team.

I think Wade will opt out, as will Bosh, they'll all take enough less to sign Lowry...championship.

I'm also starting to get really concerned that Anthony will end up with the Lakers.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

$3M max.

good to know... so Lin is untradeable.

Lin, Jones, #26 and $3M is a decent package. One year of Lin as your backup isn't going to hurt. Unless you're trying to win. Then it would hurt. A lot.

 

[Max Power]

LeBron will re-sign with Miami but you guys can dream.

If Wade opts in, all bets are off. That's the guy Riley should have been making his silly public comments to and it should have been all about sacrifice for the team.

I think Wade will opt out, as will Bosh, they'll all take enough less to sign Lowry...championship.

I'm also starting to get really concerned that Anthony will end up with the Lakers.

I think Wade will opt out. I think Bosh has to take the money where he can get it. If he opts out, its only to get another near Max contract.

However, Miami would be better served spending that money on Gortat or Jordan Hill.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

Not enough for MN, imo. I don't think much of Thompson though. Also, how does the #1 pick get moved in a deal for Love and not go to MN?

 

[GroveDiesel]

LeBron will re-sign with Miami but you guys can dream.

If Wade opts in, all bets are off. That's the guy Riley should have been making his silly public comments to and it should have been all about sacrifice for the team.I think Wade will opt out, as will Bosh, they'll all take enough less to sign Lowry...championship.

I'm also starting to get really concerned that Anthony will end up with the Lakers.

I think Wade will opt out. I think Bosh has to take the money where he can get it. If he opts out, its only to get another near Max contract. However, Miami would be better served spending that money on Gortat or Jordan Hill.

Didn't Bosh already come out and say that he would take less money?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

Not enough for MN, imo. I don't think much of Thompson though. Also, how does the #1 pick get moved in a deal for Love and not go to MN?

Because eff Minnesota

 

[Abraham]

Asik will need a 1 attached to him most likely.

Lin will probably require Jones unless the Rockets take back longer term salary, which I can't imagine.

That said, I could see Philly taking on Asik and some cash for some second rounders .

 

[pollardsvision]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

$3M max.

good to know... so Lin is untradeable.

Lin, Jones, #26 and $3M is a decent package. One year of Lin as your backup isn't going to hurt. Unless you're trying to win. Then it would hurt. A lot.

Actually, I like kind of like that package for the Hornets. We need a back-up PG, and a guys that can hit a wide open 3. Really, really need those guys.

I'm also excited about some of the options in this draft for pick 26.

And Jones....well the Hornets might be starting MKG and Zeller at the F's spots this year, so any help there would be welcome.

This is all assuming, of course, that the Hornets don't end up using that exciting cap space on a stud FA. Always a very fair assumption to make

 

[GroveDiesel]

Wade has been going through a nasty divorce, right? So I'm guessing money may be an issue for him. In fact, just saw a Kevin Hart comedy special the other night where Hart was talking about how he had to stop hanging out with Wade because of how much money Wade spends. Hard to see him opting out in those circumstances.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

That's just because people who use Instagram are idiots.

all of them?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

 

[Peyton Marino]

Wade has been going through a nasty divorce, right? So I'm guessing money may be an issue for him. In fact, just saw a Kevin Hart comedy special the other night where Hart was talking about how he had to stop hanging out with Wade because of how much money Wade spends. Hard to see him opting out in those circumstances.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

That said, I could see Philly taking on Asik and some cash for some second rounders .

That seems doable on the surface. 1 year remaining at 15 million?

 

[timschochet]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Here's hoping

 

[thecatch]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

Not enough for MN, imo. I don't think much of Thompson though. Also, how does the #1 pick get moved in a deal for Love and not go to MN?

I don't think much of Thompson either, but a top 5 pick in a pretty good draft is not a bad return under the circumstances. It sounds like the draft is deep enough where someone more competent than Flip Saunders would have been able to pick up a rotation player for that team with the #23 pick too.

 

[GroveDiesel]

If I were Dan Gilbert, by the end of today I'd have the largest billboards in Miami, Akron and Cleveland rented out with 5 words on them:

"I'm Sorry Lebron - Dan Gilbert"

 

[BigSteelThrill]

LeBron will re-sign with Miami but you guys can dream.

If Wade opts in, all bets are off. That's the guy Riley should have been making his silly public comments to and it should have been all about sacrifice for the team.I think Wade will opt out, as will Bosh, they'll all take enough less to sign Lowry...championship.

I'm also starting to get really concerned that Anthony will end up with the Lakers.

I think Wade will opt out. I think Bosh has to take the money where he can get it. If he opts out, its only to get another near Max contract. However, Miami would be better served spending that money on Gortat or Jordan Hill.

Didn't Bosh already come out and say that he would take less money?

I believe he did say something along those lines.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

Not enough for MN, imo. I don't think much of Thompson though. Also, how does the #1 pick get moved in a deal for Love and not go to MN?

Because eff Minnesota

Oh, ok then. Deal.

 

[Max Power]

So, what can teams expect to get from HOU for the opportunity to save them from an Asik or Lin contract?

I'd take Asik for a future first and 5mil. Lin a first along with 10mil.

$3M max.

good to know... so Lin is untradeable.

Lin, Jones, #26 and $3M is a decent package. One year of Lin as your backup isn't going to hurt. Unless you're trying to win. Then it would hurt. A lot.

I guess if a team really loved Jones, its in the ballpark. Essentially buying Jones and a draft pick for 4mil. And sitting on an overpaid backup for a year.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Can't see why LeBron would want to team up with another washed up SG with an albatross of a contract and a team that would be filled out with scrubs. He can stay in Miami if that is what he's looking for.

And you think Melo and Lala would go to Cleveland to be LeBron's sidekick?

 

[TenTimes]

of course he was going to opt out

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

Not enough for MN, imo. I don't think much of Thompson though. Also, how does the #1 pick get moved in a deal for Love and not go to MN?

Because eff Minnesota

Oh, ok then. Deal.

Real answer: because right now it's a rental unless he agrees to a new deal or at least to opt in for another year. Also #5 is higher than Boston or anyone else is offering. It's a pretty good haul for a lame duck player. TT is inconsistent but he is a top 20 rebounder and double double machine.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Can't see why LeBron would want to team up with another washed up SG with an albatross of a contract and a team that would be filled out with scrubs. He can stay in Miami if that is what he's looking for.

And you think Melo and Lala would go to Cleveland to be LeBron's sidekick?

No I do not.

 

[Gr00vus]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Unless the Lakers can find some sucker to take Nash off their hands, I can't see it happening. I'm assuming Kobe renegotiating/getting dealt is a non-starter. So I imagine the Lakers would have to deal Nash + their #7 pick? That would be ballsy.

ETA: Actually I don't think the Lakers can even trade their #1 this year since they dealt last year's and next year's, I don't think the rules allow that. I guess they'd have to try and get a 1st rounder back or something? Is that legal?

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Channeling my inner Abe:

Utah gets #1 pick, Jack

Minnesota gets #5, #23, Miami's 2015 1st (via CLE), T. Thompson

Cleveland gets Love, Burks, Favors

I sort of like this for everybody, provided that Love signs an extension with Cleveland. That's too much for CLE to give up for a 1 year rental otherwise.

Not enough for MN, imo. I don't think much of Thompson though. Also, how does the #1 pick get moved in a deal for Love and not go to MN?

I don't think much of Thompson either, but a top 5 pick in a pretty good draft is not a bad return under the circumstances. It sounds like the draft is deep enough where someone more competent than Flip Saunders would have been able to pick up a rotation player for that team with the #23 pick too.

Well, the rumors that are being floated about are much much more than just a top 5 pick.

 

[timschochet]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Can't see why LeBron would want to team up with another washed up SG with an albatross of a contract and a team that would be filled out with scrubs. ?

I can't see it either, but it would make me so damn happy though.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Here's hoping

Note those were just the 2 he specifically mentioned, but said there were many trying. Also that is contingent on the Lakers dumping Nash on someone and they would still only have about $33 million to offer both.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Could any team afford both James and Anthony?

Sure. Lots of teams have cap space and/or could create cap space pretty easily. Teams with cap space (Philly, Utah, Phoenix, etc) would happily eat some contracts for a few first round picks.

Odds of that pairing happening about .00001% IMO.

Brian Windhorst on Cleveland radio just said an article is coming to ESPN this afternoon about how several teams (including CLE and LAL) are maneuvering to try and make this happen.

Unless the Lakers can find some sucker to take Nash off their hands, I can't see it happening. I'm assuming Kobe renegotiating/getting dealt is a non-starter. So I imagine the Lakers would have to deal Nash + their #7 pick? That would be ballsy.

ETA: Actually I don't think the Lakers can even trade their #1 this year since they dealt last year's and next year's, I don't think the rules allow that. I guess they'd have to try and get a 1st rounder back or something? Is that legal?

They would have to make the pick and then trade it.