General NBA Free Agent News Thread

[wildbill2u]

All this money to a bunch of second tier FAs is going to drive up the price of the first tier beyond reason. We should stay out of it.

[angelbelow]

120 million for Joe Johnson? Ouch.

haha wow, i cant believe that really happened. i guess nothing should be surprising when it comes to the NBA.

[Obstructed_View]

haha wow, i cant believe that really happened. i guess nothing should be surprising when it comes to the NBA.

If the minimum contract were a bit lower, I'd be calling a couple of teams asking if they could use a 39 year old six footer with a good outside shot.

[Stump]

All this money to a bunch of second tier FAs is going to drive up the price of the first tier beyond reason. We should stay out of it.
Why? First tier players are already locked in to get max contracts.

[Seventyniner]

All this money to a bunch of second tier FAs is going to drive up the price of the first tier beyond reason. We should stay out of it.


Why? First tier players are already locked in to get max contracts.

Stump is right. What should have been said is that all this money given to 2nd tier FAs is going to raise the price of the 3rd tier (and perhaps the 4th), which is who the Spurs are going to be choosing from.

[ducks]

james representives having second meeting with knicks.........
espn ticker

[Blackjack]

James isn't even gonna make his intentions known until Thursday or so, supposedly. He's got a basketball camp in Cleveland and he wants that to be over with before he says anything, since it'd completely kill the camp should he say anything before or during (or so says his fanboy Broussard).

[MannyIsGod]

He's leaving. I mean com'on why not announce he's staying before the camp? Dude is gone.

[HarlemHeat37]

Did anybody actually expect Lebron to stay in Cleveland?..

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

My gut tells me the Nets.

[Blackjack]

As far as what I've heard from the sales pitches, Chicago and New Jersey hit the ball out of the park and I'd put my money on Wade in Chicago and James in Jersey -- That Jordan challenge is exactly something that would motivate Wade (even if it being home and possessing good young talent was intriguing enough) and Prokhorov pitching the 'global icon' thing and suggesting he could make LeBron a billionaire was exactly the type of pitch to land James, IMO.

I'm not certain of the moves but that's what my gut's telling me at the moment.

[murpjf88]

Did anybody actually expect Lebron to stay in Cleveland?..

Lebron has a flare for the dramatics. Its never over til its over.

[HarlemHeat37]

I agree that he's a media and attention whore, but I really can't imagine him staying in Cleveland..

[bostonguy]

I agree that he's a media and attention whore, but I really can't imagine him staying in Cleveland..

Why wouldn't he stay? Granted the Cavs don't have the cap room or players to get better, but I just can't see Bron turning down all that max money from his own team. He is a lock to stay a Cav. It is more evident now than ever that he is staying. He is just enjoying the spotlight screwing with other teams.

[Spurs Brazil]

Cleveland ties could still bind LeBron
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebronfreeagency070410

[Blackjack]

James isn't even gonna make his intentions known until Thursday or so, supposedly. He's got a basketball camp in Cleveland and he wants that to be over with before he says anything, since it'd completely kill the camp should he say anything before or during (or so says his fanboy Broussard).

Here's some more on that:

LeBron expected to wait until after camp to deliver decision (http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-bulls-confidential/2010/07/lebron-expected-to-wait-until-after-camp-to-deliver-decision.html)

[ducks]

very intersting after the knicks offered amare the max and amare looks like he will go there
james reps have a meeting with them again

also amare says he will look at nets..


james must want to team up with amare LOL

but if he teams up with amare he knows he is the guy not amare

[ducks]

wade kids live in bulls land
would not suppose me to see him there

[Russ]

james must want to team up with amare LOL

LeBron could have already had that -- the Cavs backed out of a trade with Phoenix that would have sent them Amare last season.

[TD 21]

I think he'll stay with the Cavaliers and always have. The only thing that ever gave me pause was the last few games of the Celtics series.

I think Wojnaorowski's column today nailed it. He's not going anywhere and he never was. This was all for show, for attention. You don't think he's enjoying every last second of this? This story is so big that it's not only the talk of the entire sports world (at least in North America; there is that little thing called the World Cup still going), it's actually transcended sports, which is virtually unheard of barring off playing surface controversy, like the Bryant rape case or the Woods scandal.

These were my predictions on the eve of free agency...



James: Cavaliers
Wade: Heat
Bosh: Heat
Johnson: Bulls
Nowitzki: Mavericks
Stoudemire: Knicks
Boozer: Bulls
Lee: Nets
Pierce: Celtics
Allen: CelticsThe two Bulls ones were/are the ones I was/am least confident in. I just couldn't see them striking out entirely, given how appealing their situation is, so I put Johnson and Boozer their almost by default.

[HarlemHeat37]

I hope he doesn't stay in Cleveland, I would seriously question his desire to win..

[EricB]

I disagree, stay in Cleveland and develop a winner there.

Did you say the same thing in 2000 about Tim Duncan?

[Shastafarian]

I disagree, stay in Cleveland and develop a winner there.

How? They're over the cap and they're not winning with the team as constructed.

[TD 21]

I think he wants to win, but wants to do so with the Cavs. It would probably be more meaningful to him and would be more beneficial for his legacy.

I'm predicting he signs a three-year deal (maybe a fourth season at his option), so that by the end of it he'll have given them ten years. Then, if by the end of that they still haven't won a championship, no one could blame him for leaving his hometown team. Also, he'll still be in his prime and have (in theory, at least) enough good years left to still win multiple championships.

I'm not saying he's not competitive or driven, but I'm never gotten the sense that he wants it as bad as Jordan, Russell, West (only won one, but ultra competitive), Johnson, Bird, Duncan, Bryant, etc. I think he wants to win because he knows ultimately, he'll have been a major disappointment if he doesn't end up in that class and he'll have no shot at being a global icon, either. Most likely, he needs a bunch of championships to even have a shot at that and becoming a billionaire.

[HarlemHeat37]

Tim Duncan had already won a title with the Spurs when his Free Agency was up..

If Lebron had already won a title, at least he would have some hope..the Cavs have very little room to get better at this point, and while Ferry is gone, their management hasn't shown the ability to build a legit contender(they've been considered a contender the last 2 years, but pretty much entirely due to Lebron)..

[tuncaboylu]

Cavs has a good roster and they can win East while Boston's core is getting older. They're still attractive place for free-agents and they have MLE to spend. They have 10M expiring contract this year which they can absorb an 12.5M contract on a trade on trade deadline. They're not too far away to the ring and Lebron would want to be a legend where he starts.
That's why, I think Cavs have a chance to win and Lebron will stay I guess.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

All I know is that I'm glad it doesn't look like Wade/LBJ/Bosh will play together in Miami, and nor does it look like LBJ/Bosh/Rose/Noah will materialise in Chicago. Those are the two teams that would irrevocably shift the balance of power in the NBA for years to come.

As an off-the-top-of-my-head-potshot exercise, I say:
(Johnson - re-signed with Hawks
Pierce - re-signed with Celtics)
LBJ - Chicago or Cleveland (depends whether loyalty+cash beats wanting to win... if he wants the latter he grabs Bosh as well, and they take the paycut necessary, but I doubt that happens)
Wade/Bosh - Miami
Amare - NY
Boozer - NJ
Lee - Houston

[jiggy_55]

I think he'll stay with the Cavaliers and always have. The only thing that ever gave me pause was the last few games of the Celtics series.

I think Wojnaorowski's column today nailed it. He's not going anywhere and he never was. This was all for show, for attention. You don't think he's enjoying every last second of this? This story is so big that it's not only the talk of the entire sports world (at least in North America; there is that little thing called the World Cup still going), it's actually transcended sports, which is virtually unheard of barring off playing surface controversy, like the Bryant rape case or the Woods scandal.

I have to agree. Reading the article and seeing events unfold, I have a gut feeling he's known all along that he'll more than likely stay in CLE.

And imo, a Cavs title or many Cavs titles are much more meaningful cuz it's home and he did it with his team rather than winning it elsewhere with Rose/Wade/Bosh or whoever after failing for so long to do so in CLE.

[bostonguy]

$$$ talks at the end of the day. I just don't see Bron passing up that max deal from the Cavs. Now if he cared more about winning, he bolts Cleveland because that team isn't doing shit for the next couple of seasons. They have no #2 guy, no tradeable assets, a lame ass head coach, no cap space in the near future, etc etc. Cavs are going to have to get lucky in the draft and get some major steals.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Interesting article that adds more credence to the idea that LeBron should/will stay in Cleveland:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/07/01/free.agency/index.html

[Brazil]

I hope he doesn't stay in Cleveland, I would seriously question his desire to win..

I'd be choked if he stays in Cleveland. As already said if he stays it would mean he has no "real" to win and he would prefer money & safety rather than challenge & win.

[jiggy_55]

I'd be choked if he stays in Cleveland. As already said if he stays it would mean he has no "real" to win and he would prefer money & safety rather than challenge & win.

The real challenge is winning it in Cleveland, winning it with Wade or Bosh by his side is no challenge. That would not be tough.

[Spurologist]

Interesting article that adds more credence to the idea that LeBron should/will stay in Cleveland:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/07/01/free.agency/index.html

I think the author is underestimating the difficulty of winning a championship. Nothing is guaranteed as far as roster moves and championship potential. He does do a good good of painting how Cleveland fans and the general public would feel about him leaving Cleveland

[bigfan]

Since the money is about the same everywhere, I hope he stays in Cleveland. They are a pretty good team right now and with one or two more players they could win it all. Besides, the city itself sucks and they need this team. One last thing, without LeBron the Cavs would totally suck and we dont need another Clippers in the NBA.

[SenorSpur]

The real challenge is winning it in Cleveland

Therein, lies the real challenge. Accepting and meeting that type of challenge is the stuff that legacies are made of. In fact, he doesn't have to win 6 championships like Jordan. If he just wins one, he'll be beloved by the Cleveland populace forever.

I've said all along, and still maintain, LeBron isn't going anywhere. In as much for the following reasons.

1. Dollars:
No athlete will leave 30 million on the table. I don't care what opportunities there may be to make up for it in endorsement and/or entertainment revenue, or whatever. That 30m is guaranteed money that he'll never get back.

2. Regional Loyalty:
If LeBron leaves Cleveland, he'll be the most reviled figure in Cleveland history, surpassing former Cleveland Browns owner, Art Modell. He would literally have to pack up his immediate and extended family and move them out of the area. The backlash would be tremendous. He'd probably NEVER be able to have another summer camp there again. Those downtrodden fans would NEVER forgive nor forget his treason. Personally, I don't believe he wants or could handle that type of public backlash.

Remember this is a guy who had Nike officials confiscate a video of him being dunked on by a college player, in a meaningless summer pickup game. This is also a guy that is fiercely loyal and consumed with his public persona, particularly those in the Northeast Ohio area.

This free-agent courtship process (the LeBronathon) is just a self-aggrandizing, publicity stunt to allow other teams formally show "the King" some love. The world is his - for now. However if he leaves Cleveland, he'll be Public Enemy #1.

He's not going anywhere.

[silverblk mystix]

Therein, lies the real challenge. Accepting and meeting that type of challenge is the stuff that legacies are made of. In fact, he doesn't have to win 6 championships like Jordan. If he just wins one, he'll be beloved by the Cleveland populace forever.

I've said all along, and still maintain, LeBron isn't going anywhere. In as much for the following reasons.

1. Dollars:
No athlete will leave 30 million on the table. I don't care what opportunities there may be to make up for it in endorsement and/or entertainment revenue, or whatever. That 30m is guaranteed money that he'll never get back.

2. Regional Loyalty:
If LeBron leaves Cleveland, he'll be the most reviled figure in Cleveland history, surpassing former Cleveland Browns owner, Art Modell. He would literally have to pack up his immediate and extended family and move them out of the area. The backlash would be tremendous. He'd probably NEVER be able to have another summer camp there again. Those downtrodden fans would NEVER forgive nor forget his treason. Personally, I don't believe he wants or could handle that type of public backlash.

Remember this is a guy who had Nike officials confiscate a video of him being dunked on by a college player, in a meaningless summer pickup game. This is also a guy that is fiercely loyal and consumed with his public persona, particularly those in the Northeast Ohio area.

This free-agent courtship process (the LeBronathon) is just a self-aggrandizing, publicity stunt to allow other teams formally show "the King" some love. The world is his - for now. However if he leaves Cleveland, he'll be Public Enemy #1.

He's not going anywhere.

I disagree completely and (IMO) I also feel that this is all overblown...

I really could give two shits where lebron signs...

having said that-as far as lebron leaving cleveland- he would be hated by some, supported by others but if kobe can get away with rape and be loved by laker and nba fans then---why not lebron?
...in a couple of seasons people would forget and lebron would still be adored and someday who knows he will sign another contract in his final years--in cleveland of all places...

as far as winning championships--it still won't be easy to win titles as long as the lakers have the refs on their side...for any team---superstars or no superstars...

money---eh---30 million---all lebron has to do is win---the money/endorsement/ will just multiply wherever he can win...

if lebron is smart he will sign in chicago as that is a pretty happenin town and it is a bball town as well..and the pieces ARE ALREADY IN PLACE...

legacy, schmegacy---no one cares about that shit---only fans and espn watchers who got nothing better to do ---as far as the players---

just think about it...

you are a twenty-something multi-millionaire and you get to basically be on tour playing a game with all your millionaire buds, pussy in every town you visit throwing themselves at you...what would you want?

after all the smoke clears--you just want a cool place to go to work and cool people to be on your team---and a cool town so you can have a cool pad,hot women and some fun....legacy...yeah right!

[Magdalena M]

If LeBron were to go to New Jersey, he wouldn't be leaving 30 Million on the table. I imagine Prokhorov pitched the idea of endorsement deals in Russia, Europe, and the metropolitan New York area, and those are endorsements he actually has the ability to influence.

[EricB]

How? They're over the cap and they're not winning with the team as constructed.


Maybe not give up in the middle of a series thats winnable?

[Mel_13]

David Aldridge:

The New York Knicks finally got a return on their two years of self-induced misery on Monday, finishing up the final touches on a five-year contract for Phoenix Suns free agent forward Amar'e Stoudemire that is expected to be worth around $100 million. A source indicates a formal announcement from Stoudemire should be forthcoming within the hour at Madison Square Garden.

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/05/stoudemire.knicks/index.html

[SenorSpur]

Maybe not give up in the middle of a series thats winnable?

Somehow The King has gotten a big ol' pass for his recent "give up".

[EricB]

Somehow The King has gotten a big ol' pass for his recent "give up".

Kinda like Kobe got a pass in 07 for giving up in game 7 vs the Suns.

[angelbelow]

David Aldridge:

The New York Knicks finally got a return on their two years of self-induced misery on Monday, finishing up the final touches on a five-year contract for Phoenix Suns free agent forward Amar'e Stoudemire that is expected to be worth around $100 million. A source indicates a formal announcement from Stoudemire should be forthcoming within the hour at Madison Square Garden.

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/05/stoudemire.knicks/index.html

interesting. looks like the knicks land their first big free agent in amare lol

[EricB]

With that signing your gonna be seeing A LOT of Stoudamire merchandise being for sale and Knicks games.

Stoudamire is smart, dude is gonna make 20 million from the Knicks, but another 15 from endorsements.

[EricB]

lol someone got a little excited over at MSG

http://tweetphoto.com/31032056

[gospursgojas]

lol someone got a little excited over at MSG

http://tweetphoto.com/31032056

:wow

[EricB]

WojYahooNBA (http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)
Amar'e Stoudemire has agreed to a 5 year, $100 million deal with the Knicks, his agent, Happy Walters, tells Y! Sports. "All done," he said.

[DPG21920]

Too bad this does nothing so far to make our picture clearer. Lebron needs to sign, then the chips will fall.

[bostonguy]

Lebron has waited for the Cavs to build a team around him for 6 years and the best sidekicks they could get were a washed up Shaq, old-ass declining Jamison, Larry Hughes, and Mo "playoff choker" Williams. They had the chance to land Amare but overrated JJ Hickson who will be nothing more than a solid role player. Yes he would be a fool to pass up that 30 million, but that team has had 6 years to build a team around him. Lucky for Cleveland, guaranteed money comes first for 99% of athletes.

Cavs have had 6 years to put any kind of long haul team around Lebron and they failed. If the Cavs couldn't do it then, nothing shows me they can do it now especially given their current situation. They have no cap space anytime soon nor do they have any tradeable assets to net them a big name. They are likely to lose both centers in Shaq and Z. They still lack that #2 sidekick super duper all-star to pair with Bron.

[BadMotorscooter]

When the Knicks miss out on LeBron and Wade...they will try and fill the holes with guys like Richard Jefferson. Its gotta suck to be a Knick fan.

[Mel_13]

When the Knicks miss out on LeBron and Wade...they will try and fill the holes with guys like Richard Jefferson. Its gotta suck to be a Knick fan.

They'll go for Mike Miller or Josh Childress before RJ.

[BadMotorscooter]

They'll go for Mike Miller or Josh Childress before RJ.

I dont think so, but we'll see.

[BadMotorscooter]

1st thing I do if I'm the Knicks....do a sign and trade deal involving David Lee for Rubio. Lee just said he loved what Minnesota had to offer. Rubio wants to play in a big market to come overseas. Presto. there's your solution. The Knicks finally get something going. They get an exciting PG to pair with Amare. Sound famaliar? It would be Nash all over again for Amare because I dont see them getting Tony.

[mingus]

I disagree, stay in Cleveland and develop a winner there.

Did you say the same thing in 2000 about Tim Duncan?

would you have said that at some point thereafter the Spurs would have selected an all-star pg for many years to come in Tony Parker with the 28th pick and a HoF sg in Manu Ginobili with the 56th?

Winning takes a lot of luck and/or a lot money. it's not a given that Clevelend is able to be as lucky with their draft as the Spurs were. The Spurs are just a ridiculously good organization, not sure the same can be said about Cleveland. whether you call it luck or competency , or both, you can't just say "develope a winner" as if it's something that's a given.

[Cane]

At least the Spurs won't have to worry about Amar'e in the West anymore.

[mingus]

Did anybody actually expect Lebron to stay in Cleveland?..

second after NJ.

i don't think it's all that unreasonable.

[benefactor]

WojYahooNBA (http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)
Amar'e Stoudemire has agreed to a 5 year, $100 million deal with the Knicks, his agent, Happy Walters, tells Y! Sports. "All done," he said.
lol

[EricB]

At least the Spurs won't have to worry about Amar'e in the West anymore.


Amare and the Suns period.

[ploto]

If Bosh wanted to go to Cleveland, I think LeBron would stay, but Bosh does not seem to want to go there.

[DPG21920]

The only way Bosh could go to CLE is via S&T and they have nothing Toronto wants.

[Spurs Brazil]

STEIN_LINE_HQ One thing about Amare: Absolutely believes, w/LeBron or not, he can carry Knicks. His answer to media/fan heat will always be more bravado

[xmas1997]

I wonder how much Amar'e and the Knicks really want Tony Parker.
And I wonder how much the Raptors really want Lee.
And I wonder what player the Spurs could not refuse to trade Tony for?
Bosh maybe?
And I wonder if N.Y. still has the cap space to get a 3 team trade done that all three teams would go for?
This is really getting interesting now.

[ducks]

The Suns’ last-ditch proposal to Stoudemire was a five-year offer that guaranteed him $71 million, sources said. The first three seasons were fully guaranteed. The fourth season contained a 50 percent guarantee that could become fully guaranteed based on the number of minutes Stoudemire played in the first three seasons. The fifth season of the contract also could become guaranteed based on a minutes incentive.

The Suns put in the incentives because of concerns over Stoudemire’s past knee and eye injuries. Insurance won’t cover Stoudemire’s salary if he can’t play because of any additional problems to either of his knees or his right eye.

The Suns knew the Knicks were prepared to give Stoudemire a maximum offer with all five seasons guaranteed and weren’t prepared to go that high. The Heat expressed similar concern about Stoudemire’s previous injuries, and have been more focused on trying to land Chris Bosh(notes). The Houston Rockets tried to deal for Stoudemire in February and also explored possible sign-and-trade scenarios with him in free agency.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-stoudemireknicks070510

[gospursgojas]

The Suns’ last-ditch proposal to Stoudemire was a five-year offer that guaranteed him $71 million, sources said. The first three seasons were fully guaranteed. The fourth season contained a 50 percent guarantee that could become fully guaranteed based on the number of minutes Stoudemire played in the first three seasons. The fifth season of the contract also could become guaranteed based on a minutes incentive.

The Suns put in the incentives because of concerns over Stoudemire’s past knee and eye injuries. Insurance won’t cover Stoudemire’s salary if he can’t play because of any additional problems to either of his knees or his right eye.

The Suns knew the Knicks were prepared to give Stoudemire a maximum offer with all five seasons guaranteed and weren’t prepared to go that high. The Heat expressed similar concern about Stoudemire’s previous injuries, and have been more focused on trying to land Chris Bosh(notes). The Houston Rockets tried to deal for Stoudemire in February and also explored possible sign-and-trade scenarios with him in free agency.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-stoudemireknicks070510

seems like a smart plan

30 mil for frye doesnt

[EricB]

FisolaNYDN Party like it's 1999. Knicks reached out to Kurt Thomas, Daily News has learned. Kurt and Marcus Camby only active players from '99 Knicks
43 minutes ago

[MI21]

Why on earth would D'Antoni want Thomas when he refused to play him enough a few years back when he could have made quite a difference against the Spurs?

Weird move.

[MannyIsGod]

Pretty stupid move by the Suns. One Amare is better than the shit they have now. Hakin fucking Warrick?

[mingus]

Why on earth would D'Antoni want Thomas when he refused to play him enough a few years back when he could have made quite a difference against the Spurs?

Weird move.

he played him quite a bit against Duncan

[mingus]

5 years 71 mil? c'mon. the guy is worth significantly more than that. but it's Sarver so it's not all that out of line. i dont see how the Suns are ever going to be able to sustain a high level of play as long as he is the owner.

[Blackjack]

Free-agent buzz: Nets consider Thomas
By Adrian Wojnarowski

Restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas is on New Jersey’s radar as a fallback plan and could get a frontloaded offer sheet that would end his brief tenure with the Charlotte Bobcats, league sources said.

New Jersey has discussed deals for Thomas in the past, and Nets general manager Rod Thorn has long been intrigued with the 6-foot-10 forward. The Nets are waiting for LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to make decisions.

Thomas has expressed a desire to keep playing for Bobcats coach Larry Brown, but it seems like owner Michael Jordan and GM Rod Higgins are willing to let Thomas get an offer sheet before making a decision on paying him. The Bobcats would have seven days to match after Thomas signs an offer sheet.

After a trade deadline deal from Chicago, Thomas averaged 10.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 25 games for Charlotte.

[MI21]

Free-agent buzz: Nets consider Thomas
By Adrian Wojnarowski

Restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas is on New Jersey’s radar as a fallback plan and could get a frontloaded offer sheet that would end his brief tenure with the Charlotte Bobcats, league sources said.

New Jersey has discussed deals for Thomas in the past, and Nets general manager Rod Thorn has long been intrigued with the 6-foot-10 forward. The Nets are waiting for LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to make decisions.

Thomas has expressed a desire to keep playing for Bobcats coach Larry Brown, but it seems like owner Michael Jordan and GM Rod Higgins are willing to let Thomas get an offer sheet before making a decision on paying him. The Bobcats would have seven days to match after Thomas signs an offer sheet.

After a trade deadline deal from Chicago, Thomas averaged 10.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 25 games for Charlotte.

As unlikely as it may be a team of -

PG -Harris
SG -Lee
SF - LeBron
PF - Thomas
C - Lopez

would be an amazing open court team. Not saying they would be great, but damn, there would be highlights galore.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

All I know is that I'm glad it doesn't look like Wade/LBJ/Bosh will play together in Miami, and nor does it look like LBJ/Bosh/Rose/Noah will materialise in Chicago. Those are the two teams that would irrevocably shift the balance of power in the NBA for years to come.

As an off-the-top-of-my-head-potshot exercise, I say:
(Johnson - re-signed with Hawks
Pierce - re-signed with Celtics)
LBJ - Chicago or Cleveland (depends whether loyalty+cash beats wanting to win... if he wants the latter he grabs Bosh as well, and they take the paycut necessary, but I doubt that happens)
Wade/Bosh - Miami
Amare - NY
Boozer - NJ
Lee - Houston

Got that one! ;)


I think the author is underestimating the difficulty of winning a championship. Nothing is guaranteed as far as roster moves and championship potential. He does do a good good of painting how Cleveland fans and the general public would feel about him leaving Cleveland

True.


Therein, lies the real challenge. Accepting and meeting that type of challenge is the stuff that legacies are made of. In fact, he doesn't have to win 6 championships like Jordan. If he just wins one, he'll be beloved by the Cleveland populace forever.

I've said all along, and still maintain, LeBron isn't going anywhere. In as much for the following reasons.

1. Dollars:
No athlete will leave 30 million on the table. I don't care what opportunities there may be to make up for it in endorsement and/or entertainment revenue, or whatever. That 30m is guaranteed money that he'll never get back.

2. Regional Loyalty:
If LeBron leaves Cleveland, he'll be the most reviled figure in Cleveland history, surpassing former Cleveland Browns owner, Art Modell. He would literally have to pack up his immediate and extended family and move them out of the area. The backlash would be tremendous. He'd probably NEVER be able to have another summer camp there again. Those downtrodden fans would NEVER forgive nor forget his treason. Personally, I don't believe he wants or could handle that type of public backlash.

Remember this is a guy who had Nike officials confiscate a video of him being dunked on by a college player, in a meaningless summer pickup game. This is also a guy that is fiercely loyal and consumed with his public persona, particularly those in the Northeast Ohio area.

This free-agent courtship process (the LeBronathon) is just a self-aggrandizing, publicity stunt to allow other teams formally show "the King" some love. The world is his - for now. However if he leaves Cleveland, he'll be Public Enemy #1.

He's not going anywhere.

Did you read that SI article I linked to on page 11? I think you'd appreciate it.


Free-agent buzz: Nets consider Thomas
By Adrian Wojnarowski

Restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas is on New Jersey’s radar as a fallback plan and could get a frontloaded offer sheet that would end his brief tenure with the Charlotte Bobcats, league sources said.

New Jersey has discussed deals for Thomas in the past, and Nets general manager Rod Thorn has long been intrigued with the 6-foot-10 forward. The Nets are waiting for LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to make decisions.

Thomas has expressed a desire to keep playing for Bobcats coach Larry Brown, but it seems like owner Michael Jordan and GM Rod Higgins are willing to let Thomas get an offer sheet before making a decision on paying him. The Bobcats would have seven days to match after Thomas signs an offer sheet.

After a trade deadline deal from Chicago, Thomas averaged 10.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 25 games for Charlotte.

If a headcase like Thomas actually wants to keep playing for Larry Brown, a known disciplinarian, that's a good sign that he really wants to improve and may be growing up. Look for a big year from Tyrus if he stays in Charlotte, and probably a crappy one if he is shipped to the Nets and goes into sulk mode! :lmao

[TDMVPDPOY]

that thomas fella has always been all about the money correct?

[Kindergarten Cop]

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5357340

By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive

Free agent point guard Chris Duhon agreed to a four year, $15 million dollar contract with the Orlando Magic, his agent, Kevin Bradbury, told ESPN.com.

The 27-year-old Duhon was the starting point guard for the New York Knicks the last two seasons. He averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.6 apg last season for the Knicks.

The Magic currently only had one point guard, Jameer Nelson, on the roster.

Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 2004 NBA draft, Duhon has averaged 7.7 points and 5.6 assists in his six NBA seasons.

[Brazil]

^Duhon is trash he doesn't worth a dime

[ducks]

5 years 71 mil? c'mon. the guy is worth significantly more than that. but it's Sarver so it's not all that out of line. i dont see how the Suns are ever going to be able to sustain a high level of play as long as he is the owner.

without insurance to cover his contract ?

[montgod]

Well, it looks like if Cleveland makes one significant addition, Lebron will be staying put.

"The Cavaliers and LeBron James are reportedly working on recruiting Chris Bosh to Cleveland.

The Raptors are open to completing a sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers.

Chad Ford reports that Bosh and James want to play together, but while the former prefers it to be with the Bulls, Heat or Nets, the latter wants it to be in Cleveland.

Bosh's agent Henry Thomas has confirmed to Jonathan Abrams of the New York Times that Cleveland has been in touch with his client."



Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67883/20100706/report_cavs_lebron_working_on_recruiting_bosh/#ixzz0suqy4qdl

[montgod]

Suns Want To Work On Amar'e Sign-And-Trade With Knicks

Jul 06, 2010 8:10 AM EST

The Suns may try to get something out of Amar'e Stoudemire's departure after all.

The Arizona Republic is reporting that Phoenix is working to use Stoudemire's rights in a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks.

Stoudemire agreed to a five-year, $99.7 million deal with New York on Monday.

Phoenix could receive a trade exception in a sign-and-trade with New York worth up to $17 million, unless they take back a player like free-agent David Lee.

The Suns would have to use a part of the trade exception in a sign-and-trade with Chicago in order to finalize their four-year, $18 million agreement with Hakim Warrick.

"If we can do something to help Phoenix, we will," Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, said.



Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67874/20100706/suns_want_to_work_on_amare_sign_and_trade_with_kni cks/#ixzz0susNi0my

[HarlemHeat37]

I can understand staying in Cleveland if they get Bosh, but otherwise, it's a stupid move, unless he wants to keep having #4 options as his #2..

[DesignatedT]

Lebron has loyalty to his hometown city. It's as simple as that. He knows he can win elsewhere but feels he owes the people something there. He will stay in Cleveland.

[ohmwrecker]

If Lebron and Bosh are committed to playing together, then New Jersey is the best option.

PG Devin Harris
SG Courtney Lee
SF Lebron James
PF Chris Bosh
C Brook Lopez

Pretty damn good.

[coyotes_geek]

"If we can do something to help Phoenix, we will," Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, said.

Translated: "We can get more money in a sign and trade, so we're all for it."

[Obstructed_View]

Lebron has loyalty to his hometown city. It's as simple as that. He knows he can win elsewhere but feels he owes the people something there. He will stay in Cleveland.

Since he's delaying his announcement until after his basketball camp in Akron, I somehow doubt that he's staying.

[coyotes_geek]

Since he's delaying his announcement until after his basketball camp in Akron, I somehow doubt that he's staying.

Agreed.

[SenorSpur]

Suns Want To Work On Amar'e Sign-And-Trade With Knicks

Jul 06, 2010 8:10 AM EST

The Suns may try to get something out of Amar'e Stoudemire's departure after all.

The Arizona Republic is reporting that Phoenix is working to use Stoudemire's rights in a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks.

Stoudemire agreed to a five-year, $99.7 million deal with New York on Monday.

Phoenix could receive a trade exception in a sign-and-trade with New York worth up to $17 million, unless they take back a player like free-agent David Lee.

The Suns would have to use a part of the trade exception in a sign-and-trade with Chicago in order to finalize their four-year, $18 million agreement with Hakim Warrick.

"If we can do something to help Phoenix, we will," Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, said.



Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67874/20100706/suns_want_to_work_on_amare_sign_and_trade_with_kni cks/#ixzz0susNi0my

I thought the Amare-to-the-Knicks signing was official. Aren't the Suns a bit late on this? Besides, the Knicks got virtually nothing to give back.

[Obstructed_View]

I thought the Amare-to-the-Knicks signing was official. Aren't the Suns a bit late on this? Besides, the Knicks got virtually nothing to give back.

A 17 million dollar TE is hardly "nothing".

[montgod]

I thought the Amare-to-the-Knicks signing was official. Aren't the Suns a bit late on this? Besides, the Knicks got virtually nothing to give back.

Nothing is official till July 8 when players sign on the dotted line.

[MannyIsGod]

I know this has probably been asked 2304983409384 times but are TE's able to be broken up into multiple trades?

[benefactor]

I know this has probably been asked 2304983409384 times but are TE's able to be broken up into multiple trades?
Yes. They can be split up to acquire multiple players.

[SenorSpur]

A 17 million dollar TE is hardly "nothing".

My bad. Completely forgot about that.

[Seventyniner]

A 17 million dollar TE is hardly "nothing".

For that reason, it's quite likely that any of the big FAs who switch teams will do so in a sign-and-trade; the player gets the 6 years and 10.5% raises he wants, and the player's old team gets a big TE.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

its been confirmed the knicks will find a 3rd team to send a sf to san antonio for a trade for parker if lebron or wade dont go to the knicks, look for the trade within the next couple months

[lurker23]

its been confirmed the knicks will find a 3rd team to send a sf to san antonio for a trade for parker if lebron or wade dont go to the knicks, look for the trade within the next couple months

"Confirmed," eh?

-By whom?
-When, where, how?
-Proof?

[ohmwrecker]

"Confirmed," eh?

-By whom?
-When, where, how?
-Proof?

Confirmed by the crack pipe genie!

[Obstructed_View]

It was confirmed at his Mensa meeting.

[lurker23]

Confirmed by the crack pipe genie!

Pfft...there's only one genie I trust for my free agent news!

http://universonoob.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/kazaam_f1.jpg

[SpursTillTheEnd]

smh @ yall i have sources like eric b lmao, naw but yea this trade is going to happen before the end of this month ....dont believe me just wait ..

[Das Texan]

smh @ yall i have sources like eric b lmao, naw but yea this trade is going to happen before the end of this month ....dont believe me just wait ..



ok!
:toast

[ducks]

:flag:

[ohmwrecker]

Holy Crap!
http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67906/20100706/bosh_signed_and_traded_to_miami/

[Vic Petro]

Holy Crap!
http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67906/20100706/bosh_signed_and_traded_to_miami/

Bucher already denied this. Blamed the perils of twitter. He was only giving an example of a possible trade.

[ohmwrecker]

Bucher already denied this. Blamed the perils of twitter. He was only giving an example of a possible trade.

Yeah, I heard . . . sorry.

[Brazil]

Bosh to cavs rumors

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157967

[Blackjack]

Twitter (https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/status/17908093674):


Bosh has not softened stance on Cleveland at all. Looks like he won't be a Cav.

[mingus]

it's retarded that Bosh only wants to go to a big market. he should just flat out say that winning isn't his priority if he doesn't want to follow in Cleveland.

[HarlemHeat37]

Well, to be fair, why would he want to play in Cleveland?..

The difference between Wade and Lebron isn't big enough than the difference between playing in Miami and Cleveland IMO..

[Brazil]

Well, to be fair, why would he want to play in Cleveland?..

The difference between Wade and Lebron isn't big enough than the difference between playing in Miami and Cleveland IMO..

and wade already demonstrated he can win a :lobt2:

[Blackjack]

Things we know:

Bosh wants a sign-and-trade for the sixth year.

Toronto will not do a sign-and-trade with Miami.

Toronto will do a sign-and-trade with Cleveland.

Bosh does not want to go to Cleveland because he'd be forced to play more center with Jamison and, well, it's Cleveland.

That leaves New Jersey and Chicago as destinations for Bosh to be united with LeBron or Wade but he might not be able to get the sign-and trade and guaranteed sixth-year.

If the Spurs and Knicks are really as interested as being reported in Bosh and Parker respectively, they should be pushing Lee to Toronto hard: Bosh gets his guaranteed sixth-year with no state income-tax and the ability to play the 4 with Duncan and Splitter manning the 5; the Knicks get their second marquee star; and Toronto gets a nice replacement for Bosh.

[HarlemHeat37]

TBH, I'd be surprised if Bosh isn't already going to Miami..

The fact that they're apparently pushing hard for the Haywood trade makes me believe it even more..they might be trying to get that done at the same time, it would be a big addition to compliment Bosh..

[DPG21920]

Things we know:

Bosh wants a sign-and-trade for the sixth year.

Toronto will not do a sign-and-trade with Miami.

Toronto will do a sign-and-trade with Cleveland.

Bosh does not want to go to Cleveland because he'd be forced to play more center with Jamison and, well, it's Cleveland.

That leaves New Jersey and Chicago as destinations for Bosh to be united with LeBron or Wade but he might not be able to get the sign-and trade and guaranteed sixth-year.

If the Spurs and Knicks are really as interested as being reported in Bosh and Parker respectively, they should be pushing Lee to Toronto hard: Bosh gets his guaranteed sixth-year with no state income-tax and the ability to play the 4 with Duncan and Splitter manning the 5; the Knicks get their second marquee star; and Toronto gets a nice replacement for Bosh.

For whatever reason, Toronto does not want to do a S&T with the Spurs as well. That, or Bosh will not play for the Spurs.

What I don't get is why TOR would do a S&T with CLE, but not MIA?

[lurker23]

Things we know:

Bosh wants a sign-and-trade for the sixth year.

Toronto will not do a sign-and-trade with Miami.

Toronto will do a sign-and-trade with Cleveland.

Bosh does not want to go to Cleveland because he'd be forced to play more center with Jamison and, well, it's Cleveland.

That leaves New Jersey and Chicago as destinations for Bosh to be united with LeBron or Wade but he might not be able to get the sign-and trade and guaranteed sixth-year.

If the Spurs and Knicks are really as interested as being reported in Bosh and Parker respectively, they should be pushing Lee to Toronto hard: Bosh gets his guaranteed sixth-year with no state income-tax and the ability to play the 4 with Duncan and Splitter manning the 5; the Knicks get their second marquee star; and Toronto gets a nice replacement for Bosh.

In the end, I doubt Toronto will take a hard line against S&T with particular teams. I still think Bosh to Miami via S&T is a possible, if not the most likely, scenario.

[ElNono]

It might have been asked before, but what would Miami be sending back for Bosh in the case of a S&T?

[DPG21920]

It might have been asked before, but what would Miami be sending back for Bosh in the case of a S&T?

They would probably offer The Beas and Chalmers, but I would imagine a TE would be the biggest prize.

[ElNono]

They would probably offer The Beas and Chalmers, but I would imagine a TE would be the biggest prize.

Thanks

[lurker23]

It might have been asked before, but what would Miami be sending back for Bosh in the case of a S&T?

Not sure what it would end up being, but Ric Bucher proposed this hypothetical situation earlier today (some people mis-read it and thought he was reporting on an actual trade):

@RicBucher

Not sure where the idea Tor won't S&T w/Mia came from, but it's not true. Calderon/Bosh for Chalmers, 2 future 1sts + trade exception: done.

[ElNono]

^^^ :tu

[Blackjack]

For whatever reason, Toronto does not want to do a S&T with the Spurs as well. That, or Bosh will not play for the Spurs.

What I don't get is why TOR would do a S&T with CLE, but not MIA?

But that was a direct sign-and-trade for Parker, coincidentally in the last year of his contract -- I could easily see why the Raptors turn that deal down (and I believe it was turned down before Bosh was even given the opportunity).

I've learned one thing over the years when it comes to professional sports: always go with the money.

Wade is now believed to be staying with the Heat (https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/status/17868599587) and would be perfectly content to play alongside Boozer, the player most assumed would join him during the middle of last year.

It's now being reported (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/17899115523) that Bosh not going to Cleveland would not deter LeBron from re-signing (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/17898663594).

So if Wade and James stay with their teams, that leaves Bosh on his own with Johnson, Pierce, Boozer off the table and Stoudemire in New York that wouldn't seem much of a fit. Plus, the guaranteed sixth-year has been something Bosh is reported adamant about receiving (http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-bulls-confidential/2010/07/chris-bosh-really-doesnt-want-to-give-up-that-sixth-year.html).

So Chicago would probably seem the most likely scenario of all the players -- if things play out the way they're now being reported -- but there's that thing I've learned over the years about professional athletics: always side with the money.

If the Spurs can come to the Raptors this time with the Knicks at the table ready to sign-and-trade Lee, Bosh could very well get exactly what he wants: the chance to win and, oh yeah, the most money possible.

God bless Texas. :downspin:

[AFBlue]

If the Spurs can come to the Raptors this time with the Knicks at the table ready to sign-and-trade Lee, Bosh could very well get exactly what he wants: the chance to win and, oh yeah, the most money possible.

God bless Texas. :downspin:

You're suggesting the Spurs send Parker to Knicks, Lee goes to Raps, Bosh comes to Spurs?

It's one of the only Parker trades that makes sense and that I actually like. Hopefully Bosh would agree to a sign-and-trade to the Spurs if this deal were actually presented.

Still an incredible longshot.

[Blackjack]

Not sure what it would end up being, but Ric Bucher proposed this hypothetical situation earlier today (some people mis-read it and thought he was reporting on an actual trade):

@RicBucher

Not sure where the idea Tor won't S&T w/Mia came from, but it's not true. Calderon/Bosh for Chalmers, 2 future 1sts + trade exception: done.

This is a Bucher tweet?

I've heard more than one person say the Heat had nothing they wanted but if they could unload Calderon's contract, that would make some sense to me. But they could also probably call Bosh's bluff and dictate where he'll go by simply not trading him unless they can't get a package they like better.

I'm not sure how high they are on Lee and if shedding salary or gaining a Bosh replacement is their top priority at the moment, but I should probably side with the money. :downspin:

[ElNono]

Lebron to make decision Thurs on one-hour ESPN Special (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255)

:dramaquee

[Blackjack]

You're suggesting the Spurs send Parker to Knicks, Lee goes to Raps, Bosh comes to Spurs?

It's one of the only Parker trades that makes sense and that I actually like. Hopefully Bosh would agree to a sign-and-trade to the Spurs if this deal were actually presented.

Still an incredible longshot.

I could even see the Spurs finding a way to get Douglas out of it.

It seems pretty far-fetched but it makes a lot of sense for all involved -- Bosh included.

[HarlemHeat37]

Lebron to make decision Thurs on one-hour ESPN Special (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255)

:dramaquee

:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

WTF?..

[Cane]

Lebron to make decision Thurs on one-hour ESPN Special (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255)

:dramaquee

Take that, Chris Bosh's and Dwayne Wade's documentary on this crazy LeBronathon! :lol

[Blackjack]

Lebron to make decision Thurs on one-hour ESPN Special (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255)

:dramaquee

Ain't no one more humble than LeBron James.

If you don't believe me, ask him.

[benefactor]

ESPN is just as much in the wrong for giving him a special. This is a black eye for the league.

[Cane]

At least we can say we're watching it for charity reasons :)

Imo Lebron is going to use this opportunity to say he's leaving Cleveland. By having an hour long special he can express a debt of gratitude to his Cleveland fans and not anger them as much. He can better explain his departure and save some face if its broadcasted.

[Chieflion]

LeBron James might as well get his own show on ESPN every week.

[Vic Petro]

And apparently Bron/Wade/Bosh are having a conference call tomorrow night to finalize plans.

[TDMVPDPOY]

duhorn just sign with the magic

where does that leave barnes....

[Blackjack]

And apparently Bron/Wade/Bosh are having a conference call tomorrow night to finalize plans.

James, Wade and Bosh to discuss plans (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-freeagentcall070510)
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports


LeBron James(notes), Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) are expected to share a conference call on Wednesday to discuss free agency and try to move closer to finalizing their decisions, a league source with knowledge of the plan told Yahoo! Sports.

The three players are motivated to reach resolutions and make their choices public by Thursday, several sources told Yahoo! Sports. The stars and their agents with CAA continued on Tuesday to churn through numerous machinations and possibilities.

“Everything is still in play,” the source said.

James has the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets as his top three choices, sources said. Still, Cleveland has reemerged as the leader to keep James and Cavaliers officials are confident the two-time MVP will choose to re-sign with them.

Bosh and Wade are still considering playing together with Miami, Chicago and New Jersey, sources said. Wade hasn’t committed to re-signing in Miami and is still strongly considering the Bulls. He is intrigued with the talent that would surround him with the Bulls, as well as family considerations that would benefit from proximity to his ex-wife and children in Illinois.

Chicago and New Jersey need to make deals to eliminate more salary off their cap to accommodate two maximum contract players.

[ohmwrecker]

At least we can say we're watching it for charity reasons :)

Imo Lebron is going to use this opportunity to say he's leaving Cleveland. By having an hour long special he can express a debt of gratitude to his Cleveland fans and not anger them as much. He can better explain his departure and save some face if its broadcasted.

I think you're right. His home state fans are going to be pissed. He needs an hour long special to soften the blow.

He's still a fucking jackass though.

[Blackjack]

For those hoping for a trade exception with the Nets, don't do something crazy and shoot yourself in the face ...

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/06/pritchard.nets/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2


yet.

[Blackjack]

Lord, make it stop!


Knicks gaining major ground in LeBron Sweepstakes. Bosh snub hurts Cavs, though they're still in hunt
5 minutes ago via mobile web

Chris_Broussard

[slick'81]

nets trying to get things done

[ElNono]

Don't they have ESPN studios in Times Square in NYC? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

This FA season is a fucking joke. I can't wait until the Egomaniac in Poser Central (ie. LBJ) makes up his fucking mind so teams can get on with signing players.

:pctoss

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

This FA season is a fucking joke. I can't wait until the Egomaniac in Poser Central (ie. LBJ) makes up his fucking mind so teams can get on with signing players.

:pctoss

[ElNono]

This is a black eye for the league.

Front page of NBA.com...

http://i46.tinypic.com/5k0xgk.png

[Vic Petro]

I hope he signs with Olympiakos

[The Btown Spur]

GLOBETROTTERS! Make it happen

[Mel_13]

By Chris Broussard
ESPN The Magazine
Archive

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are teaming up together on the Miami Heat, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Whether LeBron James, the kingpin of this summer's celebrated free agent class, will join them remains to be seen. James will announce his decision Thursday night at 9 ET during a one-hour special on ESPN.

Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source.

James or not, the Heat could emerge as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Wade and Bosh aboard. Wade, who led the Heat to the NBA title in 2006, is re-signing with the club, while Bosh will leave the Toronto Raptors after seven years with the club.

Both players are expected to get the maximum amount allowable under the league's collective bargaining agreement, though the addition of James could change the players' salaries. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 8.

It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.

"Either way, he's definitely going to Miami," the source said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5360134

[Bruno]

Good news that James, Bosh and Wade pick their team now. It will allow the RJ situation to be solved quickly.

BTW, tonight salary cap, luxury tax and MLE numbers will be released.

[TDMVPDPOY]

now with these 3 clowns off the market

now the ripple effect whose going to be overpaid

[Chieflion]

I don't see Wade as a clown. Right from the start, he has been dedicated to the Miami Heat and tried to recruit players to join him. Bosh and LeBron can embarrass themselves all they want, trying to get the limelight but Wade has managed this free agency situation in the most professional way possible, even obliging the Chicago Bulls a 2nd meeting.

[wut]

Unless Lebron finds a way to add Boozer to his team....he's a real loser in this free agency. Wade+Bosh makes a team that can contend...Lebron can't do it on his own and the Cavs just don't have the personnel.

[MannyIsGod]

:lol @ the one hour special. I don't blame Lebron for doing it though because I'm sure ESPN is tossing him a pretty good chunk of change. I'm sure if someone offers you a million bucks (not saying thats how much it is - just speculation) to do something like that you're going to turn it down.

You can knock on James all you want as an egomanic and attention whore but dude is getting over with his bank account.

[MannyIsGod]

Unless Lebron finds a way to add Boozer to his team....he's a real loser in this free agency. Wade+Bosh makes a team that can contend...Lebron can't do it on his own and the Cavs just don't have the personnel.

LOL @ the thought of Boozer coming back to the Cavs.

He just needs to leave. Either go team up with Amare or Derrick Rose but just GTFO of Cleveland. If they can't get a Bosh to come there when Lebron is there then its pretty hopeless.

[Stump]

I know they do these things (on a much smaller scale) with college football recruits. It was only a matter of time before a star-centric league like the NBA caught on.

[montgod]

:lol @ the one hour special. I don't blame Lebron for doing it though because I'm sure ESPN is tossing him a pretty good chunk of change. I'm sure if someone offers you a million bucks (not saying thats how much it is - just speculation) to do something like that you're going to turn it down.

You can knock on James all you want as an egomanic and attention whore but dude is getting over with his bank account.

In his defense, the change collected for the one hour special is going to charity.

[smrattler]

Lebron to make decision Thurs on one-hour ESPN Special (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255)

:dramaquee

Who has an hour to waste for a 30 second answer anymore?

I'll read it on the internet wherever I am at the end of that hour.

Besides, there doesn't seem to be any suspense about this anyway.

[montgod]

Who has an hour to waste for a 30 second answer anymore?

I'll read it on the internet wherever I am at the end of that hour.

Besides, there doesn't seem to be any suspense about this anyway.

I wondered the same thing. A whole hour? I could see stretching it to thirty minutes, but a whole hour?? Are they going to have some entertainment or will we just be watching highlights of Lebron playing bball the whole hour?

[Chieflion]

Suggestions:

Put cameras around the 6 cities of LeBron's final choices to see their reaction.
LeBron should strike off 1 team which is not his choice every 11 minutes, leaving 5 minutes to explain his final choice.

[tmtcsc]

I had to come in here and vent.

Chris Bosh is a punk. I feel bad for the fans in Toronto who had to see this guy act like an ass clown throughout Free Agency. All the tweeting about "Where should I go" and the pictures, etc. makes him look like a good for nothing EMO.

And, Who the Hell is Chris Bosh ? He isn't shit compared to LeBron and Wade. He's another soft big that proved he couldn't get his team to the next level. He doesn't deserve a Max contract from anyone and won't build any Dynasty in Miami. TOTAL JOKE.


** As for RJ, I hope we get something in return for him. I wouldn't be sorry to see him go if we don't lose the flexibility to do something with the $$.

[SenorSpur]

All this fool (James) needs is 5 minutes and a computer to publicize his decision. All the drama isn't necessary - much less taking an hour of TV time to do it.

The sad thing is most of the usual NBA offseason transactions have been slowed by the courtship of King James.

[jiggy_55]

All this fool (James) needs is 5 minutes and a computer to publicize his decision. All the drama isn't necessary - much less taking an hour of TV time to do it.

The sad thing is most of the usual NBA offseason transactions have been slowed by the courtship of King James.

At least he's donating the money. He's not putting it in his pocket so good for him.

But if he were to go on TV and announce anything but a return to the Cavs, I would be shocked. He'd be announcing to the world and breaking the heart of all those who love him back home LIVE ON TV. Lol if he has thought this through for 1 second, than to me he's going on to TV to announce his return. There's no way he'd break all the hearts of everyone back home live on TV if he is sane.

[Seventyniner]

now with these 3 clowns off the market

now the ripple effect whose going to be overpaid

Let's hope someone wants to overpay RJ and we can sign-and-trade him for a good-sized TE. I can see the Nets (if they get shut out completely) perhaps doing so.

[tmtcsc]

At least he's donating the money. He's not putting it in his pocket so good for him.


He's got more money then he knows what to do with. He loves the spotlight. I have no time for ringless nuggets like James hijacking audiences to serve his ego. Fuck him too.

I'm so glad San Antonio swept his team and humiliated him in the process. He'll never be Kobe or MJ. All hype and no killer instinct. That 2007 Spurs Championship team was running on fumes and still managed to choke him in 4 games. Too funny.

[Obstructed_View]

But if he were to go on TV and announce anything but a return to the Cavs, I would be shocked. He'd be announcing to the world and breaking the heart of all those who love him back home LIVE ON TV. Lol if he has thought this through for 1 second, than to me he's going on to TV to announce his return. There's no way he'd break all the hearts of everyone back home live on TV if he is sane.

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I agree with this idea. I was on vacation in Orlando the day Shaq left, and you could feel how deflated the city was.

If LBJ puts off his decision and has a big prepackaged celebratory reality show on ESPN to tell the people of Ohio that what they're now feeling is his dick in their ass then I hope he's moved his family and friends away because he vaults past Art Modell as the most hated person in the history of the state the second it happens.

[Blackjack]

I think this pretty much locks up the Spurs giving the Big 3 one last shot together. I've never been too high on Bosh as a player but I knew because of the quality he brings at the 4 position the Spurs would -- and probably should -- value him quite highly.

In all honesty, I'm glad my team's hopes won't be dependent on a guy like Bosh. I realize the type of talent he brings but like drafting any potential franchise-level player in any sport you have to be fortunate enough to get the right one. One that has the character and mental toughness to lift his and those around him's game.

Bosh couldn't even make the Raptors relevant in a weak Eastern Conference. He's clearly a second or third banana and him teaming up with Wade -- though ideal for him and beneficial to Wade -- is not a 1A and 1B situation. This is nowhere near Shaq and Kobe and good luck to Miami with filling out that roster sufficiently enough to be true contenders should LeBron head elsewhere -- possibly even should he come since those three's games aren't all that great of a fit, all things considered.

Just please nobody go to New Jersey so we can get a trade exception and I'll be fine.

[Blackjack]

The Shot

The Drive

The Fumble

The Mesa

The ESPN Special (and forgive me if I'm not remembering all of Cleveland's misery at the moment).

[coyotes_geek]

The Shot

The Drive

The Fumble

The Mesa

The ESPN Special (and forgive me if I'm not remembering all of Cleveland's misery at the moment).

:lol

I think it's a safe bet that tomorrow night something in Cleveland gets set on fire.

[Blackjack]

Twitter (https://twitter.com/chrisbosh/status/17955164539):


What's all the fuss about this morning? I woke up to a ton of emails, texts and missed calls.
3 minutes ago via Twitterrific

This dude's douche levels are reaching spectacular levels. :lol

[EricB]

:lol @ the mesa

[wut]

I wondered the same thing. A whole hour? I could see stretching it to thirty minutes, but a whole hour?? Are they going to have some entertainment or will we just be watching highlights of Lebron playing bball the whole hour?
Nah my prediction: it will be 15 mins press conference where in the first 5 mins he says where he's going and why. 5 mins to thank Cleveland, 5 mins to take questions..... the other 45 mins will be Lebron commercials. :lol

I can see it now... "...and after the break Lebron thanks Cleveland!" [INSERT I'm Lebron, I'm awesome commercial] *The whole city of Cleveland breaks their tvs* :lmao

[Blackjack]

STEIN_LINE_HQ

Durant's five-year, $86 million max extension will keep him Thunder through 2015-16 season. One more season left on rookie deal

Durant is just a nice change of pace and I hope he winds up assuming the mantle as face of the league sooner rather than later. Easily a Top-5 non-Spur for me.

[ducks]

so many many many players do not want to play with james in clevand

[Stump]

Durant is just a nice change of pace and I hope he winds up assuming the mantle as face of the league sooner rather than later. Easily a Top-5 non-Spur for me.
I think Durant is my #1 non-Spur. He is classier and more team-oriented than any star in the league, including Duncan.

[Blackjack]

chrisbosh
Tune in to ESPN for the Big Announcement now!
2 minutes ago via Twitterrific

His doucheness is scheduled to be on ESPN live at 11:30 to make the announcement.

[Amarelooms]

I think Durant is my #1 non-Spur. He is classier and more team-oriented than any star in the league, including Duncan.

Dirk should be everyone's #1 "non-their team" dummy

:elephant

[wut]

yeh all but official now, Bosh joining Wade in Miami... Lebron next to join Miami?

[MannyIsGod]

He's got more money then he knows what to do with. He loves the spotlight. I have no time for ringless nuggets like James hijacking audiences to serve his ego. Fuck him too.

I'm so glad San Antonio swept his team and humiliated him in the process. He'll never be Kobe or MJ. All hype and no killer instinct. That 2007 Spurs Championship team was running on fumes and still managed to choke him in 4 games. Too funny.

You realize the NBA is entertainment, right? You're pissing on an entertainer because he likes the spotlight? That makes no sense to me at all.

The NBA is supported by people who pay to see performers. They LIVE in the spotlight.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't get all the hate because these guys have some fun with twitter.

PS: I was going to say that I would do that if I was a big time free agent but then I realized that I AM a douche so maybe thats why I don't have a problem with what they do.
:lol

[MannyIsGod]

chadfordinsider Wade says it's not about the $$$. He said he and CB4 willing to take less money to help Heat fill out the roster.

Man, I kinda really do want to see Lebron end up in Miami.

[Blackjack]

I don't get all the hate because these guys have some fun with twitter.

PS: I was going to say that I would do that if I was a big time free agent but then I realized that I AM a douche so maybe thats why I don't have a problem with what they do.
:lol

That would make sense. :lol

I don't have a problem with having fun with Twitter or even some of the videos Bosh did for his All-Star campaign, but he's gone over the top with some of the insecure "Look at me! Look at me!" antics.

I don't hate the guy, he's just a douche.

Just like you Manny. I love ya even though you're a douche. :lol

[peacemaker885]

I wonder if Pat Riley will take on the reins. Erik Spoelstra seems like a nice guy, but can he tame these all stars?

[coyotes_geek]

I wonder if Pat Riley will take on the reins. Erik Spoelstra seems like a nice guy, but this is a great opportunity for Pat Riley to vulture himself another championship ring just like he did by running off Stan Van Gundy in 2006.?

Fixed.

[peacemaker885]

Fixed.

:rollin Thanks!

[Samr]

In case you haven't already read it (or it hasn't already been posted):

In my opinion (and that of a few others), the Clippers now get exactly what they deserve (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/The-Clippers-inexplicably-have-settled-on-Vinn?urn=nba,254301)

I love Vinny Del Negro. He was a great Spur, even if his talent wasn't always that great. He was my favorite player growing up. But Vinny. Is. Not. A. Coach.

I want the Clippers to do well, I really do. I feel sorry for them. But this is the kind of mistake that keeps them sucking like they do.

[EricB]

According to Jared Dudley he says he was just told lebrons going to the Knicks...

[MannyIsGod]

Damn Stan Van Gundy called Bosh a lapdog. :lol

jadande A VERY candid SVG RT @taniaganguli: here's my blog about stan van gundy's thoughts on lebron's special, and bosh/wade. http://ow.ly/28gq3

[MannyIsGod]

According to Jared Dudley he says he was just told lebrons going to the Knicks...

I'm now convinced he's staying in Cleveland.

:lol

[Blackjack]

SVG needs to be interviewed ad nauseam.

I'm thinking a reality TV show is in order. :lol

[EricB]

Frank isola on twitter says the announcement will come from Greenwich Connecticut boys and girls club

[Blackjack]

LeBron will make announcement in Greenwich, Conn. (http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/the-knicks-fix-1.812055/lebron-will-make-announcement-in-greenwich-conn-1.2086121?qr=1)
By Alan Hahn

Multiple sources told Newsday that LeBron James' one-hour special on ESPN, called "The Decision", will be broadcast from a studio in Greenwich, Conn.

The show will air at 9 p.m. on Thursday night on ESPN and James will announce his destination of choice. There was a belief that James would make the announcement from his hometown of Akron, Ohio, which would lead to speculation...

[benefactor]

...just outside of NYC. Interesting.

[MavDynasty]

Nets is my guess.

[MannyIsGod]

Alright Alright, I know I defended this earlier, and I can still understand Lebron doing it, but after more thought the 1 hour special really is fucking ridiculous.

Carry on.

[Blackjack]

I like that LeBron was accommodating enough to help Cleveland name their newest disappointment: "The Decision."

[EricB]

I'll say Knicks. David stern dead from a heart attack an hour afterwards

[Cane]

Two rumors are quickly circulating. One is that LeBron is house shopping in Miami. The second, more important rumor, is that he will be flying to a meeting with Riley, Wade, and Bosh tonight.

Mike Wallace of the Miami Herald reported, "a member of LeBron's camp has stated that James is flying down to Miami tonight." If either of those are accurate, then the Heat's chances appear to be legit.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/416726-lebron-james-flying-down-to-miami-today

[Brazil]

I like that LeBron was accommodating enough to help Cleveland name their newest disappointment: "The Decision One."

fify

[benefactor]

Nets is my guess.
I'm leaning this way also.

[Blackjack]

LOL

State of LeBron: Live at 9, from his ego (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070710)
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

The Championship of Me comes crashing into a primetime cable infomercial that LeBron James(notes) and his cronies have been working to make happen for months, a slow, cynical churning of manufactured drama that sports has never witnessed. As historic monuments go, this is the Rushmore of basketball hubris and narcissism. The vacuous star for our vacuous times. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.

James is throwing a few foosball tables at Boys & Girls Clubs, an empty gesture out of the empty superstar. He’s turned free agency into the title of our times, a preening pageant of fawning, begging and pleading. Hard-working people are dragged into municipalities and told to hold signs, chant scripted slogans and beg a diva who doesn’t care about them to accept a $100 million contract.

Privately, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) weren’t pleased on Wednesday morning with the belief that James’ camp was responsible for leaking their plans to a television partner, but then again it makes perfect sense: This isn’t about Wade and Bosh choosing the Heat. It’s about LeBron getting the stage to himself on Thursday night.

One front-office executive whose team made a presentation to LeBron James told Yahoo! Sports that he believes James is choosing between Miami and Cleveland. And yet, if James wants to deliver the biggest kick in the gut to his hometown, he’ll pick the flat-lined New York Knicks. Whatever the decision, he’s made clear that the teasing and tormenting of the loser isn’t his concern.

Team LeBron is having the time of its life, but has no idea the repercussions of what it’s done here. All that comes to James now is the biggest burden to win a championship that sports has ever seen. They aren’t making James a bigger star with this big-top, but a bigger target. All those teams that marched into the presentations and listened to some of the foolish and naiuml;ve questions asked of them believed these kids had no idea what they were doing, or what they had gotten themselves into. They’re all feeling more validated every day. From beginning to end, this process has been a farce.

On James’ new website, under the headline dubbing this TV debacle “The Decision,” there come these words: “Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Marketing said…” This explains everything. Carter’s marketing company isn’t doing so well trying to get its one client Jonny Flynn(notes) a used-car dealership endorsement in the Twin Cities, and now Carter’s going to try to justify all that plush office space, staff attorneys, private planes and resort hotels by translating the Championship of Me into the making of his reputation.

Carter’s pushed one agent – Aaron Goodwin – and one advisor – William Wesley – aside because he wanted to be the voice in James’ ear and the one getting credit on the masthead. So far, Carter’s been a superstar at spending James’ money on LRMR, but now he’s getting the company name out there and turning LeBron into Mr. July after LeBron didn’t have the stomach to be Mr. June.

Team LeBron had discussed a documentary on the free-agent process, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported, but the narrative changed after James’ Game 5 meltdown in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Carter says there was never a plan for a free-agent tour, but this is what he means: There was never a plan for James to get held accountable, to have his motivations and priorities called into doubt. There was never a plan for the blame to shift from Danny Ferry, Mike Brown and his Cavaliers teammates. There was never a plan that real-world rules applied to the self-proclaimed King.

They scrapped the tour, the documentary and set sights on hijacking the network for an unprecedented special they believe will elevate James’ brand. Only, James has never looked smaller, never more insecure and unsure of who he is and what he wants to be. He won’t look so much like Kobe Bryant(notes) and David Beckham, but rather a three-star linebacker from Shaker Heights picking Bowling Green over Kent and Ohio U. on local access television.

Team LeBron has known all along it was going to do this, and the cushy, protective relationship with that television network culminates with a basketball player commandeering his own coverage on his own terms. Now James and his buddies spoon out misdirection plays on his possible destination – feeding everyone for days and weeks that the Knicks were dead, only to say now, “Well…who knows?” – to build back drama for the infomercial.

This is some plan they’ve hatched and some game they’re playing with those Cleveland fans who’ve been so relentlessly loyal to James. First, he marched the biggest suitors in the sport to come court him in downtown Cleveland with those pointless presentations. He wanted those people out there creating a visual public push-and-pull for him, and because James needed to be told something that probably isn’t completely true anymore: Cleveland loves him.

Well, Cleveland craves him. Love is a strong word, and it ought to be unconditional, but loving a sports hero is the most conditional kind of love there is. Only, it was different with Cleveland. He’s one of them, but you still have to wonder: Are they one of him?

James never shared that town’s angst with the Browns and Indians. He wanted winners in his life, and rooted for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees. He doesn’t feel the pain of a city’s broken heart. Shaquille O’Neal(notes) leaving the Orlando Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers 14 years ago was a hard hit, but LeBron bailing on Cleveland is far more devastating on a different level.

Everyone ridicules Cleveland, makes it a butt of jokes, but LeBron James has the chance to change all of that. And even then, it has to crush Cleveland’s sporting psyche that James could still walk out. If one of our own won’t stay, what does that say to the rest of the country?

That’s the hardest part here, and that makes the possibility that James would go on national television – with those split-screen shots of stunned fans in Akron and Cleveland – and completely crush those people so impossible to believe. He couldn’t be that cold, that callous, that cunning? Or perhaps, maybe this is all a rollout – the website, the Twitter page and the infomercial – to introduce a new LeBron, a new city, to the world.

Whatever happens, James and the television network will hide behind some money going to the Boys & Girls Clubs. But this isn’t about kids and sports, and it sure isn’t about the credibility that comes with winning championships. Something’s changed here, and LeBron James has gone a long way to devaluing winning and losing in the NBA. David Stern has long pushed the individual over team, marketed showy over substance, and LeBron James represents the manifestation of it all.

Greatest talent to ever walk into this league, the self-proclaimed King, and now everyone gets a front-row, primetime seat for how it means to live without self-awareness, without restraint. The vacuous star for our vacuous times, live on Thursday night and fitting himself for a ring as the undisputed Championship of Me. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Holy crap, amazing article from Wojo.

And spot on.

[benefactor]

lol Wojo. Don't hold back now, son.

[Blackjack]

HJ9y4jzwXaA

:elephant

[benefactor]

I was actually going to write a long post later to further validate my belief that this whole situation is a black eye for the league and the sport I love, but Wojo hit it much harder than I could have.

[Blackjack]

Wojo hit em over the head, shoved it up his ass, broke it off and then proceeded to beat him with the rest of it.

Wojo FTW! :downspin:

[coyotes_geek]

Wojo feeling a little snarky today. Makes for a good read though.

Lebron's going to the knicks IMO. It's all about the stage for Lebron and there isn't a bigger one than New York. The one in Cleveland is too small. In Miami, he'd have to watch Wade get credit for luring him & Bosh to the Heat. The nets are stuck in Jersey for 2 more years, and Chicago has the shadow of MJ over his shoulder.

[Blackjack]

I thought Prokhorov made the best pitch to LeBron, at least as it pertains to who and what I believe LeBron to be and be about: his brand.

I started thinking Cleveland, switched to NJ and have gone back and forth since ... but I'm just ready for this charade to end.

LOL the Vacuous One.

[Spurminator]

And yet... It's going to get huge ratings.

Because we love this shit, no matter how much we hate it.

[benefactor]

Speak for yourself. I'll get the decision here and move on 10 minutes later...or less.

[Blackjack]

darrenrovell1
ESPN's Norby Williamson said that the net will not wait past 15 mins into LeBron show to say where he's going to go
4 minutes ago via web

[lilsupa]

That was one of the best articles that I've read in a while, he didn't hold back and he told it like it is.

[Blackjack]

STEIN_LINE_HQ
Jermaine O'Neal says he expects to sign with Dallas, Denver or Boston. ESPN.com link: http://es.pn/cCWhD4
half a minute ago via TweetDeck

[tp2021]

turning LeBron into Mr. July after LeBron didn’t have the stomach to be Mr. June.

Got dayum Wojo took a big fat Cleveland Steamer all over Bronbron's chest

[tp2021]

Damn double post

[MannyIsGod]

Holy shit I liked Lebron a lot until this post season but that article made me almost hate him completely.

Damn that article is vicious.

At this point I can't imagine what the scenes in Cleveland will look like if he leaves. Gonna be brutal.

[Spurminator]

It makes sense that it would be announced early in the show. The rest of the show will be devoted to Q/A on his decision, then the Network talking heads breaking down what this all means for the NBA, other teams and other free agents. But they'll milk the first 15 minutes to get the ratings credit.

If you think about it, even if LeBron had done this with a normal press conference, ESPN would have devoted the next hour to covering it. So while coordinating it with LeBron and calling it The Decision and all of that is ridiculously egotistical, in the end it's not going to be that much different that what you'd normally expect from the network that gave us the "LeBron Tracker."

[Spurminator]

dp

[DesignatedT]

lol wojo bitch slapping lebroom

[Blackjack]

http://www.freefoto.com/images/28/02/28_02_33---Cleveland-Fire-Brigade-Fire-appliance_web.jpg

[coyotes_geek]

It makes sense that it would be announced early in the show. The rest of the show will be devoted to Q/A on his decision, then the Network talking heads breaking down what this all means for the NBA, other teams and other free agents. But they'll milk the first 15 minutes to get the ratings credit.

If you think about it, even if LeBron had done this with a normal press conference, ESPN would have devoted the next hour to covering it. So while coordinating it with LeBron and calling it The Decision and all of that is ridiculously egotistical, in the end it's not going to be that much different that what you'd normally expect from the network that gave us the "LeBron Tracker."

If it's anywhere other than Cleveland you can also expect lots of coverage of crying Cavalier fans.

[Spurs Brazil]

That a GREAT article from Wojnarowski

I hate Lebron and his stupid act and I hope he never win a ring

[ducks]

Holy shit I liked Lebron a lot until this post season but that article made me almost hate him completely.

Damn that article is vicious.

At this point I can't imagine what the scenes in Cleveland will look like if he leaves. Gonna be brutal.

took you long enough
james was always this way
finally people are starting to see it

[Spurs Brazil]

RicBucher News that should make Bulls' fans happy on espn.com shortly.
9 minutes ago via web

[Obstructed_View]

And yet... It's going to get huge ratings.

Because we love this shit, no matter how much we hate it.

How about we all start encouraging people to avoid it, and see if it can gain some steam? I'll be reposting this article on my facebook page and doing exactly that.

I really do actually hate it. ESPN is going to be the death of sports. We should have known years ago when they called it ESPN and not SPN.

[scottspurs]

That a GREAT article from Wojnarowski

I hate Lebron and his stupid act and I hope he never win a ring

Exactly and GO SPURS GO

[Spurs Brazil]

jadande Boozer to Bulls is "done deal"

[scottspurs]

The West is getting weaker every day.

[Spurs Brazil]

chadfordinsider Bulls agree to 5 yr, $80 mil deal with Carlos Boozer. Bulls still have enough cap space to sign a max player.

[Blackjack]

ShamSports

5 years and $80 million for Boozer is 1 year and $2 million annually more than I would have liked. But, at this point, needs must.
less than a minute ago via web

[Blackjack]

Honestly, I get the feeling the Bulls are going to wish they had just passed . . .

[DesignatedT]

I think Boozer will fit in nicely. Chicago is already a solid team adding a piece like him will help.

[Spurminator]

How about we all start encouraging people to avoid it, and see if it can gain some steam? I'll be reposting this article on my facebook page and doing exactly that.

I really do actually hate it. ESPN is going to be the death of sports. We should have known years ago when they called it ESPN and not SPN.

I'd love it but it'll never work. Hype wins every time.

Plus, unless you have friends that have Nielsen meters in their home, it won't really matter.

[EricB]

Boozer to the bulls!

[DesignatedT]

so what's new jersey doing? lol

Lee?

[Obstructed_View]

I'd love it but it'll never work. Hype wins every time.

Plus, unless you have friends that have Nielsen meters in their home, it won't really matter.

Nielsen also gets information from Tivo and from the cable networks, who know what channel you're watching.

And the only reason it'll never work is because people like you quit before you start. But then again, you love this shit.

[benefactor]

Honestly, I get the feeling the Bulls are going to wish they had just passed . . .
Indeed. As Boozer presses the pen to the paper the surrounding Bulls FO reps will have an awkward smile that says, "We are probably going to regret this, but we have to do something."

[Spurminator]

Nielsen also gets information from Tivo and from the cable networks, who know what channel you're watching.

That's not where they get ratings info. Ratings are developed based on a sample of about 1% of all TV households. And about half the country is still on the hand-written Diary system.



And the only reason it'll never work is because people like you quit before you start. But then again, you love this shit.

No, I hate it, but we love it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Boozer is hated on so much, that he has become underrated..good signing for the Bulls, it'll be interesting to see what they target next..they need a guard..

[Blackjack]

I don't see it. The guy finds his health in a contract year, still doesn't play D and they've already got Noah and Gibson in the fold that can give much of the production -- impactful production -- you're going to get with Boozer for a fraction of the cost.

I think they might have been better off looking to see if they could ship off a conditional second-rounder for a player already under contract or seen what they could've done with Deng. They're a young team that doesn't need to rush it and blow their wad just because they've got it available.

Boozer's a damn good player, but I ain't banking my team's future on him to the tune of 80M. They should be preaching patience.

[Bruno]

Boozer is a good fit for Chicago but they badly needs to add shooters to their teams. They don't have a single 3 point shooter under contract.

[MannyIsGod]

Boozer couldn't get it done with a player better than Derrick Rose in Utah so I'm not sure how its going to change much in Chicago. He's not a bad player and I think that contract is fair but I think he needs to be a 3rd option.

[Blackjack]

TrueHoop

"James will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Conn., where the interview will take place, ESPN said." http://es.pn/a0WCpQ

This pleases Wojo I'm sure. :lol

[Blackjack]

And sure, if Boozer gives it his all and isn't getting injured or sitting out with questionable injuries during the year in non-contract years, he's a good fit on the court.

If I'm Chicago, I have no problem passing on him. I just have a hard time seeing this working out the way most hope or expect.

[Mel_13]

And sure, if Boozer gives it his all and isn't getting injured or sitting out with questionable injuries during the year in non-contract years, he's a good fit on the court.

If I'm Chicago, I have no problem passing on him. I just have a hard time seeing this working out the way most hope or expect.

Reminds me of Brand to Philly.

[MannyIsGod]

Well you can't sit on cap room forever and its easy to say sit on it for a year but they gotta put fans in the seats so they have to do SOMETHING. If they don't land Lebron then whats left?

[HarlemHeat37]

Boozer has never had a defensive/hustle C next to him in Utah, especially not one of Noah's caliber..that's a huge aspect here, since that's Boozer's main flaw as a player..it's obviously risky, but it's better than not doing anything IMO..

The Bulls still have the ability to go after another significant player, so that's key as well..I have a feeling they might end up overpaying for Ray Allen if their main options don't come through for them though, which I wouldn't agree with..

[MannyIsGod]

Honestly I can't see anyone overpaying for Ray Allen. I would rather get Richard Jefferson than Ray Allen.

[Blackjack]

Reminds me of Brand to Philly.

Yeah, a little bit.

I'm just of the belief that you never throw in with your fourth or fifth option if the player's supposed to be one of your best players. And when you take into consideration the questionable behavior he's displayed over the years and injuries, there's just no way I'm putting my ass on the line for him.

I just believe Chicago is set up for a long time and they need to take a long-term approach. They've got plenty of options and ways to go about building their roster the right way, why rush it?

Sometimes it doesn't turn out all that bad if you wind up missing out -- I think Philly wishes they did.

[ElNono]

Zero news about the Nets... is Lebron heading there?

[HarlemHeat37]

Honestly I can't see anyone overpaying for Ray Allen. I would rather get Richard Jefferson than Ray Allen.

Why?..

[AFBlue]

Do the Bulls have enough cap space with the Boozer signing to bring LeBron in at the max?

[coyotes_geek]

Yes.

[Blackjack]

Do the Bulls have enough cap space with the Boozer signing to bring LeBron in at the max?

I believe they'd have to move a player or two at the bottom of their roster, IIRC.

[AFBlue]

Yes.


I believe they'd have to move a player or two at the bottom of their roster, IIRC.

That'd be two different answers...tiebreaker?

[yavozerb]

I believe they'd have to move a player or two at the bottom of their roster, IIRC.

That player would have to be Deng. Moving Deng I believe would be enough by itself to bring in LJ at the max.

[Obstructed_View]

Boozer is hated on so much, that he has become underrated..good signing for the Bulls, it'll be interesting to see what they target next..they need a guard..

Boozer is the living example of unreliability. It's a testament to the idiocy of the NBA that people continue to blow money on him. A year from now he'll be nursing two bad hamstrings and pissing about the way he's used in the offense.

[Blackjack]

Yes.

I thought they'd have to move Johnson or someone of that ilk, but I might be remembering the 3 star scenario -- haven't checked their numbers in a while.

If they pull LeBron, then the Boozer signing is fine.

If not ... me no like.

[coyotes_geek]

That'd be two different answers...tiebreaker?

Saw this in one of the other Boozer threads. But in hindsight, I realize I am putting faith in Chad Ford knowing what he's talking about, so not sure how good a tiebreaker that really is. :)


chadfordinsider Bulls agree to 5 yr, $80 mil deal with Carlos Boozer. Bulls still have enough cap space to sign a max player.