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

[Bobcat10]

Woj tweets Rockets and Cavs expected to reach out to Stoudamire. Interesting at least...makes sense for Rockets, but not sure what the Cavs would SnT.

 

[Bobcat10]

Just turned on NBATV coverage....any good?

 

[Daywalker]

Wish I was hearing more Laker news.Bynum for Bosh and Jack. Seems like a no-brainer to me for everyone involved.Seems like a no-brainer for everyone involved.

and of course that deal is impossible based on salary. GB laker fans

Please explain how so.

Bosh Max ($16.8) + Jack ($4.8) /= Bynum ($13.8) +/- 25%

Is it hard for you to imagine Sasha's expiring 5+/mill contract being added to the deal. Or is that too?

 

[bakes]

Richard Jefferson just opted out of $15 mil contract . Has he lost his mind. SA jumping up and down right now

Dumbest contract decision since Juan Gone turned down 140M from the Tigers?

Could be a smart move if a lockout happens and his new contract pays him more than $15M over the next 2 years. Assuming guys get paid according to contract in the face of a lockout. Anyone know what happens in that regard?Does this make the Spurs a player in the Rudy Gay market?

If Richard Jefferson gets a contract paying him 15M over 2 years I'll eat my computer.

You're probably right, but there will probably be a team or two who get shut out of the big time FAs and will have money to burn that could do something stupid.

Your New York Knicks, ladeezandgennamun!

 

[Pat Patriot]

All I know is that the players caved last time because they were going broke.

True. Does anyone know if they received full salaries for that season? I haven't found an answer online yet.

If there is a lockout, rest assured the players dont get paid. If the CBA is in place then the owners cant just lock the players out and not pay them. However, if there is no CBA both the players and owners would have to agree to play without a CBA in place. The owners would lock the players out so as not to pay them until they get better terms. It would make no sense for the owners to cut off their revenues (cancel games) but still pay their largest expense (player salaries).

 

[boubucarow]

I am thinking the Bulls are trying really hard to move Deng right now and there are no takers.

 

[Steelfan7]

I am thinking the Bulls are trying really hard to move Deng right now and there are no takers.

Yeah oft injured SF with bad contract are hard to find takers for in this NBA economic environment.

 

[Green94]

I am thinking the Bulls are trying really hard to move Deng right now and there are no takers.

What have you heard?Deng sucks... to think that he held up a trade for Kobe a few years back

 

[This_Guy]

Wish I was hearing more Laker news.Bynum for Bosh and Jack. Seems like a no-brainer to me for everyone involved.Seems like a no-brainer for everyone involved.

and of course that deal is impossible based on salary. GB laker fans

Please explain how so.

Bosh Max ($16.8) + Jack ($4.8) /= Bynum ($13.8) +/- 25%

Is it hard for you to imagine Sasha's expiring 5+/mill contract being added to the deal. Or is that too?

\Didn't see where you asked someone to explain to you how a deal including Vujacic was balanced.

 

[Bobcat10]

Brian Shaw withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching job on Wednesday, clearing the way for the Cavs to pursue a deal with Byron Scott.Shaw said he never received a formal offer from the Cavs, but didn’t feel comfortable with the team’s Thursday deadline to make a hire.“I know they have a timeline to hire a coach and I wasn’t able to meet that timeline,” Shaw told Yahoo! Sports. “I didn’t want to hold things up. It’s a great organization.”Shaw wouldn’t comment on why he took issue with the timeline, but sources close to him said he wanted more clarity on whether LeBron James(notes) planned to return. Shaw also could become a candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching job should Phil Jackson retire.Scott told Y! Sports on Monday that he was interested in coaching the Cavaliers, regardless of whether James returns.“I would coach there without LeBron,” Scott said. “But they got a good shot at getting him back. Without him, they would probably go from 60 wins to 30 wins. But [without James], it’s still a better job than when I first started in New Jersey and it’s still a better job than when I first started in New Orleans.”

 

[Steelfan7]

Brian Shaw withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching job on Wednesday, clearing the way for the Cavs to pursue a deal with Byron Scott.Shaw said he never received a formal offer from the Cavs, but didn’t feel comfortable with the team’s Thursday deadline to make a hire.“I know they have a timeline to hire a coach and I wasn’t able to meet that timeline,” Shaw told Yahoo! Sports. “I didn’t want to hold things up. It’s a great organization.”Shaw wouldn’t comment on why he took issue with the timeline, but sources close to him said he wanted more clarity on whether LeBron James(notes) planned to return. Shaw also could become a candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching job should Phil Jackson retire.Scott told Y! Sports on Monday that he was interested in coaching the Cavaliers, regardless of whether James returns.“I would coach there without LeBron,” Scott said. “But they got a good shot at getting him back. Without him, they would probably go from 60 wins to 30 wins. But [without James], it’s still a better job than when I first started in New Jersey and it’s still a better job than when I first started in New Orleans.”

If I'm the Cavs I don't know if I want to hire a coach who publicly states that the team sucks if Lebron doesn't come back.

 

[Daywalker]

Bosh Max ($16.8) + Jack ($4.8) /= Bynum ($13.8) +/- 25%

Is it hard for you to imagine Sasha's expiring 5+/mill contract being added to the deal. Or is that too?

\

Didn't see where you asked someone to explain to you how a deal including Vujacic was balanced.

The main pieces are Bosh and Bynum. Toronto will not get anything better then Bynum. The rest are just cap fillers. Didn't think that needed explaining. I was wrong.

 

[Bobcat10]

Brian Shaw withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching job on Wednesday, clearing the way for the Cavs to pursue a deal with Byron Scott.Shaw said he never received a formal offer from the Cavs, but didn’t feel comfortable with the team’s Thursday deadline to make a hire.“I know they have a timeline to hire a coach and I wasn’t able to meet that timeline,” Shaw told Yahoo! Sports. “I didn’t want to hold things up. It’s a great organization.”Shaw wouldn’t comment on why he took issue with the timeline, but sources close to him said he wanted more clarity on whether LeBron James(notes) planned to return. Shaw also could become a candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching job should Phil Jackson retire.Scott told Y! Sports on Monday that he was interested in coaching the Cavaliers, regardless of whether James returns.“I would coach there without LeBron,” Scott said. “But they got a good shot at getting him back. Without him, they would probably go from 60 wins to 30 wins. But [without James], it’s still a better job than when I first started in New Jersey and it’s still a better job than when I first started in New Orleans.”

If I'm the Cavs I don't know if I want to hire a coach who publicly states that the team sucks if Lebron doesn't come back.

I don't understand why they are putting the pressure on the high profile guys. Seems like Izzo and Shaw wanted to coach Lebron...and Scott clearly would be interested. Both Scott and Shaw can't coach the Lakers. Have one or two guys in the back pocket (I've heard K. Sampson) in case Lebron leaves if these guys turn you down so you can move quickly to the 2nd options.

 

[Statorama]

Richard Jefferson just opted out of $15 mil contract . Has he lost his mind. SA jumping up and down right now

Rivals Latrell Spreewell turning down $9 MILL a year for 3 years because he "had to feed his family"

 

[This_Guy]

Richard Jefferson just opted out of $15 mil contract . Has he lost his mind. SA jumping up and down right now

Rivals Latrell Spreewell turning down $9 MILL a year for 3 years because he "had to feed his family"

Guy was probably already $40 million in debt and REALLY needed more money in order to eat.

 

[Daywalker]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.

Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up.

PG- Lebron

SG- Johnson

SF- Gallinari

PF- Varejao

C- Lee

M. Williams on bench

Mobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.

I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

 

[This_Guy]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Can they sign LeBron, Johnson and Lee?

 

[Premier]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Lebron isn't signing on for that suckfest. Really, look at that starting lineup and then that invisible bench. They'll give up 110 points a night.

 

[thecatch]

Richard Jefferson just opted out of $15 mil contract . Has he lost his mind. SA jumping up and down right now

Rivals Latrell Spreewell turning down $9 MILL a year for 3 years because he "had to feed his family"

Reminds me of Bonzi Wells turning down $40m from the Kings a few years ago.

 

[Daywalker]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Can they sign LeBron, Johnson and Lee?

Lee is their own FA so I believe so.

 

[D'OHtis]

Jefferson will be lucky to make 15 mil over 3. Guy was awful last year.

 

[bakes]

Jefferson will be lucky to make 15 mil over 3. Guy was awful last year.

Kidd made him look a lot better than he is. Also has the smallest ears on anyone in any major sport. Tree frogs have bigger ears.

 

[Daywalker]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Lebron isn't signing on for that suckfest. Really, look at that starting lineup and then that invisible bench. They'll give up 110 points a night.

Better squad then Cleveland would be next year. Just don't see Lebron and Bosh teaming up anywhere due to Bosh wanting the max. Have a hard-time seeing Lebron as a Bull and following MJ's legacy. If I was Lebron I'd team up with Amare and go to Miami. This Wade's "team" non-sense will end once Lebron averages a triple-double in the finals and wins Finals MVP.Lebron, Wade, Beasley, O'Neil and Amare would be another option in my book.

 

[Kev4029]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Can they sign LeBron, Johnson and Lee?

Lee is their own FA so I believe so.

Doesn't work like that, they have to renounce his rights to make the other proposed signings.

 

[Kev4029]

I

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Lebron isn't signing on for that suckfest. Really, look at that starting lineup and then that invisible bench. They'll give up 110 points a night.

Better squad then Cleveland would be next year. Just don't see Lebron and Bosh teaming up anywhere due to Bosh wanting the max. Have a hard-time seeing Lebron as a Bull and following MJ's legacy. If I was Lebron I'd team up with Amare and go to Miami. This Wade's "team" non-sense will end once Lebron averages a triple-double in the finals and wins Finals MVP.Lebron, Wade, Beasley, O'Neil and Amare would be another option in my book.

the salaries would never work out to have that lineup, the only way they can get wade plus two other guys with max or near max contracts would be to trade beasley for nothing and field a team of wade+2 and chalmers plus 9 minimum contracts

 

[This_Guy]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Can they sign LeBron, Johnson and Lee?

Lee is their own FA so I believe so.

Doesn't work like that, they have to renounce his rights to make the other proposed signings.

Ahhhh. This makes sense. I wasn't sure how this would work but this clears it up. Thanks!

 

[bosoxs45]

What's the word on Minnesota trading Al Jefferson?

 

[Wooderson]

OK Kings go get em

 

[Bobcat10]

Akron Beacon Journal reports Hornets and Cavs talking Okafor and Collison. Geez that's a bad contract.

 

[datonn]

Marc Stein reporting that Rudy Gay is visiting Minnesota on Thursday evening. I think the Governor is going to order the closing of MSP airport and the Interstates leaving Minneapolis Saint Paul until he agrees to sign.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Breaking News: Wolves agree to 3 year, $13 mil deal with 2008 2nd round pick Nikola Pekovic. Link coming on ESPN.com...

 

[the moops]

Breaking News: Wolves agree to 3 year, $13 mil deal with 2008 2nd round pick Nikola Pekovic. Link coming on ESPN.com...

Thats good to hear. I like it when top European talent comes to play with the big boys.

 

[datonn]

Breaking News: Wolves agree to 3 year, $13 mil deal with 2008 2nd round pick Nikola Pekovic. Link coming on ESPN.com...

Thats good to hear. I like it when top European talent comes to play with the big boys.

A part of an article from Chad Ford at ESPN, announcing the signing:"One league source said that had Pekovic been in this year's draft he would have been a top-10 pick.

"He's one of the most dominant big men in Europe right now and I think he can have an immediate impact in the NBA," said the source.

Pekovic was drafted with the first pick in the second round by the Timberwolves in the 2008 NBA draft. He was widely regarded as a potential first-round pick, but slid in the draft thanks to concerns about his contract situation with Panathinikos. Two years later, it looks like he's finally headed to the NBA."

Sounds good to me!

 

[ffldrew]

Breaking News: Wolves agree to 3 year, $13 mil deal with 2008 2nd round pick Nikola Pekovic. Link coming on ESPN.com...

Thats good to hear. I like it when top European talent comes to play with the big boys.

Nikoloz Tskitishvili set the bar high.

 

[simmonjm]

Here is the latest from Broussard is it any wonder knicks fans hate this guy. I mean really we (knicks fans) have suffered for 10+ years, you dont see Chris Berman taking shots at Lion fans at every opportunity.

“LeBron spent Wednesday playing softball in Akron, Ohio. This is an exciting time for LeBron. We will see teams like Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, and New Jersey making offers to him. I’ll even throw in the Knicks in there for good measure.”

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Thread has been Goggins'ed

 

[Celph Titled]

If I was the Knicks I'd push for Lebron and J. Johnson. Wade and Bosh are going for max deals that the Knicks can't offer because they can't give up talent and expect Lebron to come.Sign Lebron and J.Johnson. Then shop E.Curry's and S. Rodriguez's expiring contracts to Cleveland for Varejao and M. Williams. Varejao's contract is not terrible but Williams' is untradeable. Cleveland is done without Lebron anyway and getting rid of those two contracts would be nice with the new CBA coming up. PG- LebronSG- JohnsonSF- GallinariPF- VarejaoC- LeeM. Williams on benchMobile team that fits D'Antonio's style but not much defense.I would see this as a best case scenario for Lebron. Cleveland moving those contracts after the fact is not that wild to me. Be a gift to get those contracts off the books. Rebuild and have all the cap space in two years.

Lebron isn't signing on for that suckfest. Really, look at that starting lineup and then that invisible bench. They'll give up 110 points a night.

Yeah, I think he wants to get away from Mo Williams' rolling out a red carpet down the lane and then kindly stepping aside for opposing PG's.

 

[Celph Titled]

Fanhouse reporting Byron Scott to the Cavs.

 

[simmonjm]

Recent Twitter updates regarding NY Knicks

This just got good. @NYPost_Berman has apparently employed paparazzi to stalk Joe and Mike D and report back to him. Car chase!

via alan hahn

Post photog on site at Fairmont says Knicks been meeting with Joe Johnson in conference room and will be a while. Just ordered food.

6 minutes ago via web

 

[simmonjm]

NYPost_Berman

It's over at the Fairmont. Long Joe Johnson meeting ends at 11:45 p.m. Pacific. "We're just trying to do the best we can,'' sez D'Antoni.

Oof, was thinking about pulling an all nighter so I didnt miss any Knick related news, might want to rethink this plan.

 

[Steelfan7]

Lebron James - LA Lakers ( sign and trade) Dwayne Wade - Miami HeatChris Bosh - Houston Rockets (sign and trade)Dirk Nowitzski - Chicago BullsPaul Pierce - Boston CelticsCarlos Boozer - Miami HeatDavid Lee - San Antonio SpursLuis Scola - Toronto RaptorsRudy Gay - New Jersey NetsAmare Stoudamire - NY KnicksJoe Johnson - NY KnicksRay Allen - Atlanta HawksShaquille O'Neal - Dallas MavericksMarcus Camby - LA LakersTony Parker - NY KnicksTracy McGrady - Chicago BullsNate Robinson - Golden State Warriors

Camby and Parker are not FA

 

[Max Power]

Dave Kaplan said on Chicago Tribune Live that sources told him, Phil Knight will offer lebron the biggest Nike contract ever, if he signs with the Bulls.

Footwear giant Nike has entered the discussions surrounding LeBron James’ pending free agency and it seems LeBron’s shoe sponsor also has serious motivation for the player to land in a new city. The reason is money driven, but also championship fueled.

Nike wants LeBron to win a championship. Until he does, he will never outsell Kobe Bryant. The reason may seem unlikely: China.

The Chinese buy Nike products like a kid in a candy store. But, get this. China values winners. They want excellence. They want champions.

This is why Kobe Bryant’s jersey continues to pummel LeBron’s and everyone else’s in worldwide sales, even while LeBron continues to rocket in US sales. That’s because any margin LeBron or other players have on Kobe in US sales are negated by the Chinese.

Nike knows this. They want to sell more LeBron shoes. And, they are firmly entrenched in China.

According to CNBC’s Darren Rovell, Nike has a $400 million basketball operation in China and is experiencing stellar annual growth of about 12 percent to 15 percent, while right now, Nike’s basketball-related profit in the United States is growing annually only at just one percent.

What a huge difference in growth.

China is the key. There are 300 million basketball loving Chinese. But, the only way Nike gets them to buy more LeBron products isn’t through fancy ads. It’s LeBron winning a ring.

So, this leads us back to why Nike wants LeBron to “Be Like Mike.”

Nike wants LeBron on a winner, and the only real place this happens for LeBron is Chicago.

Unless Miami can trade Michael Beasley for more cap room, I don’t see Miami having enough money to get both LeBron and Chris Bosh. The only other option for those two to join Dwayne Wade would be for Bosh to take far less money, which could also happen.

But the entire Miami scenario involves a lot of “ifs.” LeBron going to Chicago doesn’t.

This is how I see it. The Bulls have the best talent of any of the LeBron suitors and two open free agent spots. Let’s look at the facts. Chicago has serious talent in Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng already in place, plus the room for two large free agent signings.

In my opinion, unless LeBron gets sentimental and stays loyal to his roots in Cleveland, the Bulls will be the winner of the LeBron sweepstakes.

And Nike loves Chicago. Not only did they work shoes sales magic to the max with Michael Jordan when he played there and peddled their shoes, but the Windy City is a major market.

Let’s get real. LeBron won’t end up in New York or New Jersey. Neither team, unless they make a trade or something, has the players in place that Chicago possesses.

And, the Knicks would probably lose David Lee to get LeBron and Bosh, so that goes nowhere. Plus, the Nets have nothing.

The only other team with quality players in place is the Los Angeles Clippers. But no way does LeBron play in the same building, the same city, and for the worst franchise in all of professional sports. I don’t see it happening unless the Clips are sold to a new owner, which also doesn’t look likely.

So, LeBron and his running mate Chris Bosh will end up in Chicago, and Nike will be happier than anyone. And, 300 million basketball loving Chinese will be wearing the King's shoes

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/413528-...to-be-like-mike

 

[JMon348]

Glad to see Shaw back with LA. He will be coaching this year or next.

Lakers called the agents of Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown at midnight. Also heavily interested in Steve Blake, and to a lesser degree Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Cavs and Byron Scott agree to 3 year deal

 

[Colin Dowling]

Rockets (Morey) have already met with Bosh.

 

[JMon348]

Bucks agree to 5 year 32 million dollar contract with Drew Gooden.

I hope that's fake because if not that's the new standard for bad contracts.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Bucks agree to 5 year 32 million dollar contract with Drew Gooden.I hope that's fake because if not that's the new standard for bad contracts.

That is a VERY bad contract. If Gooden gets that then the price for non-max PFs just went through the roof. Scola could get 4 x 10MM....

 

[pollardsvision]

Dave Kaplan said on Chicago Tribune Live that sources told him, Phil Knight will offer lebron the biggest Nike contract ever, if he signs with the Bulls.

Footwear giant Nike has entered the discussions surrounding LeBron James’ pending free agency and it seems LeBron’s shoe sponsor also has serious motivation for the player to land in a new city. The reason is money driven, but also championship fueled.

Nike wants LeBron to win a championship. Until he does, he will never outsell Kobe Bryant. The reason may seem unlikely: China.

The Chinese buy Nike products like a kid in a candy store. But, get this. China values winners. They want excellence. They want champions.

This is why Kobe Bryant’s jersey continues to pummel LeBron’s and everyone else’s in worldwide sales, even while LeBron continues to rocket in US sales. That’s because any margin LeBron or other players have on Kobe in US sales are negated by the Chinese.

Nike knows this. They want to sell more LeBron shoes. And, they are firmly entrenched in China.

According to CNBC’s Darren Rovell, Nike has a $400 million basketball operation in China and is experiencing stellar annual growth of about 12 percent to 15 percent, while right now, Nike’s basketball-related profit in the United States is growing annually only at just one percent.

What a huge difference in growth.

China is the key. There are 300 million basketball loving Chinese. But, the only way Nike gets them to buy more LeBron products isn’t through fancy ads. It’s LeBron winning a ring.

So, this leads us back to why Nike wants LeBron to “Be Like Mike.”

Nike wants LeBron on a winner, and the only real place this happens for LeBron is Chicago.

Unless Miami can trade Michael Beasley for more cap room, I don’t see Miami having enough money to get both LeBron and Chris Bosh. The only other option for those two to join Dwayne Wade would be for Bosh to take far less money, which could also happen.

But the entire Miami scenario involves a lot of “ifs.” LeBron going to Chicago doesn’t.

This is how I see it. The Bulls have the best talent of any of the LeBron suitors and two open free agent spots. Let’s look at the facts. Chicago has serious talent in Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng already in place, plus the room for two large free agent signings.

In my opinion, unless LeBron gets sentimental and stays loyal to his roots in Cleveland, the Bulls will be the winner of the LeBron sweepstakes.

And Nike loves Chicago. Not only did they work shoes sales magic to the max with Michael Jordan when he played there and peddled their shoes, but the Windy City is a major market.

Let’s get real. LeBron won’t end up in New York or New Jersey. Neither team, unless they make a trade or something, has the players in place that Chicago possesses.

And, the Knicks would probably lose David Lee to get LeBron and Bosh, so that goes nowhere. Plus, the Nets have nothing.

The only other team with quality players in place is the Los Angeles Clippers. But no way does LeBron play in the same building, the same city, and for the worst franchise in all of professional sports. I don’t see it happening unless the Clips are sold to a new owner, which also doesn’t look likely.

So, LeBron and his running mate Chris Bosh will end up in Chicago, and Nike will be happier than anyone. And, 300 million basketball loving Chinese will be wearing the King's shoes

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/413528-...to-be-like-mike

Good article, but I think this guy's silly to just write the Nets off just saying "the Nets have nothing". This from a guy that mentions Luol Deng and "serious talent" in the same sentence. I like the Rose/Noah combo better than the Harris/Lopez combo, but it's still somewhat close.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Lebron James - LA Lakers ( sign and trade)

No way does Kobe sign off on that.

 

[wadegarrett]

Cavs and Byron Scott agree to 3 year deal

Great hire by Cavs.