General NBA Free Agent News Thread

[MannyIsGod]

Oh my god just fucking spit it out.

[MannyIsGod]

Worst interview ever.

[Spurs Brazil]

Heat...

[dbestpro]

James new nickname should he go to Miami? Coattails.

[Spurs Brazil]

And he fucked the Cavs big time

[MannyIsGod]

Damn, Cleveland just got their hearts ripped out.

[dbestpro]

The king is dead. Long live coat tail James.

[ElNono]

He's staying. No way he leaves imo. But, I'm not going to lie. I'm going to watch.

:lol

[Spurs Brazil]

3 Max Players and 9 minimum contracts. Do you like Heat chances?

[MannyIsGod]

I can't believe he just ripped out Cleveland's heart on national TV.

[pjjrfan]

I feel sad for the Cav fans, and I personally think he should have stayed with the Cavs, but in the end this is his decision, his life, his future. Gotta respect that. The only thing I don't like is Jim Grey doing the interview. Can't stand the guy.

[ElNono]

Sooo.... do we just tank? :lol

[Harry Callahan]

The NBA just got totally bastardized tonight. It's sad.

Did one-eyed Stu Scott spit or swallow after his Lebron interview? I refuse to watch the BSPN circus.

I hope the basketball gods strike down that Unholy Trinity as soon as possible.

[Vic Petro]

Damn now I have to shit in my hat.

[Spurs Brazil]

Poor Cavs fans..

[MannyIsGod]

They're going to be beatable.

[DesignatedT]

Well now that that's over.... where the fuck is splitter

[benefactor]

On to Splitter and the summer league.

[ElNono]

At least the FA should start to shape up now...

[pjjrfan]

Well now that that's over.... where the fuck is splitter

Yep, time to move on to more important business.

[objective]

Splitter no longer even matters when it comes to winning a title. Maybe to beating the Lakers, that's about it.

[coyotes_geek]

lot of dominoes should start fallling quickly. all the losers in the lebron sweepstakes had to have backup plans ready and now need to compete against each other to fight over whatever's left on the market.

[benefactor]

Splitter no longer even matters when it comes to winning a title. Maybe to beating the Lakers, that's about it.
He matters for the future. The Spurs don't end after this season.

[Spurs Brazil]

chadfordinsider David Lee has now agreed to a 6 year, $80 mil deal with the Warriors via a sign-and-trade with the Knicks. Link is coming ...

[coyotes_geek]

knicks were also rumored to be ready to throw a big deal in mike miller's direction.

[EricB]

Now to switch to the news channels to watch for mass rioting in Cleveland...

[EricB]

Somehow Mike Miller is supposedly going to Miami.. Don't know how..

[DesignatedT]

who else is pumped for the rapid joining of all the new "heat" fans to the forum....

[clubalien]

Sooo.... do we just tank? :lol

we play this year with tony then next let tony walk and tank

[Spurs Brazil]

Burning the jersey :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

[EricB]

ESPNEWS is practically giddy over this.

[EricB]

Barack is now 0 for two in recruiting sports wise to Chicago... Just sayin :)

[DesignatedT]

the heat pretty much have to ship beasley out to fit lebron correct?

[Spurs Brazil]

Agent: Lee heading to Warriors

By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive
New York Knicks forward David Lee got some good news, once LeBron James announced his intention to join the Miami Heat.

Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.com that Lee had agreed to a sign-and-trade worth $80 million dollars over six years with the Golden State Warriors.


The deal will send Lee to the Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike among others.

Knicks GM Donnie Walsh has coveted Randolph for years and feels he'd give them another long, athletic forward to pair with Amare Stoudemire and Danilo Gallinari in the front court.

A number of other teams including the Raptors, Suns, Timberwolves and Nets had made pitches to Lee in the past several days.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5364903

[EricB]

My heart goes out to those people in Cleveland.

Im trying to think how it would've been had Duncan gone to Orlando in 2000.

Heres hoping the lottery is good to em next spring.

[DesignatedT]

will beasley for sure be traded to fit lebron?

[EricB]

the heat pretty much have to ship beasley out to fit lebron correct?

Yeah supposedly he's on his way to Charlotte..

[scottspurs]

Agent: Lee heading to Warriors

By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive
New York Knicks forward David Lee got some good news, once LeBron James announced his intention to join the Miami Heat.

Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.com that Lee had agreed to a sign-and-trade worth $80 million dollars over six years with the Golden State Warriors.


The deal will send Lee to the Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike among others.

Knicks GM Donnie Walsh has coveted Randolph for years and feels he'd give them another long, athletic forward to pair with Amare Stoudemire and Danilo Gallinari in the front court.

A number of other teams including the Raptors, Suns, Timberwolves and Nets had made pitches to Lee in the past several days.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5364903

Dang, Amare and Randolph is a very athletic front court. :lol They have no one to pass it to them though.

[EricB]

:lol Yeah that team is gonna run an S load.

[coyotes_geek]

not that anyone really cares, but foye and gomes to the clippers. fwiw............

[EricB]

JohnMarecek (http://twitter.com/JohnMarecek)
People on the radio pleading for people to behave. Reports of incidents in Akron and Cleveland

[EricB]

not that anyone really cares, but foye and gomes to the clippers. fwiw............

:lmao WTF Clippers?!?!

[EricB]

MoneyMase (http://twitter.com/MoneyMase)
I'm in Mia right now and people are going nuts


looks like someones knocking on the door begging to come in..

[EricB]

3 years 12 million for Gomes from the Clippers.

[objective]

Mason is the kind of guy they'll bag for the minimum, also guys like Raja Bell.

And they'll be fine. An old Duncan, hurt Parker, and busted Ginobili couldn't carry Mason's ass like the Miami 3 will.

[dbestpro]

RMJ will be the starting PG for Miami.

[EricB]

FisolaNYDN (http://twitter.com/FisolaNYDN)
I don't want to start any trouble but Brian Windhorst of Cleve Plain-Dealer bought a place in Florida last year. True story...just saying


I dont know if he means this in jest or is serious but interesting none the less..

[edgar]

lol Sportscenter lady covering Cleaveland post reaction is like "get me the fuck outa here!"

She must be an intern. lol :rollin

[timtonymanu]

Well at least now we can get this offseason started.

[dbestpro]

Well at least now we can get this offseason started.

This.

[EricB]

Warriors sign/trade w/Knicks to obtain David Lee 5yr/$80m(Randolph/Turiaf/Azubuike)

Wow, the Knicks did pretty well actually. Got Randolph and Azubuike..

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski WojYahooNBA

Ryan Gomes has signed a three year, $12 million contract with the Clippers, his agent, Bob Myers, tells Y! Sports.

[ace3g]

at least that contract is pretty reasonable, should help now going after some of the other SF

[EricB]

WojYahooNBA (http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)
The Cleveland Cavaliers just issued a 160 word statement out of GM Chris Grant, and here were two words missing in it: LeBron James.


Im gonna pull this out of thin air.

Reports were all day the Cavs were confident he was coming back...


I wonder if last night he committed to them, then this morning changed his mind and never told em...

[objective]

Adrian Wojnarowski WojYahooNBA

Ryan Gomes has signed a three year, $12 million contract with the Clippers, his agent, Bob Myers, tells Y! Sports.

that's the kind of deal RJ should get

[clubalien]

that's the kind of deal RJ should get
but that wouldn't be a huge trade exemption for us then

[EricB]

PDcavsinsider (http://twitter.com/PDcavsinsider)
Multiple police cars are protecting the witness billboard in downtown CLE.

[Kindergarten Cop]

that's the kind of deal RJ should get

As much as I want you to be right - there is ABSOLUTELY no way at all that RJ settles for that. Can you imagine opting out of a $15M per year deal and taking significantly less total money spread over a 3 year period? :wow

[noles1983]

Lol @ Cleveland fans rioting, I dont blame James. Who would want to live in that suckhole longer than they have to? Cleveland goes back to being irrelevant...in anything

[Kindergarten Cop]

that's the kind of deal RJ should get


but that wouldn't be a huge trade exemption for us then

If RJ takes a deal in that range, then I would much rather have him than the TE for that amount. We aren't getting anyone better than RJ for $4M/yr IMHO.

[EricB]

Lol @ Cleveland fans rioting, I dont blame James. Who would want to live in that suckhole longer than they have to? Cleveland goes back to being irrelevant...in anything


Hmmm can't to see this poster's reaction to said same thing after Tim Duncan retires.

[lurker23]

@SpearsNBAYahoo

Raps & MIA having tough sign and trade conversations, but Hou & Char still willing 4-way trade partners. Raps want picks and salay cap space

-----

If you're Toronto, you have them right where you want them, and should be able to pillage practically every pick they've got...right?

[noles1983]

Hmmm can't WAIT to see this poster's reaction to said same thing after Tim Duncan retires.

fixed :toast

And I will say the same, I live in SA and would love to move if I could

[EricB]

JRHildebrand (http://twitter.com/JRHildebrand)
So instead of "My incredible talent is super amazing" or whatever, he'd just say "LeBron's LeBron LeBron is LeBron LeBron." Nice.

:lmao

[Jace]

@SpearsNBAYahoo

Raps & MIA having tough sign and trade conversations, but Hou & Char still willing 4-way trade partners. Raps want picks and salay cap space

-----

If you're Toronto, you have them right where you want them, and should be able to pillage practically every pick they've got...right?

No, because Bosh claimed on National TV he was willing to go without a sign and trade. Meaning the Raptors can watch him leave for nothing or they can take scraps

[EricB]

SPORTSbyBROOKS (http://twitter.com/SPORTSbyBROOKS)
Cleveland civil unrest officially underway? RT @WhitlockJason (http://twitter.com/WhitlockJason): Uh oh RT @jjengirll (http://twitter.com/jjengirll): just saw 8 dudes flip a car over, shit is going down!!! 2 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/SPORTSbyBROOKS/status/18085264805) via TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/)


Oh man...

[angelbelow]

Hmmm can't to see this poster's reaction to said same thing after Tim Duncan retires.

Yea, not quite the same thing.

[EricB]

Yea, not quite the same thing.

Insulting a city about going into obscurity after its superstar leaves?

Hmmm......

[lurker23]

No, because Bosh claimed on National TV he was willing to go without a sign and trade. Meaning the Raptors can watch him leave for nothing or they can take scraps

Forgive me, I've been avoiding all the TV stuff and keeping track of it via internet. Still, I think Raptors will get a nice haul.

[noles1983]

Insulting a city about going into obscurity after its superstar leaves?

Hmmm......

nope, not the same. They have professional baseball, basketball and football teams, all of which suck. SA on the other hand only have basketball that will suck after Timmy. So therefore Cleveland sucks more.

In other words:

Cavs + Indians + Browns = massive suckage
Spurs post Timmy = regular suckage

[ohmwrecker]

nope, not the same. They have professional baseball, basketball and football teams, all of which suck. SA on the other hand only have basketball that will suck after Timmy. So therefore Cleveland sucks more.

In other words:

Cavs + Indians + Browns = massive suckage
Spurs post Timmy = regular suckage

Hey, I heard SA might get a pro soccer team . . .

[Blackjack]

shamsports
the fact that the trending topic "lebron's decision" is immediately above one that says "involuntary manslaughter" seems eerily well played

lol

[noles1983]

Hey, I heard SA might get a pro soccer team . . .

Really? that would be cool, i would watch that even if they suck

[TDMVPDPOY]

if the raptors do a sign and trade with the heat, so bosh will be 120/6, wade same offer from heat

so bron is taking a paycut?

[EricB]

Damn Shelly Smith on the reaction out of Cleveland

"Second worst thing to ever happen"

When Lebron said his heart will always be in Cleveland they responded

"We don't want it"

Lebron officially the second most hated person in Cleveland.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Damn Shelly Smith on the reaction out of Cleveland

"Second worst thing to ever happen"

When Lebron said his heart will always be in Cleveland they responded

"We don't want it"

Lebron officially the second most hated person in Cleveland.

they still have drew carey show there :lmao

[EricB]

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html


WOW

:lmao


Thats awesome

[Blackjack]

This isn't sitting well with Dan Gilbert. Twitter's blowin' up with these comments. :lol

[noles1983]

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html


WOW

:lmao


Thats awesome

lmfao sour grapes? stay classy...

[EricB]

That confirms to me at least what I deduced.

he committed to the Cavs, then changed his mind and didn't tell em...

[EricB]

lmfao sour grapes? stay classy...


Bullshit, he has a right to feel that way as does every person in Cleveland.

[DesignatedT]

wow that article is insane. gilbert is pissed

[Blackjack]

SpearsNBAYahoo
Bosh sign & trade from TOR to MIA expected to be done Friday likely sending picks and salary cap space to TOR, league source tells Y! Sports
1 minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

[picnroll]

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html


WOW

:lmao


Thats awesome

Cleveland better run fans through the metal detectors twice when the Heat come to town.

[TD 21]

Well now that "The Decision" is over, we can all get on with more important matters, such as Splitter signing with the Spurs...

I'm surprised. I guess I shouldn't be, but I thought in the end he couldn't go through with leaving Cleveland. I thought he'd give them another 3 years, I thought history mattered to him and he didn't want to join the team of another top 3 player, wanted to go through him and other top players, etc.

Deep down, I don't think he wanted to leave, which is why as late as this past Monday he was trying to recruit Bosh to the Cavs, but when that fell through and Bosh joined Wade and then Boozer joined the Bulls, I guess he looked at it like this: The Cavs weren't good enough to beat two East powers, how will they beat four and that's just to get to the Lakers? They don't now nor will they for the foreseeable future have the assets to add a legit second star on a championship caliber team.

[TDMVPDPOY]

lol dan gilbert had all these years to build a championship team around lebron

so now his going to go all out to build a team? good luck with the trash his got on the team atm

didnt he wanna sell his team? shouldve sold when lebron was still on the books...

[noles1983]

Bullshit, he has a right to feel that way as does every person in Cleveland.

because an athlete chose to leave a team? ohh shit thats never happened!! James didnt owe cleveland a fucking thing, he gave them relevancy for 7 yrs.

Feeling that and actually saying shit like that are 2 different things. No wonder that organization sucks

[noles1983]

lol dan gilbert had all these years to build a championship team around lebron

so now his going to go all out to build a team? good luck with the trash his got on the team atm

didnt he wanna sell his team? shouldve sold when lebron was still on the books...

EXACTLY..dude is just pissed because his team is worth the same as a happy meal now

[DesignatedT]

lmao at gilbert. wow the dude is pissed.

[Dro210]

Yea right... LeBron doesn't owe Cleveland anything, he doesn't belong to them. He made the right decision for himself, personally, and to do anything else would have been a disservice to everyone. The city of Cleveland and the Cavalier organization are just showing why they will always be losers. Sure, it's disappointing, it sucks bad, but stop crying and grow up a little.

[Trill Clinton]

Whoa is that letter legit? hahahahaha

I mean it is a business but damn Cleveland can't catch a break.

Indians...garbage

Browns...lol

Cavs...it was fun while it lasted

I really think bron, wade and bosh had this elaborate scheme planned all along.

[DesignatedT]

Lebron doesn't know what's going on. Hes changed his mind so many times. I legitimately think he thought he was signing with cleveland until today. He must have told Gilbert he was staying and then changed his mind which would explain Gilberts rage.

[Cane]

At least Cleveland has a MLB and NFL team...kinda :stirpot:

[clubalien]

Well now that "The Decision" is over, we can all get on with more important matters, such as Splitter signing with the Spurs...
.

I think splitter would make a good starting center for the heat
since the spurs are looking to trade his rights maybe we trade for draft picks?

[MannyIsGod]

So wait, does Miami get a fucking trade exception out of that deal for Beasley cause if so I'm going to be pissed.

[mattyc]

This should be a reminder of how lucky we are as Spurs fans to have had guys like David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

[DesignatedT]

This should be a reminder of how lucky we are as Spurs fans to have had guys like David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

That's for sure.

[picnroll]

I really think bron, wade and bosh had this elaborate scheme planned all along.

In think Wade and Reilly had this elaborate scheme planned all along and LeBron got worked .

[DesignatedT]

Heat have to move Beasley to make room for the "big 3" correct??????

[slick'81]

Heat have to move Beasley to make room for the "big 3" correct??????

hes gone to minni

[alchemist]

You have to feel Cleveland's frustration a little bit. They've pretty much had to swallow their pride and let Lebron do his sideshow for years. I wonder how Spurs fans would've felt if Duncan was doing the things Bron did only to conclude it with a 1-hour ESPN Special.

[Cane]

Heat have to move Beasley to make room for the "big 3" correct??????



Wolves-Heat deal, sources say, calls for 'Sota to absorb Beasley into cap space and send its 2011 second-round pick to Miami to seal deal

@STEIN_LINE_HQ Wolves/Heat also agree to unspecified swap of future first-round picks. Heat turned to 'Sota after four-way trade w/TOR, HOU, CHA dissolve

http://twitter.com/STEIN_LINE_HQ

[noles1983]

heard they are trading him to minnesota

[Chieflion]

There is no trade exception for the Miami Heat. They will renounce that exception and use the cap space to sign LeBron James.

[coyotes_geek]

Lebron doesn't know what's going on. Hes changed his mind so many times. I legitimately think he thought he was signing with cleveland until today. He must have told Gilbert he was staying and then changed his mind which would explain Gilberts rage.

If that's how it went down then Gilbert's anger is more than justified. Lebron didn't owe it to Cleveland to go back there if he thought another location was in his best interests. But if he committed to them and changed his mind, he did owe it to them to let them know some other way than letting them find out by watching his lebron-a-thon television special.

Again, all that being IF that's how it actually went down.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Part of the reason there is a salary cap is to prevent one particular team from cornering too many (ie. more than 2) of the league's best players. So much for that. Fuck you LBJ.

I really hope their egos get in the way and they combust like the 2004 Fakers.

Ugh.

[DesignatedT]

so beasley to minni for a 2nd rounder. wow

[Trill Clinton]

In think Wade and Reilly had this elaborate scheme planned all along and LeBron got worked .


Yea and I think bron knew exactly what he was doing. Wade was never going to leave, that was obvious.

It takes weeks maybe a month or so to plan a hr long televised event on live tv.

I can't knock his hustle though.

[ElNono]

Is it a coincidence that just when everybody thought the cap and lux tax were going to go down, all of a sudden they go up?

What I mean is, could the Heat pull this if the cap and lux tax would have gone down instead of up?

[clubalien]

This should be a reminder of how lucky we are as Spurs fans to have had guys like David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

you men the tim duncan that almost bailed to magic if not for them not allowing his girlfriend on the plane.

and the david robinson that was strongly considering going to the lakers insted of spurs

[MannyIsGod]

There is no trade exception for the Miami Heat. They will renounce that exception and use the cap space to sign LeBron James.

Ok - I didn't know how TE worked when under the cap and I was hoping they wouldn't get one because that would be fucked.

[ElNono]

This should be a reminder of how lucky we are as Spurs fans to have had guys like David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Or Ginobili... but not Parker








:lol

[objective]

Part of the reason there is a salary cap is to prevent one particular team from cornering too many (ie. more than 2) of the league's best players. So much for that. Fuck you LBJ.

I really hope their egos get in the way and they combust like the 2004 Fakers.

Ugh.

I hope for their downfall as well, but that Lakers team didn't combust. If Malone was as healthy against the Pistons as he was against the Spurs the Lakers win the title.

[Cane]

so beasley to minni for a 2nd rounder. wow

Also a swap of future first round picks, it got updated during posting.

[MannyIsGod]

So DPG and Mel 13 were arguing with me about 3 Max deals on one team. Is that what is going to happen or will someone or all 3 have to take less money.

[Cane]

So DPG and Mel 13 were arguing with me about 3 Max deals on one team. Is that what is going to happen or will someone or all 3 have to take less money.

They'll have long term deals but they're going to sacrifice max money.

[mattyc]

you men the tim duncan that almost bailed to magic if not for them not allowing his girlfriend on the plane.

and the david robinson that was strongly considering going to the lakers insted of spurs

Nah, wrong ones.

I mean the Tim Duncan that has stuck with the Spurs for his entire career to win 4 titles, including being the leader one the team since basically his rookie year. And I mean the David Robinson that kept this team afloat (and in SA) in the 90s and also convinced a young TD to stay loyal.

Not many guys are ever 1 team players. These two are.

[DesignatedT]

Nah, wrong ones.

I mean the Tim Duncan that has stuck with the Spurs for his entire career to win 4 titles, including being the leader one the team since basically his rookie year. And I mean the David Robinson that kept this team afloat (and in SA) in the 90s and also convinced a young TD to stay loyal.

Not many guys are ever 1 team players. These two are.

:lol

[objective]

Also a swap of future first round picks, it got updated during posting.

a swap of firsts?

Miami gets to flip their 30th for a Wolves lottery pick?

Khan is just murdering that franchise.

[ducks]

Somehow Mike Miller is supposedly going to Miami.. Don't know how..

nets or knicks will offer him big money to just keep him away from the heat

[ElNono]

When did the Wolves hire Chris Wallace?

[Blackjack]

I hope for their downfall as well, but that Lakers team didn't combust. If Malone was as healthy against the Pistons as he was against the Spurs the Lakers win the title.

:tu

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't know if LA wins the title with Malone in the lineup, but people seem to forget that you're talking about Malone and Payton when they were well past their primes..

Lebron and Wade are 2 of the 3 best players in the NBA, Bosh is a top 5 big man..they're all in their primes..

I wasn't alive the last time the league had a combination like this..

[DesignatedT]

How would the Heat still have money to sign a guy like Mike Miller? Doesn't the rest of their team have to come from vet. min. contracts?

[clubalien]

[QUOTE=HarlemHeat37;4487361
I wasn't alive the last time the league had a combination like this..[/QUOTE]

manu, tim,david?

[Blackjack]

I don't believe there ever really has been a threesome that was comparable in age and stature. These guys are within 3 years of each other and are in or entering their prime.

It's unheard of.

[Trill Clinton]

This science project won't last unless they win a championship in 3 years or less.

[TD 21]

This is not comparable to the Celtics '08 situation, though. Rondo and Perkins were legit talents and they complimented the big three well. Powe and Davis were solid young talents, as well. It looked like a bunch of no-names because at the time, they were, but their was decent talent in place. Posey was an established player, Brown and House were, too.

The Heat, after they rid themselves of Beasley, will have Chalmers, who's nowhere near the talent Rondo is and three unproven second round picks, Pittman, Varnardo and Butler. Granted, their big three is better than the Celtics big three, but I do question whether they'll be as good a fit together and even if they are, who's the center?

Even if they get Miller to take less and allow a combination of James, Wade, Miller and Chalmers to handle the ball and add a few low cost shooters, their isn't a single credible option they can pick up to play center. At the end of the day, I don't care how good their big three is, if they're able to get through Howard, they're not getting through Gasol/Bynum with a gaping hole in the middle.

These clowns and the Lakers can fight it out for the foreseeable future, the '07 Spurs (maybe the '08 Celtics) were the last legit NBA champions.

[Kori Ellis]

So DPG and Mel 13 were arguing with me about 3 Max deals on one team. Is that what is going to happen or will someone or all 3 have to take less money.

I think they are each going to take just a little less money to bring in Mike Miller and whoever else.

[ducks]

they will not beat boston next year

[Blackjack]

WojYahooNBA

In phoner w/ AP, Gilbert says "People have covered up for [James] for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is." People like...Gilbert.
1 minute ago via web

This is gonna end well. :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Its pretty stupid of him to talk shit about Lebron's ego considering how much the team embraced it. Lie with dogs fleas etc etc

[Blackjack]

SpearsNBAYahoo

Akron resident says police have been outside LeBron's Akron-area house tonight and people were driving by cussing out the window.
2 minutes ago via TweetDeck

[Trill Clinton]

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx100/MABOcho/rofl2rx5.gif

[ElNono]

Over/Under of Shaq ending up in Miami for the vet min now?

[picnroll]

This is gonna end well. :lol
Who were these people that covered up for him? Gilbert?

[Kindergarten Cop]

manu, tim,david?

David was nowhere near his prime during that stretch. You would have had a better example if you listed Parker instead of DRob - but even those three weren't as good (on paper) as the trio now in South Beach.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Over/Under of Shaq ending up in Miami for the vet min now?

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[ducks]

Its pretty stupid of him to talk shit about Lebron's ego considering how much the team embraced it. Lie with dogs fleas etc etc

they wanted him to resign
james controlled that franchise


the big question is will he with heat

they have help at the heat so if james misbehaves they could trade his sorry body unreliable outside shot

[angelbelow]

Bullshit, he has a right to feel that way as does every person in Cleveland.

I agree, this letter is classless. Hes a free agent and the NBA is a business. I dont think he did anything wrong by choosing the Heat.

Now.. if what you deduced was correct - where Lebron committed to the Cavs and changed his mind without telling them - then you have a point.

[Blackjack]

Who were these people that covered up for him? Gilbert?

He was definitely part of it, and we're about to find out just about the depths after viewing the type of things Gilbert's released thus far.

Get yo popcorn ready :corn:

[Kindergarten Cop]

WojYahooNBA

In phoner w/ AP, Gilbert says "People have covered up for [James] for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is." People like...Gilbert.
1 minute ago via web

http://www.sallyminker.com/art/2-d/images/grapes-print.jpg

[Blackjack]

I'm pretty sure if you live in Texas and have a clear night out ... you could probably see Cleveland from your window (or at least know where it is by the smoke emanating).

[ElNono]

That confirms to me at least what I deduced.
he committed to the Cavs, then changed his mind and didn't tell em...

FWIW...


Gilbert said James never returned a single phone message or text since the end of the season and that the Cavs were not informed of James' decision until he went on the air.

Which is kinda douchey in it's own way...

[Dro210]

lol John Anderson on Sportscenter talking about Dan Gilbert's letter... "Putting some of the Whine in the Whine & Gold."

[picnroll]

He was definitely part of it, and we're about to find out just about the depths after viewing the type of things Gilbert's released thus far.

Get yo popcorn ready :corn:

These clowns ran around with cameras filming this self- indulgent circus but I think someone is going to write a book about this circus and LeBron, Wade and Bosh are going to come out looking like the egomaniacal jerks. LeBron's brand might end up heading in the direction of Tiger's.

[picnroll]

Miller signing with the Heat, 5 years, 30 million.

http://www.ksfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=12778542

[Blackjack]

californiabeat

BREAKING: Mass vandalism and looting being reported throughout Uptown Oakland. Beauty shop windows broken, fires being set.
1 minute ago via TweetDeck

They're taking it well . . .

[tmtcsc]

I have no problem with Lebron leaving Cleveland. Why would I ? I'm a Spurs fan. However, the way he went about it was disgusting to me. WOJO's article said it all and said it well. ME ME ME ME. Thank God we have Tim Duncan on our team. Don't get me wrong, when he went through his FA process I was ready to disown him and call him all sorts of stuff if he left but at least he went about his business with class.

Chris Bosh is a joke and so is Lebron. Gilbert's nuts if he thinks he's going to get a Championship, much less get one before Lebron James. Cleveland is in a world of hurt.
I hope Miami doesn't win jack and I hope its the Spurs that stop it. Of course, the Spurs have a lot of work to do first.

Let's go Splitter !


Oh yeah, and folks...if we want to avoid being treated like Lebron we need to ship Tony's ass out of here and get something in return. I can see him TRYING to play the same sort of publicity game. He has it in him.

[Chieflion]

They're taking it well . . .

Oakland? Warrior or insecure Laker fan?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Miller signing with the Heat, 5 years, 30 million.

http://www.ksfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=12778542

Fucking hell. This is just not fair. How the fuck can they sign 3 max FAs and Mike Miller? What is the fucking point of a salary cap? This makes a mockery of the whole process.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Dan Gilbert's letter is pathetic - he writes like a jilted 15yo who doesn't know how to use "quotes". What a joke. No-one in his organisation thought it might be a good idea to stop him posting that shite?

This whole thing is vastly lowering my interest in the NBA.

[Blackjack]

These clowns ran around with cameras filming this self- indulgent circus but I think someone is going to write a book about this circus and LeBron, Wade and Bosh are going to come out looking like the egomaniacal jerks. LeBron's brand might end up heading in the direction of Tiger's.

There's no doubt they're complicit in his douchebaggery and culprits in perpetuating the 'King' status but after reading this part of the letter:


There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

It sounds like they're about to show where the bodies are buried in an epic bout of butthurt.

I'm glad I've still got my security . . .

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Oh yeah, and folks...if we want to avoid being treated like Lebron we need to ship Tony's ass out of here and get something in return. I can see him TRYING to play the same sort of publicity game. He has it in him.

See, I think you're falling for the media-created image of Tony Parker - he's French, and he has a superstar actor wife, so he must be a shallow, conniving SOB at heart even if we haven't seen it yet. Personally, I think that couldn't be further from the truth of who TP is. In his entire NBA career he has only ever behaved in an exemplary manner, and sacrificed to help his team succeed. I don't see Parker playing a publicity game at all, unless the franchise does something horrific and out-of-line to piss him off (highly unlikely). We agree on most things, especially your choice of avatar, but I can't agree with you on this one. :lol

[Blackjack]

Oakland? Warrior or insecure Laker fan?

I'm guessing Clipper fan was really disappointed with 'Bron's decision.

They were soooo close . . .

[Kori Ellis]

Fucking hell. This is just not fair. How the fuck can they sign 3 max FAs and Mike Miller? What is the fucking point of a salary cap? This makes a mockery of the whole process.

They didn't sign 3 max FAs - the stars are taking less money. I don't see how it's a mockery. If a Spurs player takes less money than they deserve to help the team sign others, they are heralded.

[ducks]

They didn't sign 3 max FAs - the stars are taking less money. I don't see how it's a mockery. If a Spurs player takes less money than they deserve to help the team sign others, they are heralded.

basically they signed 3 max fas
they all took one million less
poor little babies

[Kori Ellis]

basically they signed 3 max fas
they all took one million less
poor little babies

They might even take less - if it helps the team sign someone else. The details aren't hammered out on their contracts.

[Thompson]

Miller signing with the Heat, 5 years, 30 million.

http://www.ksfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=12778542

How? I thought the Heat were maxed out with Wade, LeBron and Bosh? Unless the trade of Beasley was not used to offer them the max and they're still taking the original amount, while the Heat use the leftover to sign Miller. What did the Heat get for Beasley anyway?

If the Heat buy draft picks (@ $3million per) are they allowed to sign them even if they're up against the cap? This could get ridiculous in another year.

[TDMVPDPOY]

basically they signed 3 max fas
they all took one million less
poor little babies

lol doesnt help when u got that incompetent kAHN help building a championship team in miami instead of the wolves lame....im surprise that douche didnt add a pg or ruby to that trade...then solves the heat pg situation...

[picnroll]

There's no doubt they're complicit in his douchebaggery and culprits in perpetuating the 'King' status but after reading this part of the letter:



It sounds like they're about to show where the bodies are buried in an epic bout of butthurt.

I'm glad I've still got my security . . .

A little expose of LeBron is called for. His act is way out of control and he and his crew are not someone who's influence is good for the NBA IMO.

[Kori Ellis]

What did the Heat get for Beasley anyway?



2011 second-round draft pick, plus a future swap of first-round picks.

[Kori Ellis]

My prediction is that the next Heat signing is Zydrunas Ilgauskas for the minimum.

[toki9]

When did the Wolves hire Chris Wallace?

I think Wallace might (just might) be slightly better than Khan...he at least didn't take 3 point guards in one draft...and 2 of them in the lottery, back to back...

[toki9]

My prediction is that the next Heat signing is Zydrunas Ilgauskas for the minimum.

Ooh, good call...

[Blackjack]

Oakland? Warrior or insecure Laker fan?

In all seriousness, here's the real reason for the civil unrest:

http://www.californiabeat.org/2010/07/08/johannes-mehserle-found-guilty-of-involuntary-manslaugher

[Thompson]

My prediction is that the next Heat signing is Zydrunas Ilgauskas for the minimum.

Yeah, I kind of figured Z might follow James to finally get a ring. It would be hilarious if he had his own 1 hour special, but he seems like a good guy so it won't happen.

[timvp]

My prediction is that the next Heat signing is Zydrunas Ilgauskas for the minimum.

LeBron's friend who LeBron wanted to play more minutes last year in the playoffs? Good bet.

Brad Miller has also been talking about taking less money to go to a winner . . .

[Obstructed_View]

Dan Gilbert's letter is pathetic - he writes like a jilted 15yo who doesn't know how to use "quotes". What a joke. No-one in his organisation thought it might be a good idea to stop him posting that shite?

This whole thing is vastly lowering my interest in the NBA.

This whole thing is vastly lowering my sympathy level for anyone in Ohio.

[Cane]

Not sure if the bridges are too burned off, but Shaq would be an excellent 5 in the East. Especially for a Florida team since they have to handle a guy named Howard which he can single cover.

[toki9]

Well, i have a feeling we'll see a lot of trade activities this off season now...

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

They didn't sign 3 max FAs - the stars are taking less money. I don't see how it's a mockery. If a Spurs player takes less money than they deserve to help the team sign others, they are heralded.

Okay, you can play semantics with me all you like, but they are signing 3 max-FA-quality players, and the salary cap was designed to stop things like that happening. What I most object to is the agglomeration of power - the salary cap was meant to help spread the player power across the teams, and instead it has resulted in a rich-getting-richer scenario. I concede that that is not the player's fault. If the NBA truly believes in a level playing field it really needs a hard cap with no exceptions, but i don't think the NBA really believes in parity anyway.

The one thing out of this that I applaud is the players taking salary cuts to win. I've always wanted to see players do that more often, like our guys have done. That puts me in a somewhat contradictory position unfortunately.

I guess I'm just upset for my DL I team... :lol :depressed

[Obstructed_View]

Not sure if the bridges are too burned off, but Shaq would be an excellent 5 in the East. Especially for a Florida team since they have to handle a guy named Howard which he can single cover.

Doesn't Shaq use a girl's name to refer to Chris Bosh?

[Trill Clinton]

Heat need a pg right? Allen Iverson will be in a Heat jersey very soon.

[Kori Ellis]

Okay, you can play semantics with me all you like, but they are signing 3 max-FA-quality players, and the salary cap was designed to stop things like that happening.

I wasn't playing semantics with you. I was explaining how they had room to sign Miller, which you seemed perplexed about.

[Chieflion]

Doesn't Shaq use a girl's name to refer to Chris Bosh?

Yeah. Rupaul. I can't see Wade and Bosh wanting Shaq on the team. Not sure about LeBron but since he already joined those 2, he might as well take their side.

[ploto]

My prediction is that the next Heat signing is Zydrunas Ilgauskas for the minimum.

Rasho for the min-- he loves South Beach!!

[Thompson]

Doesn't Shaq use a girl's name to refer to Chris Bosh?

And I thought I remembered him leaving Miami on bad terms and getting into a verbal tiff with Wade.

[Blackjack]

My prediction is that the next Heat signing is Zydrunas Ilgauskas for the minimum.

Yup.

They've just united the most unheard Big 3 in history -- given stature and prime-status -- and they're still going to wind up with respectable depth with guys like Miller, Z and I'm guessing Bell will be there shortly, to go along with some decent second-rounders in Pittman, Varnado and Butler that could all potentially do something for them.

They'll probably re-sign Jones or Wright and a couple of other vets and have a roster that no one ever would've thought possible with even a soft cap.

Pat Riley must really give good helmet . . .

[TDMVPDPOY]

z joinin heat? dont see that happening since the cavs love him, too much loyalty there unless he goes lebron on them

lebron pulling a page out of boozers book

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I wasn't playing semantics with you. I was explaining how they had room to sign Miller, which you seemed perplexed about.

Oh okay. Nah, I knew they were taking less, but hadn't really thought about how much less they'd have to take to get Miller. It's only 2mil each.

What do you think about all this? If you've already posted about it, which page in the thread?

[Kori Ellis]

I wonder what Udonis Haslem will do. He has offers elsewhere, but is super tight with Wade/Riley.

[ElNono]

Mike Miller's agent, Arn Tellem, texted that there's been no decision yet. Believed to be Heat, Knicks and Bulls. #NBA (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4487937&postcount=57)

[ploto]

LeBron's friend who LeBron wanted to play more minutes last year in the playoffs?

How about Bosh's friend who Bosh wanted to play more minutes last season?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Yup.

They've just united the most unheard Big 3 in history -- given stature and prime-status -- and they're still going to wind up with respectable depth with guys like Miller, Z and I'm guessing Bell will be there shortly, to go along with some decent second-rounders in Pittman, Varnado and Butler that could all potentially do something for them.

They'll probably re-sign Jones or Wright and a couple of other vets and have a roster that no one ever would've thought possible with even a soft cap.

Pat Riley must really give good helmet . . .

:lol

Yeah, it is going to be interesting watching them fill out this roster.

[picnroll]

Can they sign Haslem with Bird rights?

[ploto]

Brad Miller has also been talking about taking less money to go to a winner . . .

Still wondering about his mutual interest with the Rockets.

[Kori Ellis]

What do you think about all this? If you've already posted about it, which page in the thread?

I haven't posted much about it. I actually thought that LeBron was going to use his prime-time TV special to play the hero and return to Cleveland. I didn't think he'd actually go to Miami, despite all the reports.

They'll be an interesting team for sure. Wade/LeBron are good enough that they don't even need to get a decent point guard. With adding Miller and a body at center, they should be damn good (barring injury of course).

I don't know if they'll win the title right away. I guess it all depends on LeBron's ability to realize that some nights, it won't be all about him.

[024]

i don't know if the heat will get big Z, he doesn't exactly defend howard very well.

[Blackjack]

Well, Gilbert's just the gift that keeps on giving:

Cavs owner: LeBron quit during playoffs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5365793)

[timvp]

How about Bosh's friend who Bosh wanted to play more minutes last season?

I think that had more to do with not wanting to play next to Bustnani ... but yeah, he's a possibility too.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i don't know if the heat will get big Z, he doesn't exactly defend howard very well.

dont need to, hack a smiley guy who cant hit a ft for shit

[Obstructed_View]

Yeah. Rupaul.
So technically no, then. :lol

[SpursTillTheEnd]

chris bosh looks like a avatar so does brandy

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Ah well, it's done and the landscape of the NBA has changed irrevocably. Next, FAs, then the CBA.

C'est la vie.

[Kindergarten Cop]

chris bosh looks like a avatar so does brandy

Not since he's gotten his hair cut. As for Brandy, I don't know.

[Blackjack]

Lord, if you can do all of this for Miami, could you please just hook us up with a decent TE for Jefferson? Talk to Cleveland maybe (I hear they're in need of a small-forward)?

Thanks,

'Jack

[Mel_13]

Lord, if you can do all of this for Miami, could you please just hook us up with a decent TE for Jefferson? Talk to Cleveland maybe (I hear they're in need of a small-forward)?

Thanks,

'Jack

:lol

Left out the praying dog.

[024]

hey, good news about bosh/lebron/wade going to the heat is that teams will be desperate from someone like richard jefferson. a nice S&T to the nets for a trade exception and terrence williams would be great.

[Blackjack]

Lord, if you can do all of this for Miami, could you please just hook us up with a decent TE for Jefferson? Talk to Cleveland maybe (I hear they're in need of a small-forward)?

Thanks,

'Jack


:lol

Left out the praying dog.

http://www.guzer.com/pictures/boy_dog_pray.jpg


:elephant

[Mel_13]

http://www.guzer.com/pictures/boy_dog_pray.jpg


:elephant

Love that dog. :lol

[Blackjack]

You can tell he really means it. :lol

[Vic Petro]

The owner is right about LeBron quitting on the team. The letter is ridiculous but it's crazy that the media never really called LeBron out on his BS.

[Kindergarten Cop]

The owner is right about LeBron quitting on the team. The letter is ridiculous but it's crazy that the media never really called LeBron out on his BS.

I'm not buying it at all. This is the worst case of "What's Eating Gilbert Sour Grapes" that I can recall in a LONG time. If all of this is true, why did Gilbert want him back so bad? What would he be saying right now if LeBron had chosen to stay in Cleveland? Initially I felt bad for the Cavs, but after Gilbert's display makes it easier to see why LeBron was able to walk away from the Cavs.

[TDMVPDPOY]

at leasts we arent fcked up like the hawks 120m invested into jj whose team has no sniff at nba title against teh miami cheat team hahahaha

hawks owners amberlamps

[Blackjack]

There've been some things that've worn on me over the last few years or so in regards to Wade's theatrics but I've always liked the guy and enjoyed watching him play -- much respect for him.

So all of a sudden wanting him and his team to fall flat on its face ... it's going to take some getting used to.

But I'm pretty sure I can manage.

[TDMVPDPOY]

NOW i wonder if the knicks going to panic cause they missed out on one of them and going out to sign Gay OR whoever...

should keep that capspace and head for cp3 or whoever is available in 2011 FA

[objective]

There've been some things that've worn on me over the last few years or so in regards to Wade's theatrics but I've always liked the guy and enjoyed watching him play -- much respect for him.

So all of a sudden wanting him and his team to fall flat on its face ... it's going to take some getting used to.

But I'm pretty sure I can manage.

Good luck to those of you who are going to still be involved in the NBA, rooting in vain for the Heat to fail.

Me, I'll still follow the Spurs and watch only to enjoy seeing Manu and the rest play. But my hardcore NBA-fandom has gone into twilight. I'm not going to put the same time or money into a league where there is no suspense and entertainment; the forthcoming Heat domination will quickly become boring. I've got better things to do for the next 5-10 years than put money into that. Maybe I'll watch more college basketball, pick up a new sport, or a new hobby entirely.

Even if the Heat sign Mahinmi, watching won't be fun.

[tdunk21]

when will the spurs start signing free agents....am also a cavs fan....i feel so betrayed ..... atleast spurs will surprise me by makin some moves

[Vic Petro]

I'm not buying it at all. This is the worst case of "What's Eating Gilbert Sour Grapes" that I can recall in a LONG time. If all of this is true, why did Gilbert want him back so bad? What would he be saying right now if LeBron had chosen to stay in Cleveland? Initially I felt bad for the Cavs, but after Gilbert's display makes it easier to see why LeBron was able to walk away from the Cavs.

He'd be saying we love you LeBron and thank God you came back. Of course that's what he'd say because that's what he would have to say. He's still a great player no matter what. He's still 100x better than anything Cleveland could ever get to replace him. He made them relevant.

Of course the owner trashing him after he chooses to leave is an idiotic thing to do.

However, during a few of those games LeBron did indeed display body language I have never seen from another superstar on such a stage. I remember saying it at the time...he quit.

[TDMVPDPOY]

get fkn rasho b4 heat signs him for minimum!!!!

[benefactor]

Good luck to those of you who are going to still be involved in the NBA, rooting in vain for the Heat to fail.

Me, I'll still follow the Spurs and watch only to enjoy seeing Manu and the rest play. But my hardcore NBA-fandom has gone into twilight. I'm not going to put the same time or money into a league where there is no suspense and entertainment; the forthcoming Heat domination will quickly become boring. I've got better things to do for the next 5-10 years than put money into that. Maybe I'll watch more college basketball, pick up a new sport, or a new hobby entirely.

Even if the Heat sign Mahinmi, watching won't be fun.
http://www.emo-site.com/images/emo/emoriver4hx.jpg

[MannyIsGod]

http://www.emo-site.com/images/emo/emoriver4hx.jpg

:lmao

What I find especially annoying about the reactions many have had to this is that for YEARS so many fans have lamented the selfish sports star who says its not all about the money and that he wants to win but then takes the money. Now here we have a situation where 3 players in their prime have done just that: Taken less money to give themselves an amazing shot at winning and yet there is so much criticism.

I can understand being critical about the manner in which Lebron did it but at the same time take a good look at what they actually did. Its pretty unheard of and its much in the mold of Duncan restructuring for less money in order to give himself a better shot at winning.

[MannyIsGod]

Oh and you bet your ass that if Lebron Wade and Bosh go on to win 4 or 5 rings then no one will ever remember the one hour decision special but they'll def remember one of the best teams of all time.

[Stump]

:lmao

What I find especially annoying about the reactions many have had to this is that for YEARS so many fans have lamented the selfish sports star who says its not all about the money and that he wants to win but then takes the money. Now here we have a situation where 3 players in their prime have done just that: Taken less money to give themselves an amazing shot at winning and yet there is so much criticism.

I can understand being critical about the manner in which Lebron did it but at the same time take a good look at what they actually did. Its pretty unheard of and its much in the mold of Duncan restructuring for less money in order to give himself a better shot at winning.
I think most are giving props to Wade and Bosh. We're just calling out LeBron for throwing Cleveland under the bus in the coldest possible way.

[arles]

http://www.basketballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=535


LeBron James is currently the least popular–or at least most loathed–player in the NBA, and I suspect it would be difficult to explain this to someone like my grandmother who knows little about basketball.

A superstar player decided to take less money and sacrifice individual glory to try to win championships, but it’s not OK because he’s not having to work hard enough to win them, so they don’t count as much.
To announce his decision, he created a special TV program that wound up generating millions of dollars he donated to the Boys & Girls Club, but he’s a bad person because it was egotistical.

(...)

[tmtcsc]

I think most are giving props to Wade and Bosh. We're just calling out LeBron for throwing Cleveland under the bus in the coldest possible way.

Props to Wade and the Riley for making this happen. They pulled off a coup.

No props to Bosh for anything.

No props to Lebron for anything.

If they wanted to play together AND win, they HAD to do take less $$. The way Bosh (Wannabe) and LeBron (Fraud) went about handling their FA was ridiculous and classless. Handle your business without the hoopla and ME ME ME public display.

[MannyIsGod]

I think most are giving props to Wade and Bosh. We're just calling out LeBron for throwing Cleveland under the bus in the coldest possible way.

I still can't believe he went on TV and did that. That shit was ruthless.

[Stump]

I still can't believe he went on TV and did that. That shit was ruthless.
Yeah it was, but I couldn't believe some people thought Cleveland would win out because they figured Lebron wouldn't dare embarrass them on live television. Have you watched how he acts? Seriously, this is a guy with 'Chosen One' tattooed on his back.

[Spurminator]

:lmao

What I find especially annoying about the reactions many have had to this is that for YEARS so many fans have lamented the selfish sports star who says its not all about the money and that he wants to win but then takes the money. Now here we have a situation where 3 players in their prime have done just that: Taken less money to give themselves an amazing shot at winning and yet there is so much criticism.

I can understand being critical about the manner in which Lebron did it but at the same time take a good look at what they actually did. Its pretty unheard of and its much in the mold of Duncan restructuring for less money in order to give himself a better shot at winning.

I had some similar thoughts about this last night. I think it's different, though, when someone takes less money in order to bring help to his team. Especially if that help was brought in the form of a trade or a free agent that was probably leaving his team anyway. The way this played out, and somebody made this analogy already, was like the cool kids in 5th grade P.E. all ignoring the concept of team captains picking their teams and deciding, "Screw that, we're on the same team."

That said, I don't necessarily think LeBron has always had his mind made up to team up with Wade and Bosh in Miami. I do buy that they all discussed this beforehand and have always had it out there as an option but I don't think Cleveland/NY/NJ never had a shot to convince LeBron to sign with them. In the end he just liked this option better.

But I still can't get over the fact that he developed a fucking TV show around it. What a clueless tool.

One thing I know... despite all of this, I still hate the Lakers more. The Gasol thing still pisses me off more than this.

[coyotes_geek]

:lmao

What I find especially annoying about the reactions many have had to this is that for YEARS so many fans have lamented the selfish sports star who says its not all about the money and that he wants to win but then takes the money. Now here we have a situation where 3 players in their prime have done just that: Taken less money to give themselves an amazing shot at winning and yet there is so much criticism.

I can understand being critical about the manner in which Lebron did it but at the same time take a good look at what they actually did. Its pretty unheard of and its much in the mold of Duncan restructuring for less money in order to give himself a better shot at winning.

:tu

Great post.

[DPG21920]

Also look at that slimy owner. If this is how he is behind closed doors no wonder lebron left him like this.

[TDMVPDPOY]

greg popovich must be shitting himself with the trio...lol asking for veto power in trades, now he should come out and ask for veto for lopsided signings FA

[ohmwrecker]

Also look at that slimy owner. If this is how he is behind closed doors no wonder lebron left him like this.

An open letter to Cavalier fans posted on NBA.com isn't exactly "behind closed doors", but, yeah, that dude is pissed. There's definitely more to that story.

[E-RockWill]

:lmao

What I find especially annoying about the reactions many have had to this is that for YEARS so many fans have lamented the selfish sports star who says its not all about the money and that he wants to win but then takes the money. Now here we have a situation where 3 players in their prime have done just that: Taken less money to give themselves an amazing shot at winning and yet there is so much criticism.

I can understand being critical about the manner in which Lebron did it but at the same time take a good look at what they actually did. Its pretty unheard of and its much in the mold of Duncan restructuring for less money in order to give himself a better shot at winning.

This.

Dan Gilbert running his mouth ruined any possible chance of a S&T ala Amare Stoudemire to get a big, fat, juicy TE.

:lol Butthurt owner.....

[Spurs Brazil]

Poor Bulls...


Sources say Chicago has targeted Ronnie Brewer, Keith Bogans and Roger Mason.

Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/68011/20100709/bulls_open_talks_with_korver/#ixzz0tCcbmfD6

[DesignatedT]

lol chicago wants bulldog & mason??? they will regret that move.

[coyotes_geek]

Lebron. Mason. What's the difference? :p:

[AFBlue]

Question: Are any of the players the Bulls are targeting better than Kirk Hinrich? If not, the Bulls screwed themselves by trading him for nothing but cap space.

Looks like they screwed themselves.

[Spurs Brazil]

WojYahooNBA
Miller needs for James, Wade and Bosh to sign deals before he can slot into available space. Miller's father says he's going to Miami.
about 1 hour ago via UberTwitter
There's no agreement for Mike Miller in Miami, his agent, Bob Myers says. The Heat are still frontrunners over CHI and NY other sources say.

[coyotes_geek]

I can easily see Chicago or New York, especially New York, throwing stupid money Mike Miller's way out of spite.

[Brazil]

I still think Chicago would have been the best choice for lbj

[MannyIsGod]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Thats something many GMs need to learn.

[Spurs Brazil]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070910

Easy come, easy go for King James

By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports
59 minutes ago

Email Print They ended up with that split-screen of the King’s jersey burned live on his infomercial, as this sad, lost robot sat in a leafy suburban gymnasium with children as props and the world watching, those empty eyes masking a lost, dazed LeBron James(notes). This was the champagne shower for the Championship of Me, an exercise in self-aggrandizement and self-loathing that will have far-reaching implications for the NBA and James. What a spectacle, what a train wreck.



As the worst idea in the history of marketing unfolded, James looked trapped somewhere between despondence and defiance. His bumbling buddy Maverick Carter had walked him into the public execution of his legacy, his image, and there was a part of James that clearly wished he could turn back through the doors and hide. Only, it was too late. No going back now. James goes to the Miami Heat, Cleveland goes into a basketball Hades and LeBron’s legacy becomes that of a callous carpetbagger.

“His brand is [bleep] now,” one high-level NBA official said late Thursday. “He’s destroyed everything.”

The Championship of Me became the Championship of Flee, because LeBron James doesn’t believe he can be the centerpiece of a title team. He needed Dwayne Wade, a closer, far more than Wade needed him.

Yes, he’s ruined everything. What a wonderful idea: Divorce your childhood sweetheart on national television and tell her, hey, I’ll let you keep the “We are all Witnesses” billboards lording over downtown Cleveland.

“I’m taking my talents to South Beach,” James said, and it was like time stopped because – even for him – this was a moment so devoid of reality and free of concern of consequences. South Beach? He wasn’t picking a basketball team as much as a party. He’s 25 years old, and yet somehow this felt like a cloistered teenager picking a party school for college.

Yes, James will take his talent to South Beach and leave his soul in Cleveland. His hometown won’t hate him as much for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers as for the way he left them. Leaving never would’ve been easy, but he went out of his way to humiliate them. LeBron James can never go home now. He’s the Browns leaving town, The Fumble, The Shot, all rolled into one colossal disappointment.

Now, Clevelanders truly see it for themselves: He was a fan of the Cowboys, the Yankees – never the Browns and Indians. He was a frontrunner, and he just made the most frontrunner move in the history of the NBA. Off to Miami with Riles, D-Wade and Chris Bosh(notes).

New York would’ve been hard, and maybe Cleveland would’ve been the hardest. With those state tax laws in Florida, he isn’t taking less money with the Heat. He’s just taking less risk and less burden in his championship chase.

“This whole idea that he makes his own decisions, that [bleep] went out the window with this,” one NBA executive said. “Someday, he’s going to look back at this and not believe that he let those kids at LRMR talk him into doing this. This idea that he’s his own man … Come on, he’s a follower. And he’s following all the way to Miami now.”

This was the train rolling down the tracks from miles and miles away, and James never saw it coming. He should lose his obsession to become the richest athlete ever, because the people surrounding LeBron James are much more likely to leave him broke than a billionaire. Someday, he will fire his business manager Maverick Carter for turning the two-time MVP’s free-agent moment into Geraldo and Al Capone’s vault. Carter used the cover of charity for a historically horrible event and completely destroyed the credibility of his client.

So now people are cheering Dan Gilbert’s manifesto tearing apart James, but no one contributed more to what the world witnessed on Thursday night than the owner’s enabling of James and his inner circle for seven years. Gilbert is the biggest con going, a man who makes his fortune peddling mortgages, and he’ll make his next on casinos in downtown Cleveland. He sells illusions for a living, and now he’s selling the biggest of all: that he’s a victim here, that James betrayed everyone. That’s a lie, and no one ought to dare buy it.

Everyone searching for a scapegoat here – Mike Brown, Danny Ferry, Delonte West(notes) – well, just understand that it was the man screaming loudest with LeBron out the door, the man most determined to deflect blame onto him now.


Now, Gilbert is the tough guy with James leaving the Cavs behind? Listen, Ferry and Brown always warned Gilbert that giving James everything he wanted – giving it when and where and how – wouldn’t be the way they would keep him. LeBron didn’t respect them because they never demanded it.

Gilbert always believed he should do everything James wanted – hire his buddies into jobs, throw them on summer-league rosters, allow him to do those stupid pregame choreographed dances – that James would love him, that he would never leave. Only, James is a taker, and he took and took until he had bled Gilbert and that franchise to the bone.

So now, Gilbert unleashes the most revisionist and self-serving screed that a scorned owner’s ever done. Gilbert is a bully and a baby. As much as James, Gilbert revealed himself, too. He asked for this humiliation and deserves it. Only those fans in Cleveland don’t deserve this. They were loyal, true, and ultimately they must know Gilbert lashed out to make James the villain for a most self-serving reason: to avoid the blame himself. Damn right James quit on the Cavaliers in that playoff series, but that was because Gilbert was always there to make it easy for him. All those times Ferry and Brown warned the owner they had to make stands with James, that they had to force him to have some level of respect within that organization or there would be an ultimate price to pay.

And here it came on Thursday night, in this bizarre, sad set-up that turned LeBron James into a caricature. His puppet seems more human than him. Listen, James’ people tried to leak this story to soften the blow on Cleveland, but here was the problem: He’s so insincere, and they’re so over their heads, that most of us were uneasy with believing what they were selling in the hours leading up to Jim Gray holding everyone hostage. There had to be an agenda, a bait-and-switch, and yet source after source within LeBron’s world insisted: He’s leaving. He wants out. They had been doing this for weeks, even months. So, armed with that knowledge, why would they ever stage this event to rub it in the face of James’ hometown? Lots of stars have moved on, but never one that had such a unique history with a town, a city, a franchise.

We kept writing it with qualifiers because deep down a lot of us doubted his courage to leave that cocoon. He would make Cleveland feel like it had lost him, and then swoop back into town and be celebrated all over again. Only, LeBron’s people were telling the truth. He was gone. He was always gone. He never considered staying, and that’s the most frightening part of all.

For the hand-wringing out of Gilbert and James’ apologists who protected him – and who would still be protecting him had he simply said, “Cleveland,” on Thursday night – they need to stop with this nonsense that somehow LeBron James has transformed into someone else. This is him, and it’s always been him. He’s a creation of our times, of an industry and system that wants to manufacture the next M.J. at the expense of a young man having a sense of himself.

So there was LeBron James, the MVP, the man of the hour, sitting in the middle of his own “Truman Show” on Thursday night. His personal network ran his commercials and celebrated his greatness and let him hijack a platform to build his brand and break hearts. He can never go home again now, and he can never completely rebuild what he let his cast of buddies talk him into losing that night. He’s taking his talents to South Beach, and the kid going away for the first time will have some party down there. After all these years, it was clear he had been coddled and protected and ultimately prepared to do one thing: Take the easy way out. Wherever he was going, he looked conflicted, lost and completely confused.

What a spectacle, what a train wreck.

What a shame.

[Blackjack]

Good luck to those of you who are going to still be involved in the NBA, rooting in vain for the Heat to fail.

Me, I'll still follow the Spurs and watch only to enjoy seeing Manu and the rest play. But my hardcore NBA-fandom has gone into twilight. I'm not going to put the same time or money into a league where there is no suspense and entertainment; the forthcoming Heat domination will quickly become boring. I've got better things to do for the next 5-10 years than put money into that. Maybe I'll watch more college basketball, pick up a new sport, or a new hobby entirely.

Even if the Heat sign Mahinmi, watching won't be fun.

I don't -- and won't -- watch the NBA for a team to fail, I'm a Spurs fan. I watch for the Spurs.

But I'm perfectly capable of rooting for the Spurs and the failures of LA, Miami and all things douchebag.

I may not be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, but I can certainly say 'Go Spurs Go' and wish for these synthetic teams to choke on a each other's dick.

[Drewlius]

Very good article. ^^^^^^^^

[Blackjack]

Wojo ... Clevelander or Midwesterner?

Dude's been on fire with this LeBron fiasco (and I like how it seems Ludden has got to him and has him looking out for guys like Ferry and Brown :lol).

[MannyIsGod]

Damn. Wojo, just damn.

[Das Texan]

Wojo didnt pull any punches there. Damn.

[ploto]

The Heat also are finishing off a sign-and-trade agreement with the Toronto Raptors that will allow recently acquired power forward Chris Bosh to receive a six-year free-agent contract instead of the maximum five-year contract an outside free agent can receive. The Raptors, in turn, will receive a package of draft picks from the Heat and a trade exception of roughly $15 million.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/m...,4440538.story

[AFBlue]

I think Bosh was eligible for a starting salary at $17M per year right? That implies he will indeed take less money per year and allow some flexibility for Miami to sign FAs. I guess the extra year was all he needed to take a little less per year.

[will_spurs]

Wojo didnt pull any punches there. Damn.

That's why I pretty much only read his articles. The others are brown noses.

[Ginobili2Duncan]

Everyone searching for a scapegoat here – Mike Brown, Danny Ferry, Delonte West(notes) – well, just understand that it was the man screaming loudest with LeBron out the door, the man most determined to deflect blame onto him now.


:lmao

[Mel_13]

Nets pass on Tyrus Thomas, who re-signs with Bobcats

And just like that, Tyrus Thomas gets a five-year, $40 million contract from the Bobcats, with a 17.5 percent bonus up front.

That means his first-year salary is $12 million, a chatty agent tells us.

Nice work if you can get it.

So the Nets are back to playing the field to find a power forward, mindful that their pursuit of Thomas was dubious at best – he is simply not close to being worth $40 million.

http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2010/07/nets_pass_on_tyrus_thomas_who.html

[DesignatedT]

WojYahooNBA

1. RT @SpearsNBAYahoo: Clippers sign forward Brian Cook to two-year deal worth about $2.5 million, a league source told Yahoo! Sports. half a minute ago via web


bryan cook huh.

[ace3g]

SpearsNBAYahoo

Knicks close to signing pg Raymond Felton to multi-year deal, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

now the dominoes are starting to fall

[DesignatedT]

I like Felton

[Spurs Brazil]

New Jersey will turn its attention to trying to sign Miami free-agent forward Udonis Haslem, as well as look at trade possibilities
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqYFmTRbLrDIh8HLBn3qzr.8vLYF?slug=ys-thomasnets070910

[BanditHiro]

Has anyone posted that Bonner has been re-signed by the spurs

[Blackjack]

SpearsNBAYahoo
Kings free agent forward Dominic McGuire has agreed to a one-year guaranteed deal with the Bobcats, a league source said. Terms undisclosed.