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

[Captain Quinoa]

Stephen A. Smith is reporting that LeBron James will sign, along with Chris Bosh, in Miami to play with Dwyane Wade.Of course, about a week or so ago, he was reporting that James would sign with the Knicks.

I guess my feeling all along of the Knicks and Heat as being the two longshots are now confirmed.

Whats Clevelands feel through all this? Everyone still confident? nervous? How's the media and people acting?

fans - very definitive - either convinced he'll stay or sure he's gone.media - pretty level - laughing at all the "reports" coming out of the other cities, not really trying to over-analyze the whole thing to their credit.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

I heard that Wade, Bosh, Lebron, Johnson and Amare are all going to play in New Jersey for the league minimum so they can win the next 10 championships.

You forgot Boozer off the bench.

Boozer can hug a root

 

[boubucarow]

Either way, the Nets definitely have the best core group of young players to build around.

Compared to who, the Timberwolves?How many games did the Nets win last season with this solid core group of players this team seems to have?

Harris and Lopez versus Rose and Noah is not a clear case for either side

I'd rather have Rose + Noah than Harris + Lopez.I'd rather have Lopez + Favors + Harris than Rose + Noah.

According to 82games, Rose held opposing players to a 15.1 PER, Noah to a 17.9 PER, and Deng to a 13.5 PER. Lopez held opponents to a 19.9 PER, Harris to a 20.1 PER, and Williams to a 16.6 PER. Now again, don't really see Deng staying but if he does, like I said before his defensive abilities would do wonders for James and he could evolve into a Bowen type player with a lethal baseline jumper and tough man to man defense with the additional ability to finish at the rim while also having a solid rebound rate at SF. The more I think about Deng, the more I think the Bulls should keep him. Noah is clearly a better defender than Lopez and is in a different class on the glass. Gibson is much better rebounder than Lopez as well.The development of Favors is the major unknown factor. However, assuming for now Deng is on the team and I feel he could develop into a lethal 5th man on the dream Bulls, I don't see how Favors will surely become better than Deng. He could become an all star level player and clearly tip the balance but he isn't a sure thing to reach a level higher than Deng. If they do trade him, we don't know what the Bulls would receive in return.I can see how James and Bosh could see either team as being the better fit. Most point to the Nets being a better fit offensively but I think it is obvious the Bulls are a much better fit defensively and on the glass.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I'm starting to get tired of ESPN's round the clock coverage of this. Seriously - NO ONE KNOWS ANYTHING. I think that Johnson and Bosh want to be made to feel important. I think Lebron wants to hear everyone's pitch to see if it changes his mind from what he already has decided through years of research. And I think that Boozer, Lee, Scola, etc. will start to fall in to place once the teams that lose out on James, Bosh, and Wade start grasping for backup plans. But to think that Stephen A Smith or Bill Simmons or the people of Cleveland or a waiter at a Chicago diner know ANYTHING about how this is going to play out is lying to themselves. At this point, I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if he ended up in NJ, NY, CHi, Mia, Clevel, LAC, Hou, Dallas....

The only thing wrong with this post is how badly Lebron wants to be courted. The guy makes TO seem humble. Here's to Lebron never winning a ring!!

Then why not stage a USA tour and go city to city instead of meeting at a neutral site?

My understanding is that was his original plan. Nike was even going to roll out a new shoe with the name of each city he visited.Word on the street is that LeBron is completely shocked and bewildered about how Cleveland fans are going to turn on him in venomous fashion if he leaves. IMO, that's why he cancelled his FA 'tour.' He's just trying to make his exit as smooth as possible since he still has to live in Akron.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Interesting, wonder if this has ever or will work...

When Rockets general manager Daryl Morey begins pursuing free agents this week, he will not be alone.A band of roughly a dozen Rockets fans will be traveling the country in a week-long expedition with the hopes they will be in a city when Morey arrives to meet with a free agent target.Hoping to bring attention to the Rockets’ free agency goals, the group left Monday morning from Toyota Center, but initially can only guess where to go. When the free agency period officially begins, at 11 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Morey can tweet or text members of the group so they can travel to the city in which he talks to a player.By doing this, with updates on the Rockets website, Morey will be in effect each day announcing his schedule in advance, though he won’t necessarily reveal who he will meet.The plan, generated from a Morey tweet request for ideas from fans, is for Morey to travel with them to the meetings, if the group arrives in time, though fans will not take part in the actual meetings.Though the rest of the Rockets presentation is expected to be more involved and high-tech, it will begin with the fan caravan, starting before the free agent period officially begins.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Just a take (slim chance at that)

7 Reasons Lebron Could Join the Rockets

1. Yao

2. No state income tax

3. Lots of pieces to sign and trade (players/ draft picks)

4. Solid core players

5. Morey Factor

6. Coach - players seem to like playing for him

http://www.lawrenceperson.com/?p=1409

Moving to New York does little to raise his national profile; moving to Houston does lots to raise his international profile: New York is indeed the country’s largest media market, but so what? James is already the most important basketball player in the country. Sure, moving to NYC might sell a few more jerseys in the five boroughs, but the rest of the country regards New York City not with the awe so many of its own residents seem to have deluded themselves into thinking is their birthright, but with indifference or outright hostility. His existing fans may buy his Knicks jersey, but no one West of the Hudson who wasn’t already a LeBron James fanatic is going to care. But a move to Houston would raise his international profile tremendously by pairing him with the only basketball player bigger than James on the international scene: Yao Ming. Moving to New York might net him another 10 million fans; moving to Houston might potentially net him another billion. How many more shoes do you think Nike could sell in China if James teamed up with Ming? That’s the long-term play that makes the most sense for both James and the NBA.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Just a take (slim chance at that)

7 Reasons Lebron Could Join the Rockets

1. Yao

2. No state income tax

3. Lots of pieces to sign and trade (players/ draft picks)

4. Solid core players

5. Morey Factor

6. Coach - players seem to like playing for him

http://www.lawrenceperson.com/?p=1409

Moving to New York does little to raise his national profile; moving to Houston does lots to raise his international profile: New York is indeed the country’s largest media market, but so what? James is already the most important basketball player in the country. Sure, moving to NYC might sell a few more jerseys in the five boroughs, but the rest of the country regards New York City not with the awe so many of its own residents seem to have deluded themselves into thinking is their birthright, but with indifference or outright hostility. His existing fans may buy his Knicks jersey, but no one West of the Hudson who wasn’t already a LeBron James fanatic is going to care. But a move to Houston would raise his international profile tremendously by pairing him with the only basketball player bigger than James on the international scene: Yao Ming. Moving to New York might net him another 10 million fans; moving to Houston might potentially net him another billion. How many more shoes do you think Nike could sell in China if James teamed up with Ming? That’s the long-term play that makes the most sense for both James and the NBA.

Those are 7 pretty ridiculous things.1. Yao - Umm, so? A bandaid who may barely ever play again? He's played 60 games once in the past 5 years. He might have one season left.

2. No state income tax - Same with Dallas, SA and I think all the teams from Florida

3. Lots of pieces to sign and trade (players/ draft picks) - LeBron doesn't care about the sign and trade. The Cavs do. LeBron doesn't.

4. Solid core players - Not compared to CHI or NJ

5. Morey Factor - Complete none factor

6. Coach - players seem to like playing for him - He can hand pick any coach he wants. Complete none factor.

 

[Walton Goggins]

Just a take (slim chance at that)

7 Reasons Lebron Could Join the Rockets

1. Yao

2. No state income tax

3. Lots of pieces to sign and trade (players/ draft picks)

4. Solid core players

5. Morey Factor

6. Coach - players seem to like playing for him

http://www.lawrenceperson.com/?p=1409

Moving to New York does little to raise his national profile; moving to Houston does lots to raise his international profile: New York is indeed the country’s largest media market, but so what? James is already the most important basketball player in the country. Sure, moving to NYC might sell a few more jerseys in the five boroughs, but the rest of the country regards New York City not with the awe so many of its own residents seem to have deluded themselves into thinking is their birthright, but with indifference or outright hostility. His existing fans may buy his Knicks jersey, but no one West of the Hudson who wasn’t already a LeBron James fanatic is going to care. But a move to Houston would raise his international profile tremendously by pairing him with the only basketball player bigger than James on the international scene: Yao Ming. Moving to New York might net him another 10 million fans; moving to Houston might potentially net him another billion. How many more shoes do you think Nike could sell in China if James teamed up with Ming? That’s the long-term play that makes the most sense for both James and the NBA.

Those are 7 pretty ridiculous things.1. Yao - Umm, so? A bandaid who may barely ever play again? He's played 60 games once in the past 5 years. He might have one season left.

2. No state income tax - Same with Dallas, SA and I think all the teams from Florida

3. Lots of pieces to sign and trade (players/ draft picks) - LeBron doesn't care about the sign and trade. The Cavs do. LeBron doesn't.

4. Solid core players - Not compared to CHI or NJ

5. Morey Factor - Complete none factor

6. Coach - players seem to like playing for him - He can hand pick any coach he wants. Complete none factor.

If he doesn't want to forfeit a lot of money he'll do a sign and tradeIf he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Why give up a ton of money and piss off his hometown in the process? I think the amount is 20-30 mil that he will leave on the table

FYI: Without Yao they won more games than Chicago and only a few less than Miami and the West was a much tougher conference

 

[oneohh]

I'm starting to get tired of ESPN's round the clock coverage of this. Seriously - NO ONE KNOWS ANYTHING. I think that Johnson and Bosh want to be made to feel important. I think Lebron wants to hear everyone's pitch to see if it changes his mind from what he already has decided through years of research. And I think that Boozer, Lee, Scola, etc. will start to fall in to place once the teams that lose out on James, Bosh, and Wade start grasping for backup plans. But to think that Stephen A Smith or Bill Simmons or the people of Cleveland or a waiter at a Chicago diner know ANYTHING about how this is going to play out is lying to themselves. At this point, I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if he ended up in NJ, NY, CHi, Mia, Clevel, LAC, Hou, Dallas....

The only thing wrong with this post is how badly Lebron wants to be courted. The guy makes TO seem humble. Here's to Lebron never winning a ring!!

Then why not stage a USA tour and go city to city instead of meeting at a neutral site?

My understanding is that was his original plan. Nike was even going to roll out a new shoe with the name of each city he visited.Word on the street is that LeBron is completely shocked and bewildered about how Cleveland fans are going to turn on him in venomous fashion if he leaves. IMO, that's why he cancelled his FA 'tour.' He's just trying to make his exit as smooth as possible since he still has to live in Akron.

And I hope it's 1000 times worse than he's anticipating. What a complete piece of garbage this guy is.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

If he doesn't want to forfeit a lot of money he'll do a sign and tradeIf he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and tradeWhy give up a ton of money and piss off his hometown in the process? I think the amount is 20-30 mil that he will leave on the tableFYI: Without Yao they won more games than Chicago and only a few less than Miami and the West was a much tougher conference

Wow...It is not a lot of money. What he is missing in the 6th year he'll get back when he signs another deal. If for some reason, he never gets another contract, then yes, he is losing $20ish. Otherwise, he is losing something like 2%. If he leaves Cleveland, I'm pretty sure he doesn't give a #### about the Cavs and their fans.Are you seriously trying to use wins and losses as your barometer for talent?

 

[thecatch]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

I can't think of any fan base that wouldn't be ecstatic to have those studs.

 

[oneohh]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

Are you serious?

 

[videoguy505]

Despite some foreboding signs, the Rockets do not consider themselves out of the free agency fight before throwing their first punch.

Amid indications Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh will seek to join another top free agent on a team with cap space, a person with knowledge of the Rockets’ thinking said Houston is confident it will be in the running and is considering seeking another enticement.

The individual familiar with the Rockets’ thinking said Houston could attempt to give Bosh a chance to sign with an All-Star guard by making a run at Hawks guard Joe Johnson.

The ROckets have some items of value they could offer in SnT for Johnson and or Bosh, but I'm wondering how they could do all of that and get under the cap. Yao isn't being moved so they'd have to give up Jeffries, Battier, Martin, and Ariza....which is about $30MM IIRC. They'd have to let Scola walk. So...Brooks/Lowry/Taylor

Johnson, Budinger, Nothing, Nothing

Bosh, Yao, Hayes, Hill, Patterson

Abraham:

I'm confused about your conversation here with Walton Goggins. Is he the real Walton Goggins? Or just a fan?

Can you please change his username to "Walton Goggins Fan" until such point that he can prove his actual identity? It's difficult to follow the discussion when I'm not sure of the true nature of the speaker.

TIA.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

This thread is starting to suck

 

[Juxtatarot]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

Are you serious?

sarcasm

 

[Juxtatarot]

This thread is starting to suck

It should pick up again on Thursday. Until then, expect more breaking Tweets from William Wesley's barber's cousin.

 

[Abraham]

But a move to Houston would raise his international profile tremendously by pairing him with the only basketball player bigger than James on the international scene: Yao Ming.

Walton > So you are conceding my point about Yao as a marketing tool? As some of us have been saying for the last few pages: if Lebron wants to be a global icon and possibly a billionaire, the only two places that make sense are Houston (piggy-backing on Yao's popularity in China just like Tmac did) or New Jersey*. As for the core of players, its obviously impossible to know who would be sent packing in a sign and trade, but the Rockets have as much B/B+ talent as anyone in the league. No, they don't have a Derrick Rose or a Brook Lopez, but even if you think Yao is done being effective the Rockets still boast a fairly strong roster of young players.*The new Nets owner is going to go in to his meeting with Lebron with a "business plan" and presentation showing Lebron exactly how he'll become the most popular and richest athlete on earth if he joins their team. There will be strategies on growing his international appeal and the appeal of the Nets. I realize that the basketball part is super important, but I think the NEts will put the best "here is why the Lebron James machine should come to our team" case of anyomne courting him.

 

[Zigg]

I'm starting to get tired of ESPN's round the clock coverage of this. Seriously - NO ONE KNOWS ANYTHING. I think that Johnson and Bosh want to be made to feel important. I think Lebron wants to hear everyone's pitch to see if it changes his mind from what he already has decided through years of research. And I think that Boozer, Lee, Scola, etc. will start to fall in to place once the teams that lose out on James, Bosh, and Wade start grasping for backup plans. But to think that Stephen A Smith or Bill Simmons or the people of Cleveland or a waiter at a Chicago diner know ANYTHING about how this is going to play out is lying to themselves. At this point, I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if he ended up in NJ, NY, CHi, Mia, Clevel, LAC, Hou, Dallas....

The only thing wrong with this post is how badly Lebron wants to be courted. The guy makes TO seem humble. Here's to Lebron never winning a ring!!

Then why not stage a USA tour and go city to city instead of meeting at a neutral site?

My understanding is that was his original plan. Nike was even going to roll out a new shoe with the name of each city he visited.Word on the street is that LeBron is completely shocked and bewildered about how Cleveland fans are going to turn on him in venomous fashion if he leaves. IMO, that's why he cancelled his FA 'tour.' He's just trying to make his exit as smooth as possible since he still has to live in Akron.

And I hope it's 1000 times worse than he's anticipating. What a complete piece of garbage this guy is.

He's a piece of garbage because he played out his contract for a crap franchise, then seems to not want to spend his entire career in Cleveland?

 

[Dexter Manley]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

In all seriousness, no way does Cleveland do a sign and trade of any kind unless ownership goes temporarily insane. The only way LeBron gets max $$$ is if he stays in Cleveland.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

In all seriousness, no way does Cleveland do a sign and trade of any kind unless ownership goes temporarily insane. The only way LeBron gets max $$$ is if he stays in Cleveland.

Um... if LeBron says he is leaving, why wouldn't the franchise try to get something back for him?

 

[Masked Vigilante]

Maximum $$$ from a contract means nothing when your being wooed by a Russian billionaire.

 

[oneohh]

And I hope it's 1000 times worse than he's anticipating. What a complete piece of garbage this guy is.

He's a piece of garbage because he played out his contract for a crap franchise, then seems to not want to spend his entire career in Cleveland?

No. He's a piece of garbage because he knows he could be a part of a winner in Cleveland but he's too stupid and selfish to do anything about it.

 

[Dexter Manley]

*The new Nets owner is going to go in to his meeting with Lebron with a "business plan" and presentation showing Lebron exactly how he'll become the most popular and richest athlete on earth if he joins their team. There will be strategies on growing his international appeal and the appeal of the Nets. I realize that the basketball part is super important, but I think the NEts will put the best "here is why the Lebron James machine should come to our team" case of anyomne courting him.

Agreed. What's killing NJ (apart from not moving to Brooklyn for 2 more years) is they didn't get the #1 pick. If they had, they could of drafted Wall, and I believe they could of sent Devin Harris to Indiana for 1.10 and either a future pick or low salary player so they could sign 2 max guys. Right now, they're about $5 million and change short from being able to do so.That was their only realistic chance of getting LeBron, imo.

 

[Abraham]

*The new Nets owner is going to go in to his meeting with Lebron with a "business plan" and presentation showing Lebron exactly how he'll become the most popular and richest athlete on earth if he joins their team. There will be strategies on growing his international appeal and the appeal of the Nets. I realize that the basketball part is super important, but I think the NEts will put the best "here is why the Lebron James machine should come to our team" case of anyomne courting him.

Agreed. What's killing NJ (apart from not moving to Brooklyn for 2 more years) is they didn't get the #1 pick. If they had, they could of drafted Wall, and I believe they could of sent Devin Harris to Indiana for 1.10 and either a future pick or low salary player so they could sign 2 max guys. Right now, they're about $5 million and change short from being able to do so.That was their only realistic chance of getting LeBron, imo.

Good points. I think, however, that if they have to find a way to shed salary and get Bosh (or position themselves for a 2011 run at Carmelo) they won't let that get in the way of signing Lebron. PLus, can't the guy just pay the luxury tax if he wants to sign another top FA?

 

[Dexter Manley]

If he doesn't want any blow back from Cavs and their fans he'll do a sign and trade

Agreed. The only way the Cavs fans will ever forgive LeBron for leaving is if he can somehow arrange a deal whereby the Cavs will acquire Shane Battier and Jared Jeffries in the process. That would definitely smooth things over there.

In all seriousness, no way does Cleveland do a sign and trade of any kind unless ownership goes temporarily insane. The only way LeBron gets max $$$ is if he stays in Cleveland.

Um... if LeBron says he is leaving, why wouldn't the franchise try to get something back for him?

A few very good reasons:1. If LeBron leaves on his own accord all the venom from Cleveland fans will be directed solely at him. Ownership/management can say they did everything in their power to keep him and he decided to bolt. From a PR perspective, it would be disastorous for Cleveland to actually help LeBron leave by facillitating a trade. It's also the only leverage Cleveland has.

2. There's no way they can get anything close to fair value for him in a trade.

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

Dirk's another guy who'll be testing free agency. He probably resigns but you never know.

 

[Dexter Manley]

*The new Nets owner is going to go in to his meeting with Lebron with a "business plan" and presentation showing Lebron exactly how he'll become the most popular and richest athlete on earth if he joins their team. There will be strategies on growing his international appeal and the appeal of the Nets. I realize that the basketball part is super important, but I think the NEts will put the best "here is why the Lebron James machine should come to our team" case of anyomne courting him.

Agreed. What's killing NJ (apart from not moving to Brooklyn for 2 more years) is they didn't get the #1 pick. If they had, they could of drafted Wall, and I believe they could of sent Devin Harris to Indiana for 1.10 and either a future pick or low salary player so they could sign 2 max guys. Right now, they're about $5 million and change short from being able to do so.That was their only realistic chance of getting LeBron, imo.

Good points. I think, however, that if they have to find a way to shed salary and get Bosh (or position themselves for a 2011 run at Carmelo) they won't let that get in the way of signing Lebron. PLus, can't the guy just pay the luxury tax if he wants to sign another top FA?

No. A team can only go over the cap when resigning their own players (Bird rights), not FA's. In fact, I don't think a team even get the $5.8 million dollar exemption unless they're already over the salary cap (someone correct me if I'm wrong).Right now NJ is around $27 million under the cap. I think Kris Humprhies is due about $5 million this season, although that's a player option so I don't know if that's already included in their cap #. If his salary is already included, that would be the prime guy to move.

 

[Juxtatarot]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

 

[Dexter Manley]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

If LeBron leaves, the value of the Cleveland franchise will plummet $150 million from what I've heard estimated. Not sure if there's a maximum amount of $$$ that one team can fork over in a trade, but let's say some team does give $10 million in the LeBron deal. That's nothing in the grand scheme of things if they lose LBJ. Cleveland basically has 2 things going for them as they try and resign LeBron:

1. They're LeBron's "home."

2. They can pay LBJ more than any other team.

IMO, it would be horrible strategy for the team to cave in on #2. This is uber high stakes poker and Cleveland needs to maximize their leverage by refusing to trade him. This puts all the pressure on LeBron.

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

 

[FatMax]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

You guys are leaving out the fact that Lebron probably wouldn't want to do a sign and trade anyway. If signed by Cleveland for league max, whatever team he gets traded to would most likely be hurt pretty badly from the talent lost in the trade. And thus, not as good. It's the same reason Kobe didn't want to be traded to Chicago.

 

[Abraham]

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

Would Cuban S/T Dirk, along with some add ons like Butler or Terry, for LBJ?

 

[Premier]

I think Gilbert already said that there is no way he will sign and trade Lebron.

And Lebron surely knows that's not an option.

 

[oneohh]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

You guys are leaving out the fact that Lebron probably wouldn't want to do a sign and trade anyway. If signed by Cleveland for league max, whatever team he gets traded to would most likely be hurt pretty badly from the talent lost in the trade. And thus, not as good. It's the same reason Kobe didn't want to be traded to Chicago.

Does the NBA have NTCs? Does elBJ have one?

 

[Dexter Manley]

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

Would Cuban S/T Dirk, along with some add ons like Butler or Terry, for LBJ?

That's not realistic, imo. That would, however, be a sign and trade I would do, but no way is Cuban is trading Dirk to anyone.

 

[oneohh]

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

Would Cuban S/T Dirk, along with some add ons like Butler or Terry, for LBJ?

That's not realistic, imo. That would, however, be a sign and trade I would do, but no way is Cuban is trading Dirk to anyone.

Not even for elBJ? You're kidding, right?

 

[FatMax]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

You guys are leaving out the fact that Lebron probably wouldn't want to do a sign and trade anyway. If signed by Cleveland for league max, whatever team he gets traded to would most likely be hurt pretty badly from the talent lost in the trade. And thus, not as good. It's the same reason Kobe didn't want to be traded to Chicago.

Does the NBA have NTCs? Does elBJ have one?

The NBA allows them, and though I'm not certain, I would be surprised if LBJ didn't have one.

 

[FatMax]

1. They're LeBron's "home."2. They can pay LBJ more than any other team.

#1 is valid.However, too much is made of point #2. Lebron's NBA salary is less than half of what he brings home at the end of the year.

 

[Dexter Manley]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

You guys are leaving out the fact that Lebron probably wouldn't want to do a sign and trade anyway. If signed by Cleveland for league max, whatever team he gets traded to would most likely be hurt pretty badly from the talent lost in the trade. And thus, not as good. It's the same reason Kobe didn't want to be traded to Chicago.

Depends on the trade. I think he would prefer being traded, if the team was giving up an expiring contract (i.e. Curry, etc.), draft picks, and cash as the main part of the trade and not gutting the team.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

Would Cuban S/T Dirk, along with some add ons like Butler or Terry, for LBJ?

That's not realistic, imo. That would, however, be a sign and trade I would do, but no way is Cuban is trading Dirk to anyone.

Not even for elBJ? You're kidding, right?

LeBron isn't going to Dallas if Dirk's not there unless they first made another move to get someone like Chris Paul.

 

[thecatch]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

You guys are leaving out the fact that Lebron probably wouldn't want to do a sign and trade anyway. If signed by Cleveland for league max, whatever team he gets traded to would most likely be hurt pretty badly from the talent lost in the trade. And thus, not as good. It's the same reason Kobe didn't want to be traded to Chicago.

I believe the Bulls/Nets/Heat/Knicks (edit: and Kings, of course ) could do a sign and trade without giving anyone/anything up (except a bit of additional cap space v. signing him outright). I'm not sure on the rules exactly, but I think doing so might even net the Cavs a pretty large trade exception to use over the next year as well.

 

[Juxtatarot]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

If LeBron leaves, the value of the Cleveland franchise will plummet $150 million from what I've heard estimated. Not sure if there's a maximum amount of $$$ that one team can fork over in a trade, but let's say some team does give $10 million in the LeBron deal. That's nothing in the grand scheme of things if they lose LBJ. Cleveland basically has 2 things going for them as they try and resign LeBron:

1. They're LeBron's "home."

2. They can pay LBJ more than any other team.

IMO, it would be horrible strategy for the team to cave in on #2. This is uber high stakes poker and Cleveland needs to maximize their leverage by refusing to trade him. This puts all the pressure on LeBron.

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

Right, but what if LeBron decides on a team and tells the media. He 100% commits verbally. The contract will be for the max the other team can offer or, if the Cavs agree, the true max in a sign-and-trade. The new team leaks the details of the returning compensation to the media: a few future 1st round picks and cash. This trade would also generate a trade exception for the Cavs. The Cavs, then, have a take it or leave it choice to make.How can the Cavs turn that down? And, if they do, how will fans feel about this at draft time when the media discusses how the Cavs refused draft picks out of spite?

 

[Dexter Manley]

1. They're LeBron's "home."2. They can pay LBJ more than any other team.

#1 is valid.However, too much is made of point #2. Lebron's NBA salary is less than half of what he brings home at the end of the year.

He'd be leaving what, $30 million on the table? That's a lot of money. Especially for a guy like LeBron who wants to be a billionaire.

 

[videoguy505]

Abraham:

I'm confused about your conversation here with Walton Goggins. Is he the real Walton Goggins? Or just a fan?

Can you please change his username to "Walton Goggins Fan" until such point that he can prove his actual identity? It's difficult to follow the discussion when I'm not sure of the true nature of the speaker.

TIA.

Bump.

 

[FatMax]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

You guys are leaving out the fact that Lebron probably wouldn't want to do a sign and trade anyway. If signed by Cleveland for league max, whatever team he gets traded to would most likely be hurt pretty badly from the talent lost in the trade. And thus, not as good. It's the same reason Kobe didn't want to be traded to Chicago.

I believe the Bulls/Nets/Heat/Knicks (edit: and Kings, of course ) could do a sign and trade without giving anyone/anything up (except a bit of additional cap space v. signing him outright). I'm not sure on the rules exactly, but I think doing so might even net the Cavs a pretty large trade exception to use over the next year as well.

Yeah, I think we can rule out Lebron playing in Sacramento, unfortunately.

 

[Dexter Manley]

3. If LeBron leaves, they are best served at blowing the whole thing up and starting over. I believe they'll still be over the cap or darn close to it. They need to dump salary. Getting a couple decent players and draft picks for LeBron isn't going to help the franchise. They would still be a lottery team.

I think you're right and they won't sign-and-trade him. However, it would be a mistake. Of course they shouldn't accept a bad contract back like Deng, Eddy Curry, Beasley, etc., but a large trade exception and a couple of picks can help them rebuild. The owner could also get cash considerations. Although cash won't help the team, Gilbert could be leaving millions of dollars on the table.

If LeBron leaves, the value of the Cleveland franchise will plummet $150 million from what I've heard estimated. Not sure if there's a maximum amount of $$$ that one team can fork over in a trade, but let's say some team does give $10 million in the LeBron deal. That's nothing in the grand scheme of things if they lose LBJ. Cleveland basically has 2 things going for them as they try and resign LeBron:

1. They're LeBron's "home."

2. They can pay LBJ more than any other team.

IMO, it would be horrible strategy for the team to cave in on #2. This is uber high stakes poker and Cleveland needs to maximize their leverage by refusing to trade him. This puts all the pressure on LeBron.

Essentially, Cleveland is already pot committed for $150 million. IMO, there's no realistic trade that justifies the Cavs not seeing this all the way through. It's either LBJ or bust.

Right, but what if LeBron decides on a team and tells the media. He 100% commits verbally. The contract will be for the max the other team can offer or, if the Cavs agree, the true max in a sign-and-trade. The new team leaks the details of the returning compensation to the media: a few future 1st round picks and cash. This trade would also generate a trade exception for the Cavs. The Cavs, then, have a take it or leave it choice to make.How can the Cavs turn that down? And, if they do, how will fans feel about this at draft time when the media discusses how the Cavs refused draft picks out of spite?

This is probably how it will play out from LBJ's side. If I'm Cleveland, I'm looking at what part of round 1 those 1st round draft picks are likely going to be and quickly come to the conclusion they'll be near the bottom of round 1. Not very valuable to say the least (some teams would consider them a hindrance).

Not saying it's easy, but Cleveland should stick to it's guns. If they're going to lose LeBron, winning the public relations battle is critical, and to do that they cannot be seen as "helping" LeBron out of town in any way.

 

[Abraham]

The Knicks don't have anything to trade.

 

[videoguy505]

Abraham:Here's another one. No way should "Dexter Manley" be allowed as a username on a football message board, lest someone confuse him with the Redskins DE. If we're gonna have a Dr James Andrews Fan, we need a Dexter Manley Fan.TIA.

 

[Juxtatarot]

If I'm Cleveland, I'm looking at what part of round 1 those 1st round draft picks are likely going to be and quickly come to the conclusion they'll be near the bottom of round 1. Not very valuable to say the least (some teams would consider them a hindrance).

I'm not sure about all the other teams but the Bulls, for example, have a future Bobcat pick that could potentially be in the lottery.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

And I hope it's 1000 times worse than he's anticipating. What a complete piece of garbage this guy is.

He's a piece of garbage because he played out his contract for a crap franchise, then seems to not want to spend his entire career in Cleveland?

No. He's a piece of garbage because he knows he could be a part of a winner in Cleveland but he's too stupid and selfish to do anything about it.