djohn2oo8
03-09-2014, 12:58 PM
The Akron Beacon Journal reports on two very different narratives happening at the same time in regard to LeBron James' possble opt out into free agency this summer and a possible return to the Cavaliers. First, the Cavs have or soon will sever ties with two figures who are close to James. Ilgauskas is reportedly unhappy with his role in the organization as an assistant GM, and the firing of GM Chris Grant this season ends a strong tie between the organization and James' agent Rich Paul.
The second one? They still think they have a shot at getting James back. They just have to land LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1113136/lamarcus-aldridge) or Kevin Love (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1622545/kevin-love). OK, then.
As for Ilgauskas' future, no one really expects Big Z to return to this role next season.
He made more than $124 million in his career, so he certainly isn't working for the money. Ilgauskas remains incredibly close to Grant and will probably move on to something else next year.
Yes, the Cavs underachieved this season. Yes, Grant tried feverishly for the past two years, but could never find that second star to pair with Kyrie Irving (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1779901/kyrie-irving) and ultimately serve as the bait to lure James back to the Cavs.
But the Cavs privately believe it's not too late. They still have the assets to pull off a mammoth trade this summer at the draft, the type Grant tried so hard to make. Kevin Love will be entering the final year of his contract, as will LaMarcus Aldridge. Grant tried for two years to unsuccessfully pry both stars out of their current cities, but each had too many years left on their contracts for their current teams to consider it. That's no longer true.
If either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Portland Trail Blazers come to the conclusion they can't re-sign their stars, this summer is the time to move them and the Cavs will be at the front of the line, stocked with young players and future draft picks.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24474713/report-cavaliers-still-believe-they-have-a-chance-to-re-sign-lebron-james
The second one? They still think they have a shot at getting James back. They just have to land LaMarcus Aldridge (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1113136/lamarcus-aldridge) or Kevin Love (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1622545/kevin-love). OK, then.
As for Ilgauskas' future, no one really expects Big Z to return to this role next season.
He made more than $124 million in his career, so he certainly isn't working for the money. Ilgauskas remains incredibly close to Grant and will probably move on to something else next year.
Yes, the Cavs underachieved this season. Yes, Grant tried feverishly for the past two years, but could never find that second star to pair with Kyrie Irving (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/1779901/kyrie-irving) and ultimately serve as the bait to lure James back to the Cavs.
But the Cavs privately believe it's not too late. They still have the assets to pull off a mammoth trade this summer at the draft, the type Grant tried so hard to make. Kevin Love will be entering the final year of his contract, as will LaMarcus Aldridge. Grant tried for two years to unsuccessfully pry both stars out of their current cities, but each had too many years left on their contracts for their current teams to consider it. That's no longer true.
If either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Portland Trail Blazers come to the conclusion they can't re-sign their stars, this summer is the time to move them and the Cavs will be at the front of the line, stocked with young players and future draft picks.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24474713/report-cavaliers-still-believe-they-have-a-chance-to-re-sign-lebron-james