*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[Cliff Clavin]

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.

He's a good backup for dirt cheap over the 3 years with some upside. I think most teams would take that.

 

[metoo]

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?

Yeah, I can only see Melo in NY, Chicago or LA. LaLa is not a Cleveland type of woman.

 

[DrJ]

I like the preemptive trolling. Nice touch.

 

[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.

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.

I think its pretty safe to assume they only trade him in a sign and trade type of deal. Would be pretty foolish to just dump him as a rental for next to bottom dollar. They don't have to trade him now (although I'd like them to get a great deal and do so). Its a sucky trade and you should be ashamed. Favors and Burks for the #1 and Jack? Pretty sweet for Utah.

 

[pollardsvision]

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?

Love isn't worth the #1 pick (without an extension).

I think there's somebody in the top 10 with a pick that might swap it for Love, but I doubt it's any of the Top 3-4 teams.

If MIN could get that haul mentioned above, I'd say that's a steal and better than what they'll end up getting. I like Klay, but I'd rather have those picks.

For that deal above, I think CLE is the only one that possibly says no. Maybe Utah, but I think they'd do it for Jabari.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

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.

Dumping Nash with the #7 would be simple. Damn near every team would jump on that.

 

[Bobcat10]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

 

[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?

Yeah, I can only see Melo in NY, Chicago or LA. LaLa is not a Cleveland type of woman.

She can hang with Johnny Football's skank of the week.

 

[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.

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

I believe he did say something along those lines.

Looks like he did. I still stand by Bosh not taking much less than market value if he does opt out. He is 30, this is his last big payday.

 

[TenTimes]

If I was a GM trying to pair Lebron with 1 other star, there's probably at least 40 players I'd rather have than Carmello. Including Kawai Leonard

 

[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.

I think its pretty safe to assume they only trade him in a sign and trade type of deal. Would be pretty foolish to just dump him as a rental for next to bottom dollar. They don't have to trade him now (although I'd like them to get a great deal and do so). Its a sucky trade and you should be ashamed. Favors and Burks for the #1 and Jack? Pretty sweet for Utah.

It's 5, 23, Favors and Burks for #1 and Jack. Then 5 and 23 repackaged for Love.

You'll take it and you'll like it.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

I agree this is most likely.

 

[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?

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

I always forget that's an option.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Pure speculation here, but I wonder if there is a part of Lebron that would like to win a title away from Wade. Wade does have 1 more than him at this point.

 

[Premier]

Wade would be gone to where?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Wade would be gone to where?

CSKA Moscow

 

[tommyGunZ]

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 can make the pick, and then immediately trade the player Thursday night.

 

[Max Power]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

a 1 year contract with player option doesn't make sense if LeBron's goal was to clear up cap space. That is essentially what he had remaining on the current contract. 2 years at 42.5. Not sure I see LeBron playing for less than 20M a year.

 

[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.

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

Are there? I think I'd rather have a top 5 pick than Klay at his new near-max deal.

 

[pollardsvision]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

Makes a bunch of sense (somewhere, not necessarily MIA).

I'm not sure LeBron (or Melo) should ever sign a deal longer than a year at this point (unless there was a player option at the end of each one). The NBA has placed an artificial cap on their on-court earnings, so the risk isn't as great as it could be. Barring a true career ending injury, LeBron will never, ever make less than $10 million for a year of basketball.

Hell, Kobe's old and tore his freaking achilles. He was still rewarded with another $50 mill. Any need for security is thrown out the window with the benefit of being in control every single season.

Loyalty is a sucker's game.

And at this point, the best thing LeBron could do for his legacy is try to win titles with 3 different franchises.

 

[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?

They can make the pick, and then immediately trade the player Thursday night.

Yeah, Captain Q reminded me of that up above.

I really don't see the Lakers being James's destination. Kobe already ran off Howard - you really think he's going to lay down the welcome mat for James even if James could stomach playing with Kobe in the first place?

 

[tommyGunZ]

If I was a GM trying to pair Lebron with 1 other star, there's probably at least 40 players I'd rather have than Carmello. Including Kawai Leonard

Of course the problem is that LeBron probably wants to play with Melo more than any other player in the NBA. You guys who believe that the Hoosiers way is the only way to win in the NBA may hate Melo, but all the players, coaches, GMs, and owners know he's a top 5 level talent.

 

[metoo]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

I heard Windhorst say LeBron will not sign a long term deal with any team for the foreseeable future. He wants to keep pressure on the front office to always have a team that can compete for a championship. We will be going through this every summer with LeBron.

 

[fantasycurse42]

If I was a GM trying to pair Lebron with 1 other star, there's probably at least 40 players I'd rather have than Carmello. Including Kawai Leonard

Of course the problem is that LeBron probably wants to play with Melo more than any other player in the NBA. You guys who believe that the Hoosiers way is the only way to win in the NBA may hate Melo, but all the players, coaches, GMs, and owners know he's a top 5 level talent.

I don't think anyone will dispute Melo as an uber talented top tier guy, but Lebron is a top talent and plays team ball, Melo plays me ball.

 

[tommyGunZ]

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 can make the pick, and then immediately trade the player Thursday night.

Yeah, Captain Q reminded me of that up above.

I really don't see the Lakers being James's destination. Kobe already ran off Howard - you really think he's going to lay down the welcome mat for James even if James could stomach playing with Kobe in the first place?

LeBron, Kobe, and Melo are all friends. They've played together on multiple Olympic teams and love playing together. LeBron and Melo aren't mental midgets like Dwight - they won't be run out of anywhere.

 

[DrJ]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

I heard Windhorst say LeBron will not sign a long term deal with any team for the foreseeable future. He wants to keep pressure on the front office to always have a team that can compete for a championship. We will be going through this every summer with LeBron.

Plus it saves him from doing stupid stuff like predicting 8 championships with a team.

 

[NutterButter]

Too bad the Heat didn't save the amnesty option for Wade

 

[DrJ]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

YEA!!! With his 3 rings and $40MM owed in the next 2, he's gotta be

 

[Bobcat10]

Wade would be gone to where?

It meant Lebron would be gone for sure.

 

[DrJ]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

YEA!!! With his 3 rings and $40MM owed in the next 2, he's gotta be

He's always

Today, we need a new emoticon for him though. He just got ##### slapped by Lebron.

 

[thecatch]

Bulls offering Gibson, Snell, #16, and #19 for Love.

 

[RUSF18]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

$42 million coming due to him for sitting still is definitely a price.

 

[Bobcat10]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

a 1 year contract with player option doesn't make sense if LeBron's goal was to clear up cap space. That is essentially what he had remaining on the current contract. 2 years at 42.5. Not sure I see LeBron playing for less than 20M a year.

It makes sense if it saves the team money over the next year or two. Nobody knows what he's willing to do.

 

[pollardsvision]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

YEA!!! With his 3 rings and $40MM owed in the next 2, he's gotta be

Yeah, Wade's living the life. LeBron opted out first, giving him the chance to just sort of look like he got left holding the bag. This is going to be a ####ty team that nobody's going to be paying attention to, so he can just cash those checks in peace (as opposed to getting thrown under the bus every time LeBron gets bounced from the Playoffs).

Wade's getting a divorce, and now LeBron's gone so he can go back to being the big swinging **** of MIA. He and Rio are going to run that town.

 

[Bobcat10]

What exactly does Nash have left on his contract? Just one year?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

YEA!!! With his 3 rings and $40MM owed in the next 2, he's gotta be

Yeah, Wade's living the life. LeBron opted out first, giving him the chance to just sort of look like he got left holding the bag. This is going to be a ####ty team that nobody's going to be paying attention to, so he can just cash those checks in peace (as opposed to getting thrown under the bus every time LeBron gets bounced from the Playoffs).

Wade's getting a divorce, and now LeBron's gone so he can go back to being the big swinging **** of MIA. He and Rio are going to run that town.

He is?

 

[NutterButter]

What exactly does Nash have left on his contract? Just one year?

 

[Premier]

Here come the takes.

An open letter to Lebron James

So you announced today that you are opting out of your contract with the Miami Heat, leaving sports fans in every neighborhood here to wonder where your next "home" will be.

Well let me make it easy for you Lebron. Don't bother making your home here. Miami doesn't need you.

What more could you have wanted? Money? Oh you got that, in spades. A great team around you to finally carry you to a title? Absolutely. Pat Riley surrounded you with Hall of Famers and superb role players and you finally broke through to win two championships.

Of course, you really should consider having Ray Allen's name inscribed on that 2013 ring of yours.

That said, you gained all of those things as well as respect during your four years in Miami.

But instead of giving thanks, you are now giving notice.

Now I know why Dan Gilbert went on that Comic Sans fueled rant in 2010. He thought he had done enough to inspire loyalty from you. Clearly Pat Riley believes that he is owed the same from you although it appears you once again don't reciprocate.

Luckily Riles probably doesn't know what comic sans is although he is too much of a man to stab someone in the back like that.

Of course you don't know how that feels. You don't know how it feels to be a man, to have some courage and to repay those who laid the golden road down for you to walk on. You probably think you did this all yourself Lebron but you didn't. This franchise won titles before you and will win them after you.

But you won't be around to see any of that. Because as you have demonstrated today, you can opt out of your contract but apparently you can't opt in to having any heart.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

What exactly does Nash have left on his contract? Just one year?

yes 1/$9.7

 

[NutterButter]

Here come the takes.

An open letter to Lebron James

So you announced today that you are opting out of your contract with the Miami Heat, leaving sports fans in every neighborhood here to wonder where your next "home" will be.

Well let me make it easy for you Lebron. Don't bother making your home here. Miami doesn't need you.

What more could you have wanted? Money? Oh you got that, in spades. A great team around you to finally carry you to a title? Absolutely. Pat Riley surrounded you with Hall of Famers and superb role players and you finally broke through to win two championships.

Of course, you really should consider having Ray Allen's name inscribed on that 2013 ring of yours.

That said, you gained all of those things as well as respect during your four years in Miami.

But instead of giving thanks, you are now giving notice.

Now I know why Dan Gilbert went on that Comic Sans fueled rant in 2010. He thought he had done enough to inspire loyalty from you. Clearly Pat Riley believes that he is owed the same from you although it appears you once again don't reciprocate.

Luckily Riles probably doesn't know what comic sans is although he is too much of a man to stab someone in the back like that.

Of course you don't know how that feels. You don't know how it feels to be a man, to have some courage and to repay those who laid the golden road down for you to walk on. You probably think you did this all yourself Lebron but you didn't. This franchise won titles before you and will win them after you.

But you won't be around to see any of that. Because as you have demonstrated today, you can opt out of your contract but apparently you can't opt in to having any heart.

Dagger

 

[DrJ]

Here come the takes.

An open letter to Lebron James

So you announced today that you are opting out of your contract with the Miami Heat, leaving sports fans in every neighborhood here to wonder where your next "home" will be.

Well let me make it easy for you Lebron. Don't bother making your home here. Miami doesn't need you.

What more could you have wanted? Money? Oh you got that, in spades. A great team around you to finally carry you to a title? Absolutely. Pat Riley surrounded you with Hall of Famers and superb role players and you finally broke through to win two championships.

Of course, you really should consider having Ray Allen's name inscribed on that 2013 ring of yours.

That said, you gained all of those things as well as respect during your four years in Miami.

But instead of giving thanks, you are now giving notice.

Now I know why Dan Gilbert went on that Comic Sans fueled rant in 2010. He thought he had done enough to inspire loyalty from you. Clearly Pat Riley believes that he is owed the same from you although it appears you once again don't reciprocate.

Luckily Riles probably doesn't know what comic sans is although he is too much of a man to stab someone in the back like that.

Of course you don't know how that feels. You don't know how it feels to be a man, to have some courage and to repay those who laid the golden road down for you to walk on. You probably think you did this all yourself Lebron but you didn't. This franchise won titles before you and will win them after you.

But you won't be around to see any of that. Because as you have demonstrated today, you can opt out of your contract but apparently you can't opt in to having any heart.

But most "Heat fans" are just a bunch of bandwagon hoppers. We're going to need to see some credentials before we give this much stock.

 

[Todem]

Reading posts in here is just as bad if not worse then listening to Brian Windhorst or any of the clowns on ESPN.

Let me fill you all in since we like to make crap up in here all the time. The Heat are right on schedule. Lebron is right on schedule, Bosh and Wade are going to follow in short order as well as Haslem opting out.

This has all been discussed well in advance of today. Nothing is 100%. But pretty much the confidence level is extremely high that Pat Riley will get it done. Lebron, Bosh and Wade all will get new extensions, a few new pieces will be brought in and we will roll on.

And if...if for some reason Riley is unable to convince Lebron that Miami is the best place for him to continue the great success he embarked on 4 years ago and Lebron thinks he can do better in another city and organization, well then good luck. I absolutely loved having Lebron here for 4 years, enjoyed every minute. 2 titles in 4 years.

Could not be happier as a Heat fan.

And then a new chapter will begin. And I will still be as dedicated a Heat fan as I have always been since 1988. Burn Lebrons jersey? Oh hell no. I will treasure the time we had with the best player on the planet right now. As an NBA fan you could not ask for a better run then what Riley has delivered here since 2006. 5 Finals, 3 Titles.

Awesome sauce.

Meantime Lebron ain't going anywhere. In 2 weeks some of you will blasting him about how dumb he is to hitch his wagon to Wade and Bosh again for another 4-5 years. But we will be looking forward to who we can add to the puzzle and compete again for some more Finals appearances.

Enjoy the next two weeks of speculation and pure nonsense. And If I am wrong...I am wrong. But I find it quite amusing reading all the theories of where Lebron is going. Most of us down he already know he is staying right here. Most of us who are rational know this is right on schedule and who cares when he opted out? We all knew he was going to...along with Wade and Bosh. Yes Wade is opting out. He wants to continue playing with Lebron. All 3 of them knew the day they signed those deals that if things went really well they were opting out. If things went really bad, Bosh and Lebron were certainly opting out and Wade would probably opt in.

Things went fantastic. All are opting out. All are returning and The Heat are reloading.

 

[pollardsvision]

Personally, I'd love to see the look on Wade's face today. He always has this look that you just want to slap off of him, today's look has to be priceless.

YEA!!! With his 3 rings and $40MM owed in the next 2, he's gotta be

Yeah, Wade's living the life. LeBron opted out first, giving him the chance to just sort of look like he got left holding the bag. This is going to be a ####ty team that nobody's going to be paying attention to, so he can just cash those checks in peace (as opposed to getting thrown under the bus every time LeBron gets bounced from the Playoffs).Wade's getting a divorce, and now LeBron's gone so he can go back to being the big swinging **** of MIA. He and Rio are going to run that town.

He is?

I was meaning more in terms of "if LeBron's gone" but yes, I think he'll be gone.

 

[Todem]

Here come the takes.

An open letter to Lebron James

So you announced today that you are opting out of your contract with the Miami Heat, leaving sports fans in every neighborhood here to wonder where your next "home" will be.

Well let me make it easy for you Lebron. Don't bother making your home here. Miami doesn't need you.

What more could you have wanted? Money? Oh you got that, in spades. A great team around you to finally carry you to a title? Absolutely. Pat Riley surrounded you with Hall of Famers and superb role players and you finally broke through to win two championships.

Of course, you really should consider having Ray Allen's name inscribed on that 2013 ring of yours.

That said, you gained all of those things as well as respect during your four years in Miami.

But instead of giving thanks, you are now giving notice.

Now I know why Dan Gilbert went on that Comic Sans fueled rant in 2010. He thought he had done enough to inspire loyalty from you. Clearly Pat Riley believes that he is owed the same from you although it appears you once again don't reciprocate.

Luckily Riles probably doesn't know what comic sans is although he is too much of a man to stab someone in the back like that.

Of course you don't know how that feels. You don't know how it feels to be a man, to have some courage and to repay those who laid the golden road down for you to walk on. You probably think you did this all yourself Lebron but you didn't. This franchise won titles before you and will win them after you.

But you won't be around to see any of that. Because as you have demonstrated today, you can opt out of your contract but apparently you can't opt in to having any heart.

What moronic fan said this?

Oh brother people are as dumb as rocks. It amazes me.

 

[Bauer]

I heard this in Philly on sports talk radio but I need someone to confirm. I heard Philly owns MIA 1st rounder in 2015, but it goes to the Celtics unless it's a lottery pick. So if everyone opts out and the team is in the lottery, the Sixers will most likely have two lottery picks again. Any truth to this?

 

[Village Idiot]

Ford also thinks the Bucks should take Exum at 2.

After Wiggins to CLE (both think Parker to CLE doesn't make much sense).

If anyone can screw this pick up its the Cavs.

I prefer Wiggins but

 

[Gr00vus]

What exactly does Nash have left on his contract? Just one year?

yes 1/$9.7

And it only cost the Lakers 2 1st round picks!

 

[Premier]

Here come the takes.

An open letter to Lebron James

So you announced today that you are opting out of your contract with the Miami Heat, leaving sports fans in every neighborhood here to wonder where your next "home" will be.

Well let me make it easy for you Lebron. Don't bother making your home here. Miami doesn't need you.

What more could you have wanted? Money? Oh you got that, in spades. A great team around you to finally carry you to a title? Absolutely. Pat Riley surrounded you with Hall of Famers and superb role players and you finally broke through to win two championships.

Of course, you really should consider having Ray Allen's name inscribed on that 2013 ring of yours.

That said, you gained all of those things as well as respect during your four years in Miami.

But instead of giving thanks, you are now giving notice.

Now I know why Dan Gilbert went on that Comic Sans fueled rant in 2010. He thought he had done enough to inspire loyalty from you. Clearly Pat Riley believes that he is owed the same from you although it appears you once again don't reciprocate.

Luckily Riles probably doesn't know what comic sans is although he is too much of a man to stab someone in the back like that.

Of course you don't know how that feels. You don't know how it feels to be a man, to have some courage and to repay those who laid the golden road down for you to walk on. You probably think you did this all yourself Lebron but you didn't. This franchise won titles before you and will win them after you.

But you won't be around to see any of that. Because as you have demonstrated today, you can opt out of your contract but apparently you can't opt in to having any heart.

What moronic fan said this?Oh brother people are as dumb as rocks. It amazes me.

He's a Miami blogger/columnist. Christopher Cappy or something like that.

 

[Max Power]

Windhorst also said Lebron to Miami for 1 year and a player option is very likely. I'm assuming that means they all opt out, and if Wade doesn't he's gone.

That makes alot of sense, Lebron isn't signing a long term deal with Miami this summer (I don't think Heat fan is saying this in here, but you never know), but he certainly might go back for one and see what happens.

a 1 year contract with player option doesn't make sense if LeBron's goal was to clear up cap space. That is essentially what he had remaining on the current contract. 2 years at 42.5. Not sure I see LeBron playing for less than 20M a year.

It makes sense if it saves the team money over the next year or two. Nobody knows what he's willing to do.

His contract was already well below market value. I can't see him signing for much less. Or leaving enough on the table that brings in quality free agents.

And what does this say to Bosh and Wade? Its not a wise move for either of them to take less money over the next two years with no long term contract in place.