The "Decision Part 2" and how it Might happen and May affect the Spurs!

[xmas1997]

I am putting this scenario out there for discussion and debate to ponder over.

What I am reading of what many sports prognosticators are speculating is that the real reason that neither James nor Melo nor Gasol have made their decisions yet is because they are waiting on Bosh' decision.
It is known that Miami/Riley is low balling Bosh. This would appear under the surface to help influence Bosh to decide to take his talents elsewhere, such as Houston. Bosh even talked to James about the Houston offer and James was noncommittal.
Also it has been reported that Melo talked with Gasol to try to convince him to come to New York with him, but what if it were to go to Miami to play with him and James?
James and Riley may, or may not, have conceived this scenario together, or may, or may not, have included Melo in this plan, because the master plan would be to replace Bosh with Melo, and then lure Gasol to take much less to also play there and win championships.
So in a sense, Bosh is holding James' and/or Riley' plan hostage.
At this point, it is all conjecture, pure speculation, but I have to admit, it seems plausible.
A team of James, Melo, Wade (at half speed), and Gasol at age 34, along with the remaining new and old parts, would have to be considered the favorites, even over the Spurs.

Even if all this were to somehow come about as some sports people are saying, I still like my Spurs to repeat.
:flag:

[Captivus]

I agree.
I do believe Bosh's decision would trigger the rest of the FAs to start defining their future. No doubt.
Hopefully they all go east!

[Kindergarten Cop]

I am putting this scenario out there for discussion and debate to ponder over.

What I am reading of what many sports prognosticators are speculating is that the real reason that neither James nor Melo nor Gasol have made their decisions yet is because they are waiting on Bosh' decision.
It is known that Miami/Riley is low balling Bosh. This would appear under the surface to help influence Bosh to decide to take his talents elsewhere, such as Houston. Bosh even talked to James about the Houston offer and James was noncommittal.
Also it has been reported that Melo talked with Gasol to try to convince him to come to New York with him, but what if it were to go to Miami to play with him and James?
James and Riley may, or may not, have conceived this scenario together, or may, or may not, have included Melo in this plan, because the master plan would be to replace Bosh with Melo, and then lure Gasol to take much less to also play there and win championships.
So in a sense, Bosh is holding James' and/or Riley' plan hostage.
At this point, it is all conjecture, pure speculation, but I have to admit, it seems plausible.
A team of James, Melo, Wade (at half speed), and Gasol at age 34, along with the remaining new and old parts, would have to be considered the favorites, even over the Spurs.

Even if all this were to somehow come about as some sports people are saying, I still like my Spurs to repeat.
:flag:

For that to happen, Gasol would have to take less than an MLE-type deal (and Miami would have to pull the offers to McRoberts and Granger, which would be VERY bad business ).

[Ice009]

I already said that is exactly what I'd do in the free agency thread. I didn't read it anywhere, I came up with it myself. The only problem is that they've offered McRoberts and Granger contracts, which I don't think would work with this scenario.

[xmas1997]

I already said that is exactly what I'd do in the free agency thread. I didn't read it anywhere, I came up with it myself. The only problem is that they've offered McRoberts and Granger contracts, which I don't think would work with this scenario.

With only a rudimentary knowledge of the financial specifics involved, if any body could make this work, it would be Riley. The key domino is Bosh and the hole left by his salary. Secondary would be Wade and his new contract.
And third would be if Melo would take less than his reported max salary in order to play with James, in the short term, and Gasol to take significantly less to get more championships.

[Knoxxx]

I don't think anyone is low balling Bosh he has become a soft perimeter player who just averaged a career low in rebounds and lowest scoring average since his rookie season in favor of being a low percentage (31%) 3-point shooter. This while Wade missed lots of time during the season. I think we have seen the best of Bosh, who appears to be on a Rashard Lewis-type of trajectory.

Mark my words the team that gets Bosh for a high dollar salary won't do a thing for the rest of his career. His contract will be like an albatross taking the applicable franchise down with him.

[Knoxxx]

James and Melo play the same position it would be idiotic to pay them each max dollar to play on the same team.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think you see both Melo and Gasol going to Miami. That's a mess of a team in any case. I personally find Melo close to inconsequential. He's not a winner and any team that gets him will have more subtle problems to cover than positives they've aquired.

I do think Gasol to Miami is a real possibility if Bosh leaves. That's still a good team, possibly even better, with Gasol minus Bosh.

[FvckMavs]

If Bosh leaves, they become a "room" team. They will not be able to use MLE on McRoberts. Assuming Melo and Gasol both agree to go to Miami, Lebron, Melo, Gasol, Wade, McRoberts, Haslem(if he doesn't take minimum) and others will have to fit under the cap. Their new big three will all have to take significant pay cut to make it work. I don't see it happening.

[Genjuro]

You would have to convince Melo to take a massive pay cut (like a salary starting around 15-16 million) and then convince Gasol to play for peanuts. Not happening.

The contracts offered to McRoberts and Granger fit with the trio re-signing using their Bird rights, which I believe will be the route taken if LeBron and Bosh decide to go back to Miami.

[Kindergarten Cop]

If Bosh leaves, they become a "room" team. They will not be able to use MLE on McRoberts. Assuming Melo and Gasol both agree to go to Miami, Lebron, Melo, Gasol, Wade, Roberts will have to fit under the cap. Their new big three will have to take significant pay cut to make it work. I won't see it happening.

Unless, as stated earlier, they pull the offers for McRoberts and Granger (considering they were only "verbal" agreements and not binding). This would be extremely bad for business and would be nefarious, but an option nonetheless.

[Vic Petro]

I can't recall an instance where a team reneged on a publicly agreed upon deal.

CAA is not an agency you want to fuck with.

[xmas1997]

Unless, as stated earlier, they pull the offers for McRoberts and Granger (considering they were only "verbal" agreements and not binding). This would be extremely bad for business and would be nefarious, but an option nonetheless.

A friend of mine called it sinister, but then he also said we are talking about Riley here and it sounds like a master plan that only Riley could pull off.
:lol
Lets also not forget how it would be to the Cleveland fans too, like James was teasing them again all over again.

[Kindergarten Cop]

I can't recall an instance where a team reneged on a publicly agreed upon deal.

CAA is not an agency you want to fuck with.

I agree - and I can't see it happening realistically, but Riley could come out publicly and state that the deals were contingent on the Big 3 being retained (and everyone would buy into it, considering that cap space could be better spent - as opposed to the exceptions).

[DJR210]

I am putting this scenario out there for discussion and debate to ponder over.

What I am reading of what many sports prognosticators are speculating is that the real reason that neither James nor Melo nor Gasol have made their decisions yet is because they are waiting on Bosh' decision.
It is known that Miami/Riley is low balling Bosh. This would appear under the surface to help influence Bosh to decide to take his talents elsewhere, such as Houston. Bosh even talked to James about the Houston offer and James was noncommittal.
Also it has been reported that Melo talked with Gasol to try to convince him to come to New York with him, but what if it were to go to Miami to play with him and James?
James and Riley may, or may not, have conceived this scenario together, or may, or may not, have included Melo in this plan, because the master plan would be to replace Bosh with Melo, and then lure Gasol to take much less to also play there and win championships.
So in a sense, Bosh is holding James' and/or Riley' plan hostage.
At this point, it is all conjecture, pure speculation, but I have to admit, it seems plausible.
A team of James, Melo, Wade (at half speed), and Gasol at age 34, along with the remaining new and old parts, would have to be considered the favorites, even over the Spurs.

Even if all this were to somehow come about as some sports people are saying, I still like my Spurs to repeat.
:flag:

So..Where's the part about how it affects the Spurs. Is there a "part 2" to your thread?

[FvckMavs]

Best case scenario: everybody stays
Worst case scenario: Bosh to Rockets, Gasol to OKC, Melo and Lebron to Heat.

[xmas1997]

So..Where's the part about how it affects the Spurs. Is there a "part 2" to your thread?

No Part 2 to my thread. This refers to The Decision first aired on ESPN back in 2010 and this being the second Decision that is being called by sportscasters as The Decision Part 2.
1. The Spurs do not get Gasol because he Could be going to the Heat with or without Melo.
2. The Spurs would no longer be favored.
3. And the possibility, and IMHO the bad business practice, that IF the Heat would have to renege on the verbal agreement with McRoberts, then he would be available to the Spurs.
I'm sure you can come up with more as well as I or the sportscasters can.
All I am doing is throwing it out here for discussion and/or debate as I originally said, and as I heard it on TV, because it is an interesting theory, I am not taking a side.

By the way if you read the thread title I used the words "Might" happen, and "May" affect the Spurs.

[SpurSwag]

Yeah this is definitely the most interesting free agency I've ever seen just in terms of the strategy involved. Who would have ever though Chris bosh would have this kind of impact on the future of the league potentially. Ideally for me bosh and wade stay in Miami, bron goes to Cleveland, and melo stays put. A pipe dream, but i would love it.

[xmas1997]

Yeah this is definitely the most interesting free agency I've ever seen just in terms of the strategy involved. Who would have ever though Chris bosh would have this kind of impact on the future of the league potentially. Ideally for me bosh and wade stay in Miami, bron goes to Cleveland, and melo stays put. A pipe dream, but i would love it.

I agree with you on all your points.

[FvckMavs]

Yeah this is definitely the most interesting free agency I've ever seen just in terms of the strategy involved. Who would have ever though Chris bosh would have this kind of impact on the future of the league potentially. Ideally for me bosh and wade stay in Miami, bron goes to Cleveland, and melo stays put. A pipe dream, but i would love it.

Bosh likely goes to the Rockets if Bron leaves for CLE..

[hitmantb]

Thunder - Perkins + Gasol.

Rockets - Asik/Lin + Bosh.

Are the worst case scenarios. I would rank these two teams ahead of Spurs because the parts fit together too well and GDP core is another year older, without vengeance to fuel them.

Pop wasn't GOAT coach back in 1999 and he won a ring anyway. When you have enough talented players in their primes, you will overpower the opposition. Brooks/McHale are honestly not that far off from Rudy T of 94/95, they are "player's coaches" and if you give them players who complement each other perfectly, their relationship management is good enough to win.

[xmas1997]

I think it has been reported in the Gasol thread that the Thunder are no longer in contention for Gasol at this point.

[FvckMavs]

I think it has been reported in the Gasol thread that the Thunder are no longer in contention for Gasol at this point.

@WojYahooNBA
Spurs staying diligent on free agent Pau Gasol, but Bulls and Thunder -- with Lakers lurking -- lead the way, sources tell Yahoo.

[xmas1997]

Dave McMenamin ✔ @mcten
Follow

League source tells me the Thunder, once confident they had a legit chance at Pau, now consider it a long shot to land Gasol
1:03 PM - 8 Jul 2014


I meant "long shot".

[DJR210]

No Part 2 to my thread. This refers to The Decision first aired on ESPN back in 2010 and this being the second Decision that is being called by sportscasters as The Decision Part 2.
1. The Spurs do not get Gasol because he Could be going to the Heat with or without Melo.
2. The Spurs would no longer be favored.
3. And the possibility, and IMHO the bad business practice, that IF the Heat would have to renege on the verbal agreement with McRoberts, then he would be available to the Spurs.
I'm sure you can come up with more as well as I or the sportscasters can.
All I am doing is throwing it out here for discussion and/or debate as I originally said, and as I heard it on TV, because it is an interesting theory, I am not taking a side.

By the way if you read the thread title I used the words "Might" happen, and "May" affect the Spurs.

Thanks for the clarification.

1. Spurs do not get Gasol anyway you wanna look at it
2. Favored by who? ESPN? Probably not going to be favored under any scenario anyway, it's the Spurs.
3. McRoberts could be a nice addition, but not with the personnel the Spurs currently have. Someone would need to go, and now that his market value has been established, no way Spurs would pay 6 million a year for him.

[Juggity]

A team of James, Melo, Wade (at half speed), and Gasol at age 34, along with the remaining new and old parts, would have to be considered the favorites, even over the Spurs.


In what fucking year? 2009?

This theoretical team would have to be considered among the worst defensive teams in the league today. And I shudder to imagine the shit-tier bench that would result from three/four massive contracts.

I don't think you've thought this one through.

[xmas1997]

In what fucking year? 2009?

This theoretical team would have to be considered among the worst defensive teams in the league today. And I shudder to imagine the shit-tier bench that would result from three/four massive contracts.

I don't think you've thought this one through.

I still maintain my Spurs will win their first back to back championship regardless of the competition of who the favorites are.
How have I not thought that through? Because I am biased toward the Spurs?
Or because undoubtedly the media and probably Vegas will say the Heat are?
Vegas already has the Heat as the favorites.

[Juggity]

I still maintain my Spurs will win their first back to back championship regardless of the competition of who the favorites are.
How have I not thought that through? Because I am biased toward the Spurs?
Or because undoubtedly the media and probably Vegas will say the Heat are?
Vegas already has the Heat as the favorites.

You haven't explained why a team hamstrung by contracts with four big-name players (only 1 of whom can play defense) would be considered a "favorite" in the league today.

[xmas1997]

You haven't explained why a team hamstrung by contracts with four big-name players (only 1 of whom can play defense) would be considered a "favorite" in the league today.


http://www.sbnation.com/odds/2014/6/20/5827216/nba-futures-odds-miami-heat-remain-top-betting-choice-pending-lebron


Not even an ugly loss in this spring's NBA Finals could keep the Miami Heat off the top of the early odds to win the 2015 NBA championship at the sportsbooks.

The Heat lasted just five games against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in this month's NBA Finals, but they're the 7/2 favorites on the early odds to win the 2015 NBA championship.

That line, of course, assumes that the Heat will return in their current form next season - or at the very least still have LeBron James in their uniform. Should the Heat conduct an unlikely roster shakeup in the months ahead, as this article at Gamblingsites.net suggests, or if James decides to leave, those odds would drop.

The Spurs opened in a tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder for second place on the 2015 NBA championship odds at 6/1 after wrapping up their title, but a week later they're at 5/1 on those NBA futures while the Thunder are now a step behind them at 13/2.

[TampaDude]

http://www.sbnation.com/odds/2014/6/20/5827216/nba-futures-odds-miami-heat-remain-top-betting-choice-pending-lebron


Not even an ugly loss in this spring's NBA Finals could keep the Miami Heat off the top of the early odds to win the 2015 NBA championship at the sportsbooks.

The Heat lasted just five games against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in this month's NBA Finals, but they're the 7/2 favorites on the early odds to win the 2015 NBA championship.

That line, of course, assumes that the Heat will return in their current form next season - or at the very least still have LeBron James in their uniform. Should the Heat conduct an unlikely roster shakeup in the months ahead, as this article at Gamblingsites.net suggests, or if James decides to leave, those odds would drop.

The Spurs opened in a tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder for second place on the 2015 NBA championship odds at 6/1 after wrapping up their title, but a week later they're at 5/1 on those NBA futures while the Thunder are now a step behind them at 13/2.

Dude...the only reason the Heat have such low odds is because they are in the weak East, whereas the Spurs and Thunder are in the much stronger West.

Make no mistake, though...if the Spurs reach the Finals in 2015, they will be the favorites to win it all again.

[xmas1997]

Dude...the only reason the Heat have such low odds is because they are in the weak East, whereas the Spurs and Thunder are in the much stronger West.

Make no mistake, though...if the Spurs reach the Finals in 2015, they will be the favorites to win it all again.

That is fine with me, the Spurs are my team.
I'm just "quoting" who the favorites are by the odds makers and the sportscasters.

[Mal]

James and Melo play the same position it would be idiotic to pay them each max dollar to play on the same team.

They could easily co-exist.

[Ocotillo]

If Bosh goes to Houston for the max the guy who is screwed is Wade. He had roughly 20 mill a year coming to him for two more years and agrees with LBJ and Bosh to take one for the team and then Bosh leaves? If you are Riles and Lebron does go to Cleveland (I don't think he will), I bet he doesn't even re-sign Wade. Of course he would immediately be in the Melo and Gasol sweepstakes.

[hitmantb]

If Bosh goes to Houston for the max the guy who is screwed is Wade. He had roughly 20 mill a year coming to him for two more years and agrees with LBJ and Bosh to take one for the team and then Bosh leaves? If you are Riles and Lebron does go to Cleveland (I don't think he will), I bet he doesn't even re-sign Wade. Of course he would immediately be in the Melo and Gasol sweepstakes.

Riley runs a mafia and generally takes care of his players. I see a Kobe-ish contract for Wade regardless of the outcome, and part of the story they sell to future free agents. Players are generally worn out a lot quicker under the Riley inspired training programs but also reach new heights quickly.

[alpha_HaZE]

Miami comes back strong which forces Larry Bird to ship Hilbert, and subsequently release Luis Scola (http://www.indycornrows.com/2014/7/6/5875197/report-larry-bird-looking-to-move-roy-hibbert-indiana-pacers), and of course he signs with us. Replacing Bonner with Scola is all we need really. It makes us that much deeper without forcing Pop to change our rotation. Definitely an upgrade!

[ceperez]

Bosh, Wade and LeBron are all likely to stay with Miami. They already opted out of lucrative deals, I doubt they'll change course now.

Rockets aren't going to get Bosh because nobody is going to absorb Lin's ridiculous contract.

The only real obstacle for the Spurs are the Thunder whether on not Gasol signs with them.

It's looking more and more like the Spurs are going to repeat (or is it 2-peat)?

[Knoxxx]

They could easily co-exist.

Not with the three other players they would field.

[Mal]

Not with the three other players they would field.

Yes they could. McBob, Napier and Wade. They have similar player in Granger, so basicly their tactic will be both SF/PF on the field

[SpurSwag]

Bosh likely goes to the Rockets if Bron leaves for CLE..

Yeah I know that's why I said it was a pipe dream, there's no scenario where bosh stays in Miami for just dwade, but it'd be cool cuz the heat would still be a good team assuming riles surrounds them correctly, Cleveland would be great, and New York would still be relevant. Anything to make the east more interesting

[Twisted_Dawg]

I am putting this scenario out there for discussion and debate to ponder over.

What I am reading of what many sports prognosticators are speculating is that the real reason that neither James nor Melo nor Gasol have made their decisions yet is because they are waiting on Bosh' decision.
It is known that Miami/Riley is low balling Bosh. This would appear under the surface to help influence Bosh to decide to take his talents elsewhere, such as Houston. Bosh even talked to James about the Houston offer and James was noncommittal.
Also it has been reported that Melo talked with Gasol to try to convince him to come to New York with him, but what if it were to go to Miami to play with him and James?
James and Riley may, or may not, have conceived this scenario together, or may, or may not, have included Melo in this plan, because the master plan would be to replace Bosh with Melo, and then lure Gasol to take much less to also play there and win championships.
So in a sense, Bosh is holding James' and/or Riley' plan hostage.
At this point, it is all conjecture, pure speculation, but I have to admit, it seems plausible.
A team of James, Melo, Wade (at half speed), and Gasol at age 34, along with the remaining new and old parts, would have to be considered the favorites, even over the Spurs.

Even if all this were to somehow come about as some sports people are saying, I still like my Spurs to repeat.
:flag:q

I pretty much agree with your whole scenario. Except, I think James concocted this Machiavellian black ops plan from the beginning to get Bosh off the team without James looking like the heavy. That is the only way to free up some salary. So, James meets at the start of free agency with Bosh and Wade and they agree to opt out and redo their contracts. Then things stall with Riley and the Heat, and James floats the rumors he is going back to Cleveland, LA etc hoping to spook Bosh and get Bosh to make the first move by signing with Houston. I think Bosh figured this out and that he was getting played and used, and now has decided to delay his signing with Houston, hoping Melo signs with NY so he Melo can't play with Lebron in Miami. Bosh will be the first domino to fall and he knows he has all the power to make the other players sweat.

[Knoxxx]

Yes they could. McBob, Napier and Wade. They have similar player in Granger, so basicly their tactic will be both SF/PF on the field

I've already ran through this. The Heat core 4 would be Melo, Bron, Wade, McBob. They either play small with Coles/Napier at PG or big with Birdman at center. So problems I see there:

No bench:

Washed up Granger and Rashard Lewis are also SFs who play the same position as Melo and Bron.
Rest of bench is maybe Ray Allen + veteran's minimum players.

Bigs:

Birdman only viable center who is now officially old, lost his athleticism, and probably not good for much more than 20 minutes a game.
McRoberts at PF/C averages only 4 rebounds per game.
Oden appears to be someone that can be safely ignored as a non factor.

So two ballhogging SFs (ok Bron does pass a little), extremely pathetic group of bigs from every aspect, and highly questionable guard play from Coles, a rookie, and two washed up SGs (Wade and Allen). I just don't see much synergy there.

Again this was on the off chance Melo went to Heat and Bosh left. I maintain that Gasol replacing Bosh would be a better salary move, though I was kind of assuming Miami also lands another significant free agent piece with the salary difference of $10 million or so. A closer look at the numbers could reveal they gain little because they end up using cap room rather than exceptions to add Granger and McRoberts.

I do think Gasol is better in the short term at least (due to his advancing age) straight up over Bosh for the Heat. Even if they only had $3 million or so left to spend that might get them a decent player that bolstered their anemic roster.

I also reiterate Bosh had his lowest scoring year since he was a rookie and career low rebounding. I think his best days are behind him. While he has a bit of game left regardless, no way in hades I'd be lining up to offer the guy a 4-5 year deal at 20 million per.

[cd021]

Seems to be like:

-Melo is waiting for Bosh to decide

-Bosh is waiting for Lebron to decide

-Lebron is waiting for Riley to make moves

-Riley can't until he knows how much money he has available to him

[RD2191]

Do you guys think Melo joins the Heat if Bosh leaves?

[Knoxxx]

q

I pretty much agree with your whole scenario. Except, I think James concocted this Machiavellian black ops plan from the beginning to get Bosh off the team without James looking like the heavy. That is the only way to free up some salary. So, James meets at the start of free agency with Bosh and Wade and they agree to opt out and redo their contracts. Then things stall with Riley and the Heat, and James floats the rumors he is going back to Cleveland, LA etc hoping to spook Bosh and get Bosh to make the first move by signing with Houston. I think Bosh figured this out and that he was getting played and used, and now has decided to delay his signing with Houston, hoping Melo signs with NY so he Melo can't play with Lebron in Miami. Bosh will be the first domino to fall and he knows he has all the power to make the other players sweat.

Melo will want $20 million per so him, Bron, Wade and Gasol numbers don't work. Even if Wade, Melo, Bron all signed for $50 million total, Napier/Coles take $3 million (which I think is too low actually), and then you add in what $7-$8 million for McRoberts/Granger your at a bare minimum of $60 million salary with only $3 million left for Gasol. Also I think my numbers are too low and there is not even that much left.

Point was not only is Melo + Gasol not being talked about to Miami, but I don't think it's even plausible when you look at the dollars.

[Ron Swanson]

Do you guys think Melo joins the Heat if Bosh leaves?

Yes. It almost seems like the Heat want Bosh to leave so they can sign Melo.

[Knoxxx]

Do you guys think Melo joins the Heat if Bosh leaves?

I've not heard Melo to Heat and think it's a bad fit as I've pontificated on. The smart move would have been for Heat dump Bosh right away and then make a hard push to add Melo and Gasol to Bron and Wade. It would be an extremely tight fit salary-cap wise, but it definitely makes them better. While I don't like the Melo fit with Bron, adding Melo + Gasol makes them much better than keeping Bosh and adding McRoberts and Granger.

This still seems to be shaping up as early Christmas though, as LeBron does something crazy like go back to Cleveland or comes back to a Miami team that doesn't appear to be getting any better to me.

[RD2191]

Good analysis. I do get the feeling Melo is waiting to see what happens with Bosh.

[jkid12456]

:lobt2:

[xmas1997]

Something is up though. Melo should have made up his mind by now between Chicago, N.Y., or L.A. if he were going to one of those three.
I think the longer this takes, the more it looks like they are trying to wait out Bosh so they can get together in Miami IMHO.
The bee in the bonnet may be Bosh figured this all out and is waiting for either James or Melo to make a decision before he does.

[montgod]

I am putting this scenario out there for discussion and debate to ponder over.

What I am reading of what many sports prognosticators are speculating is that the real reason that neither James nor Melo nor Gasol have made their decisions yet is because they are waiting on Bosh' decision.
It is known that Miami/Riley is low balling Bosh. This would appear under the surface to help influence Bosh to decide to take his talents elsewhere, such as Houston. Bosh even talked to James about the Houston offer and James was noncommittal.
Also it has been reported that Melo talked with Gasol to try to convince him to come to New York with him, but what if it were to go to Miami to play with him and James?
James and Riley may, or may not, have conceived this scenario together, or may, or may not, have included Melo in this plan, because the master plan would be to replace Bosh with Melo, and then lure Gasol to take much less to also play there and win championships.
So in a sense, Bosh is holding James' and/or Riley' plan hostage.
At this point, it is all conjecture, pure speculation, but I have to admit, it seems plausible.
A team of James, Melo, Wade (at half speed), and Gasol at age 34, along with the remaining new and old parts, would have to be considered the favorites, even over the Spurs.

Even if all this were to somehow come about as some sports people are saying, I still like my Spurs to repeat.
:flag:

I could see this happening in regards to Melo and Lebron, but don't see Gasol taking the bait or them pulling the McRoberts deal. Pau can see the future well enough to know that Miami would definitely not be a long term plan and at the same time not earning anywhere close to his full earning potential. He could go to the Spurs or OKC for continued long term (i.e. Gasol could slide into Duncan's spot - Spurs retool a little, and he would start long term for OKC until he retires) winning and success and still get paid more money then what Miami could offer. Chicago and LA are the X factors in it all. They can both pay more than OKC or Spurs but can't guarantee that they will win or at least match the same success that the Spurs and Thunder have had and should continue to have. However, if Melo goes to LA, no question Gasol follows.

[Knoxxx]

Yes I think the dominoes in order of importance are LeBron, Melo, Bosh, and Gasol, but it may be correct that Bosh is the key to unlocking the riddle. Where he lands should determine a lot given he fancies himself a $20 million a year guy, which either causes him to leave the Heat or keeps them from getting any better.

I guess one can debate that adding McRoberts, Granger, and Napier while dropping Battier and Chalmers makes them a little better but that's still not a very deep roster.

[Knoxxx]

I could see this happening in regards to Melo and Lebron, but don't see Gasol taking the bait or them pulling the McRoberts deal. Pau can see the future well enough to know that Miami would definitely not be a long term plan and at the same time not earning anywhere close to his full earning potential. He could go to the Spurs or OKC for continued long term (i.e. Gasol could slide into Duncan's spot - Spurs retool a little, and he would start long term for OKC until he retires) winning and success and still get paid more money then what Miami could offer. Chicago and LA are the X factors in it all. They can both pay more than OKC or Spurs but can't guarantee that they will win or at least match the same success that the Spurs and Thunder have had and should continue to have. However, if Melo goes to LA, no question Gasol follows.

Good point, I think the Lakers have the cash to land Melo and brng back Gasol. Throw in the rookie Randle and you only lack a point guard (Nash?) and a bench. If Nash/Bryant/Randle can play at all that team could have some moments though.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I really think Bosh will take the max in HOU.

Melo and LBJ wouldn't work, so I hope Miami do that.

[Drom John]

Rockets aren't going to get Bosh because nobody is going to absorb Lin's ridiculous contract.

The Sixers and the Bucks are both supposedly willing to take Lin. I haven't heard what the Bucks are offering, but speculation is:
Sixers trade a 2nd round 2015 pick to the Rockets for Lin, Capela and the Rockets 2015 1st round pick.

[xmas1997]

What we know so far as has been reported.
Anthony has not committed yet, and should have by now.
James has not committed yet, and his people are floating the rumors of Cleveland.
Riley has low balled Bosh. James has encouraged Bosh to get his big pay day.
Melo and Labron are on record many times in the past saying they want to play together and just recently as well.

You connect the dots!

My gut feeling is that once Bosh gets impatient waiting on James and commits to Houston, the dominoes will begin to fall.
James and Melo will go to Miami.
The bee in the bonnet here is Bosh.

[rjv]

after the cleveland/boston/brooklyn trade, it's pretty clear now what lebron has done. he has used cleveland again, only this time he used them as the ultimate leverage against miami. 1) he will now get the max from the heat and 2) he will get to decide the fate of bosh.

[xmas1997]

after the cleveland/boston/brooklyn, it's pretty clear now what lebron has done. he has used cleveland again, only this time to get them as the ultimate leverage against miami. 1) he will now get the max from the heat and 2) he will get to decide the fate of bosh.

I agree.
In all interviews after games it has always been James with Wade, but never with Bosh. James and Wade are close, that is known.
What is also known is that Bosh really wants to play with James. But is that feeling mutual? Again connect the dots.
What I do not understand in all this is why does not Riley and James tell Bosh that he is no longer wanted in Miami, if that is the case?
And if Bosh has figured all this out already, because he is a smart man, then why is he waiting to accept the Houston offer? Pride? Spite? Resentment? Who knows?
We do know that Bosh and his family love South Beach, that Bosh wants to stay so he can play there with James.
So in a sense he is holding James' "Decision Part 2" hostage until he decides on Houston.
Bosh has become the odd man out, and the key domino in this drama.

[toki9]

it's pretty clear now what lebron has done. he has used cleveland again.

He can't possibly be that big of a d-bag, can he? I'm beginning to think he's going back to Cleveland. It would take such a heartless jerk to make his hometown team go through all that just so that he can have some leverage. That'd be really shocking.

[toki9]

I agree.
In all interviews after games it has always been James with Wade, but never with Bosh. James and Wade are close, that is known.
What is also known is that Bosh really wants to play with James. But is that feeling mutual? Again connect the dots.
What I do not understand in all this is why does not Riley and James tell Bosh that he is no longer wanted in Miami, if that is the case?
And if Bosh has figured all this out already, because he is a smart man, then why is he waiting to accept the Houston offer?
We know that Bosh and his family love South Beach, that Bosh wants to stay so he can play there with James.
So in a sense he is holding James' "Decision Part 2" hostage until he decides on Houston.
Bosh has become the odd man out.

This has all the makings of epic "Hard Feelings" all next season.

[xmas1997]

I think, purely speculation on my part, that James plan was to use Cleveland to partly get leverage over Miami, but also to convince Bosh that he was going to bolt Miami so that Bosh would leave and go play somewhere else too. Riley low balling Bosh plays into this to further convince Bosh to leave Miami.
I seriously doubt that James ever had serious intentions to go back to Cleveland especially after the letter by the owner castigating James.
If James does go back to Cleveland, I will be very surprised and one of the first to say that James is a truly decent man, and it would greatly benefit his legacy especially if he wins at least one championship there.
But I don't see it happening, it is all a ruse.

[Bartleby]

Anthony has not committed yet, and should have by now.


why?

[Malice]

Someone make a fucking move already. Its like watching a fight at a bar between two fuck sticks, throw a punch already!

[Mel_13]

Someone make a fucking move already.

Players can start signing actual contracts at midnight. The dam has to burst soon.

[rjv]

He can't possibly be that big of a d-bag, can he? I'm beginning to think he's going back to Cleveland. It would take such a heartless jerk to make his hometown team go through all that just so that he can have some leverage. That'd be really shocking.

it does seem excessive but i think if there is anything the history of lebron has told us is that his d-baggery knows no limits. even when he appears to be making amends he always seems to make things worse.

[xmas1997]

why?

Because all the cards have been played. N.Y. has the money and future potential, and were expecting his decision last Monday.
Chicago has the team and part of the money for a championship now.
L.A. has the good friend, Kobe, the home base where his off season home is, and the ability to pay him the max yet less than N.Y.
The longer he waits, the less any of those scenarios play out.
And the more likely it is that something else is going on under the surface IMHO.

[rjv]

I think, purely speculation on my part, that James plan was to use Cleveland to partly get leverage over Miami, but also to convince Bosh that he was going to bolt Miami so that Bosh would leave and go play somewhere else too. Riley low balling Bosh plays into this to further convince Bosh to leave Miami.
I seriously doubt that James ever had serious intentions to go back to Cleveland especially after the letter by the owner castigating James.
If James does go back to Cleveland, I will be very surprised and one of the first to say that James is a truly decent man, and it would greatly benefit his legacy especially if he wins at least one championship there.
But I don't see it happening, it is all a ruse.

that is, unfortunately, what i am seeing as well.

[Drom John]

why?

Because Anthony told the Knicks he would make his decision on Monday. The "should" isn't as much of a moral "should" than it is a reasonable expectation "should." Had Anthony told the Knicks he wasn't going to announce till Wednesday or even later, then xmas1997 would have no "should" to use. Therefore, Anthony not committing yet helps flames the conspiracy theory, and reportedly wigging out the Knicks.

Me, I like the drama.

[rjv]

man, the cavs FO is going nuts right now...trying to create a lebron james former teammates reunion...

[Malice]

Players can start signing actual contracts at midnight. The dam has to burst soon.
Thank god.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Someone make a fucking move already. Its like watching a fight at a bar between two fuck sticks, throw a punch already!

That was funny.

[xmas1997]

From a purely business standpoint the drama is very intriguing and makes for good interesting story.
How that translates into dollar signs is anybody's guess, maybe only known to a select few.
One thing for sure, James is a very intelligent man.
Most probably none of this would have transpired had not Wade's health gone south in the last couple of years, but he can no longer be relied upon like in the days when he was a great player.
So IMHO this has resulted in "The Decision Part 2" and Bosh being the odd man out of the equation in favor of Melo.


Now it has been reported on ESPN TV First Take that Melo is now going to wait until after James makes his decision to make his decision.
So now James continues to hold the league hostage until he decides, all except the Spurs that is.
:flag:

[rjv]

yeah, for someone from a single-parent home and no college education, james does indeed possess a very shrewd business mind.

[rjv]

https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/486903959135989760/photo/1

just repeats what most of us already think.

[hitmantb]

I think, purely speculation on my part, that James plan was to use Cleveland to partly get leverage over Miami, but also to convince Bosh that he was going to bolt Miami so that Bosh would leave and go play somewhere else too. Riley low balling Bosh plays into this to further convince Bosh to leave Miami.
I seriously doubt that James ever had serious intentions to go back to Cleveland especially after the letter by the owner castigating James.
If James does go back to Cleveland, I will be very surprised and one of the first to say that James is a truly decent man, and it would greatly benefit his legacy especially if he wins at least one championship there.
But I don't see it happening, it is all a ruse.

I would be a LeBron fan and cheer for him over any team not named Spurs. I would almost go as far as saying LeBron winning it for Cleveland wouldn't bother me if it is Spurs/Cavs next year.

Return of the king, the parable of the lost son, the city that never won a single title in any major sports and got three top picks in four years, finally winning a title thanks to a player they once hated, it is just too good. I think the league will give LeBron better treatment from refs (think Durant) for this.

It is truly the most dramatic/touching story line and IMO, even more so than Duncan getting revenge and winning at age 38. I think LeBron's advisers, agents, families are all encouraging him to do this. He may not have a chance to catch Jordan or even Duncan/Kobe, but he would truly walk his own path and have a never-seen-before career.

[rjv]

I would be a LeBron fan and cheer for him over any team not named Spurs. I would almost go as far as saying LeBron winning it for Cleveland wouldn't bother me if it is Spurs/Cavs next year.

Return of the king, the parable of the lost son, the city that never won a single title in any major sports and got three top picks in four years, finally winning a title, it is just too good. I think the league will give LeBron better treatment from refs for this. It is truly the most dramatic/touching story line and IMO even more than Duncan getting revenge and winning at age 38.


and then there is the flip side of this...

[littlecoyotecoin]

When is FA end date?

[Mel_13]

When is FA end date?

I'm not 100% sure what you're asking.

The July moratorium ends tonight at midnight. After that, free agents can sign new contracts.

The latest date that any free agent can sign for 2014-15 is the last day of the regular season.

[rjv]

poor cavs' fans. wojo now reporting lebron is down to cavs and heat. they must be miserable right about now...

[littlecoyotecoin]

I'm not 100% sure what you're asking.

The July moratorium ends tonight at midnight. After that, free agents can sign new contracts.

The latest date that any free agent can sign for 2014-15 is the last day of the regular season.

Sorry, I wasn't my usual verbose self. I was mostly unavailable for texting at the time of that text. A better question is, maybe, when does training camp begin. I know that a FA can be signed throughout the RS, but Lebron and all other primary FAs should be signed by training camp. I want to have a date to look forward to so I can stop hearing about the LeBron decision. It will only be replaced by analysis of the decision, but I think that might be more palatable, personally.

[Mel_13]

Media day is typically around the last day of September. Training camp follows. Camp will be broken up by an early October trip to Turkey and Germany for 2 games vs. Euroleague teams

[heyheymymy]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsH_teHCAAAZ2a2.jpgapparently moving trucks outside lebrons miami home. not vetted or confirmed in any way

[xmas1997]

I really wish he was going to Cleveland, that would mend some hatred and hard feelings as well as help his legacy IMHO.

[Knoxxx]

Melo/Gasol to Lakers

Bron/Bosh to Heat

Least likely to occur may be Melo to Lakers though since he may just prefer the money and/or not think the Lakers are any better than the Knicks and/or think Kobe is done and/or not like Kobe much.

[xmas1997]

This all became more of a reality when Melo decided to move back his decision to after James made his.
Plus Phil Jackson tried, and failed, to move Stoudemire and another player to the Sixers in order to make cap room for James max contract so he and Melo could play in N.Y. together according to ESPN.

[boutons_deux]

http://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/munguia-datalab-lebron-11.png?w=610&h=299

[rjv]

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2014/07/lebron-to-announce-decision-at-united-nations.html#entry-more

[SpurSwag]

Yeah this is definitely the most interesting free agency I've ever seen just in terms of the strategy involved. Who would have ever though Chris bosh would have this kind of impact on the future of the league potentially. Ideally for me bosh and wade stay in Miami, bron goes to Cleveland, and melo stays put. A pipe dream, but i would love it.

Wow this actually might be happenin and we might get pau...this is amazing

[xmas1997]

I am glad I was wrong about James and Melo both going to Miami.
I just hope Chicago does not get Pau.
The only reason he has not committed to the Spurs yet has to be Chicago.
Hope he decides soon.

[FireMicoHalili]

Too many tweets to link but damn are the sports writers in my feed back-pedalling so hard. They're all coming out with (1) stuff they've written before predicting the return; or (2) articles reporting the return with added detail. Also so many Heat fans claiming "I'm actually a LeBron fan" :lmao It's so disgusting :lmao