ducks
07-16-2006, 10:34 AM
More than theory could put LeBron in New York
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter
Just a thought, but are the shorter-term contract extensions signed by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all part of a master plan that will eventually land all three players in New York?
Can you imagine the hype and rivalry with James playing for the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets and Wade with the New York Knicks? Or how about all three players on the same team, which would breathe new life into a basketball-crazed area that has been reduced to a faint pulse because of the subpar Knicks.
James, Wade and Bosh each agreed to three-year extensions with an option for the fourth year with their respective teams last week. They all could have signed a maximum of five years for $80 million, but they chose the shorter route. In four years, all of those awful mega contracts are off the Knicks' books (Jamal Crawford will make $10 million in 2010-11) which means there will be room to sign free agents like James, Wade and Bosh.
Far-fetched?
James' relationship with Jay-Z, one of the minority owners of the Nets, has been well documented. The Nets' planned move to Brooklyn also would boost James' income. A source confirmed that James has clauses in his endorsement contracts that give him a raise if he plays in a major market like New York. Right now, the biggest contract on the Nets' roster in four years is $15 million owed to Richard Jefferson, which leaves plenty of room to add additional mega contracts.
Stay tuned.
Flip out:
Flip Murray's one-handed rebound attempt in Game 6 of the playoffs between the Cavaliers and Pistons led to a Pistons victory and eventually the series. Now, Murray can help the Pistons again. Murray, a free agent, agreed to a two-year deal with the Pistons for about $3.5 million over the weekend.
The Cavs acquired Murray from Seattle near the trade deadline in February. Murray was brought in while Larry Hughes recovered from hand surgery. Murray averaged 13.5 points with the Cavs. One of his biggest shots was a 3-pointer with four seconds left against Chicago to stop the Cavs' five-game losing streak. The Cavs drafted guard Shannon Brown because of Murray's expected move.
Free agents:
The Cavs have the mid-level exception ($5.2 million) and about $1.9 million of the veterans' minimum left to spend on free agents. But the summer is rolling along and signing James is the only move the Cavs' made as some of the top players of this free-agent crop have moved on.
But there's still time. If the Cavs are not committed to point guard Eric Snow, and with rumors of the organization looking for suitors to take Damon Jones, the Cavs must find a suitable point guard. Rookie Daniel Gibson is not enough. There's talk about combo guard David Wesley, but he will be 36 in November and his better days are behind him. GM Danny Ferry should consider four-year guard Jannero Pargo. He's quick with a great first step, and he's a capable playmaker. If not, veteran Bobby Jackson's quickness, solid defense and good outside shooting ability would be major assets the Cavs could use.
Tryouts:
Akron is the latest entry in the International Basketball League. Former NBA player Jerome Lane will coach the team. Tryouts are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the House of the Family Life Center Gym at 1650 Diagonal Rd. in Akron. There is a $100 tryout fee. For more information: 330-431-1384.
Free throws:
Former NBA player and Cleveland native Charles Oakley will become a member of the Charlotte Bobcats' staff in a soon-to-be-named position in a few weeks. . . . Team USA will begin tryouts on Tuesday in Las Vegas, and James is among the invites. The first cuts will be made July 25.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4671
http://www.cleveland.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/sports/1153039118164110.xml&coll=2
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter
Just a thought, but are the shorter-term contract extensions signed by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all part of a master plan that will eventually land all three players in New York?
Can you imagine the hype and rivalry with James playing for the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets and Wade with the New York Knicks? Or how about all three players on the same team, which would breathe new life into a basketball-crazed area that has been reduced to a faint pulse because of the subpar Knicks.
James, Wade and Bosh each agreed to three-year extensions with an option for the fourth year with their respective teams last week. They all could have signed a maximum of five years for $80 million, but they chose the shorter route. In four years, all of those awful mega contracts are off the Knicks' books (Jamal Crawford will make $10 million in 2010-11) which means there will be room to sign free agents like James, Wade and Bosh.
Far-fetched?
James' relationship with Jay-Z, one of the minority owners of the Nets, has been well documented. The Nets' planned move to Brooklyn also would boost James' income. A source confirmed that James has clauses in his endorsement contracts that give him a raise if he plays in a major market like New York. Right now, the biggest contract on the Nets' roster in four years is $15 million owed to Richard Jefferson, which leaves plenty of room to add additional mega contracts.
Stay tuned.
Flip out:
Flip Murray's one-handed rebound attempt in Game 6 of the playoffs between the Cavaliers and Pistons led to a Pistons victory and eventually the series. Now, Murray can help the Pistons again. Murray, a free agent, agreed to a two-year deal with the Pistons for about $3.5 million over the weekend.
The Cavs acquired Murray from Seattle near the trade deadline in February. Murray was brought in while Larry Hughes recovered from hand surgery. Murray averaged 13.5 points with the Cavs. One of his biggest shots was a 3-pointer with four seconds left against Chicago to stop the Cavs' five-game losing streak. The Cavs drafted guard Shannon Brown because of Murray's expected move.
Free agents:
The Cavs have the mid-level exception ($5.2 million) and about $1.9 million of the veterans' minimum left to spend on free agents. But the summer is rolling along and signing James is the only move the Cavs' made as some of the top players of this free-agent crop have moved on.
But there's still time. If the Cavs are not committed to point guard Eric Snow, and with rumors of the organization looking for suitors to take Damon Jones, the Cavs must find a suitable point guard. Rookie Daniel Gibson is not enough. There's talk about combo guard David Wesley, but he will be 36 in November and his better days are behind him. GM Danny Ferry should consider four-year guard Jannero Pargo. He's quick with a great first step, and he's a capable playmaker. If not, veteran Bobby Jackson's quickness, solid defense and good outside shooting ability would be major assets the Cavs could use.
Tryouts:
Akron is the latest entry in the International Basketball League. Former NBA player Jerome Lane will coach the team. Tryouts are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the House of the Family Life Center Gym at 1650 Diagonal Rd. in Akron. There is a $100 tryout fee. For more information: 330-431-1384.
Free throws:
Former NBA player and Cleveland native Charles Oakley will become a member of the Charlotte Bobcats' staff in a soon-to-be-named position in a few weeks. . . . Team USA will begin tryouts on Tuesday in Las Vegas, and James is among the invites. The first cuts will be made July 25.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4671
http://www.cleveland.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/sports/1153039118164110.xml&coll=2