LeBron Says He Won't Hesitate To Leave Cavs In 2010 If Offer Is Right

[monosylab1k]

People don't exactly try to play for the Clippers over the Lakers when they dream of playing in LA.

[Thunder Dan]

yeah I forgot how hard the Lakers went after Baron Davis


Lebron will see max offers from both NYC area teams in 2010 and he will only go to one of them if he wants to wait longer to win a championship becuase let's be honest, they both suck and will suck for the next couple years

[stretch]

First of all, liking a city is just that, liking a city. I'm sure LeBron likes a lot of cities, but that doesn't necessarily make them likely destinations.

As mono said... hes the one that brought up the idea of coming to Dallas first.

Dirk Nowitzki has an opt out for the 2010-2011 season, and he's been lukewarm about staying himself. Dirk has to sign an extension or what would LeBron have?

I'm sure that the chance to play with Lebron and hopefully get a le would be more than enough to lure him back for less money.

Jason Terry has a tough contract to move as well as Dampier. Dampier's contract might be movable in the expiring year in the summer of 2009, but that doesn't guarantee it moves. And, with Dampier, Terry, Dirk, Diop, and whoever else is on the roster unless they are going to field a team of four players, the Mavericks won't have a max deal to offer LeBron. And, that's even with the Mavs not picking up their option for Josh Howard, they wouldn't have max space.

The Mavs more than likely could find a way to move Damp's contract for some better role players. If the Lakers can deal Kwame for Gasol, I'm sure there is a way to deal Damp for some decent role players. Plus, if they can get Lebron, I doubt they would bother wasting time trying to get Josh Howard back.

Mark Cuban is an owner that appears to be the type many players have liked to play for. But, players don't hesitate to leave the Mavericks either despite that. And, who knows if Cuban will even still be the owner of the Mavs in the summer of 2010, considering his current legal issues?

Okay, what players worth keeping walked away from the Mavs? Steve Nash is the ONLY one, and thats because Cuban wasn't willing to give an aging PG with back problems such a massive contract. And people can say the MVP crap if they want... fact is, there is no way in he wins those MVPs staying in Dallas because of the way the team was built. He walked into a situation that is a DREAM for any pass-first PG.

The Mavs look bad. They look like they're getting worse and they're not in the position to rebuild.

They were in the finals not long ago, and won 67 two years ago. Obviously, they aren't what they were before, but they aren't that bad. They still won over 50 games and made the playoffs last year. They have had a bad start, but since when do starts mean anything?

I don't think Dallas is even on LeBron radar of possible destinations should he leave Cleveland in the summer 2010.

Maybe, maybe not. Its not like I'm saying he will be coming. I think there is a 90% (or better) chance he stays in Cleveland. If he leaves, I think the only places that would be capable of luring him that he would consider are as I said, NY, NJ, or Dallas... all big market cities that he has openly expressed a liking for. I would say LA too, but with their situation right now, its not going to happen.

[stretch]

Thing is, can Dallas afford him? I thought Kidd ed everything up for 2010.

His contract (which is MASSIVE) expires this summer.

[Thunder Dan]

LeBron James not invested in joining the Nets, report says
by Frank Della Femina/NJ.com
Wednesday November 19, 2008, 8:39 AM
Noah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerLeBron James wants to go where the championships are, but will keep his options open as he edges closer to 2010 free agency.
Never mind LeBron James' 31 point performance last night in the Cavs' 106-82 win over the Nets last night. There was only one thing on the minds of New Jersey Nets fans as King James came to town: Will he sign with the Nets in 2010.

In today's Star-Ledger, writer Dave D'Alessandro's article on LeBron James touches up on the subject of player-to-franchise loyalty, something that will no doubt play a factor in 2010 when James is a free agent. In that article, James said:

"The franchise is going to do what's best for the franchise. For some odd reason, when the players do what's best for the players, it always comes back on us. It almost looks bad. But when a franchise gives up on a player, it's okay."

New York Post columnist Jay Greenberg tackles the subject of LeBron James' free agency as well. Yet Greenberg single-handedly dished a comment from LeBron James that may be a morale crusher for the LeBron-to-NJ hopefuls:

"We all seen the cutting of the ribbon, but that's the last thing we saw with the Nets moving to Brooklyn," he said. "I'm not sure if that's still in the works, but I'm not invested in the team, so I can sleep good at night."

In fact, Greenberg says there isn't much out there that can potentially lure LeBron away from Cleveland. James has said he wants to go where the championships are, and even said this season's Cavs team is one of the best he's played. Even the list of potential endorsements wouldn't be enough to lure him in:

"Unless Nike steps up with some massive, eight-figure, Michael-Jordan-equity-type of deal to have him in New York, LeBron is not going to make more money there," said Chicago-based sports business consultant Marc Ganis. "And in this economic climate, we don't know where Nike will be [in 2010].

Does that one comment close out the hopes of landing LeBron Nets fans, or is there still hope for 2010? Comment below.

http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/200...sted_in_n.html

[stretch]

It's laughably stupid to say LeBron will go to the Mavs, or that there's anything more than a very very slim chance of that happening. It's also laughably stupid to say that Dallas makes zero sense for LeBron. The Mavs as an entire organization and Dallas as a city make plenty of sense for LeBron. Just not nearly as much sense as staying in Cleveland or leaving for New York.

[hater]

i hope Lebron leaves. ive had it with watching the Cavs on tv every week.

think about that. you would rather watch 24/7 New York Knicks sucking???

[JamStone]

I have nothing to say regarding the rest of your post, because LeBron will never play for the Mavericks, but Cuban is embroiled in a civil action with the SEC. As long as he doesn't perjure himself, there's no chance of it becoming a criminal matter. He will be the owner of the Mavericks as long as he wants to be.

I chose my words wisely. I didn't use the word "criminal." I used "legal."

And, I'm not saying he definitely won't be the owner. I'm saying with the current "legal" issues, if hits the fan, he may not be. And, it won't necessarily be because of going to jail or something like that. He could be reluctantly forced out by the league. We all know Stern is a dictator and that something like this could have Stern act. That's my take on it. You're more than en led to disagree.

[SpursDynasty]

I'm just wondering why does everyone give a damn about where LeBron goes? He's already in an easy conference and hasn't won a championship. He could go to the Nets, Mavericks, Knicks, he'll never get to a championship-caliber team because they wouldn't have the money for him. He will never win a championship.

[JamStone]

As mono said... hes the one that brought up the idea of coming to Dallas first.

And, when the Pistons traded Billups for Iverson, there were several articles by ESPN writers that said Dumars was angling to get LeBron in 2010, with over $25 million in cap space and having connections in Detroit as well and Detroit poised to be still championship caliber with the addition of LeBron. How come Detroit wasn't on your list of possible destinations? Why? Because there's zero chance of LeBron going to Detroit, just like there's zero chance of LeBron going to Dallas.

I'm sure that the chance to play with Lebron and hopefully get a le would be more than enough to lure him back for less money.

Until Dirk signs an extension, you can't bank on that. And, it's a catch-22 as well. Dirk will wait for an assurance that LeBron can be acquired and if not he may leave. LeBron won't even consider Dallas unless Dirk is locked up for several years. And, the cycle will go back and forth. Dallas can't guarantee to Dirk that they'll get LeBron. And, Dirk's not signing an extension if they don't a guy like LeBron.

The Mavs more than likely could find a way to move Damp's contract for some better role players. If the Lakers can deal Kwame for Gasol, I'm sure there is a way to deal Damp for some decent role players. Plus, if they can get Lebron, I doubt they would bother wasting time trying to get Josh Howard back.

Funny with how a lot of Mavs fans said there was collusion with the Kwame/Gasol trade but you want to use it as an example of being able to dump Dampier. Dampier's contract is much harder to move specifically because it does NOT expire in the summer of 2010. Every single team in the NBA is positioning itself for a chance at LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Amare. But, you're sure there will be someone that will want to add $13 million that passes that summer of 2010? Not likely. I already said I was using numbers even with Josh Howard not returning. Dirk, $21.5 million. Damp, $13 million. Terry, $10.6 million. Diop, $6 million. That's $51 million on four players alone. The Mavs won't have cap space to offer LeBron a max contract. LeBron is not signing for less than the max.

Okay, what players worth keeping walked away from the Mavs? Steve Nash is the ONLY one, and thats because Cuban wasn't willing to give an aging PG with back problems such a massive contract. And people can say the MVP crap if they want... fact is, there is no way in he wins those MVPs staying in Dallas because of the way the team was built. He walked into a situation that is a DREAM for any pass-first PG.

You're right here.

They were in the finals not long ago, and won 67 two years ago. Obviously, they aren't what they were before, but they aren't that bad. They still won over 50 games and made the playoffs last year. They have had a bad start, but since when do starts mean anything?

Starts don't mean much, I agree. How about the last two ends of the seasons for the Mavs?

Maybe, maybe not. Its not like I'm saying he will be coming. I think there is a 90% (or better) chance he stays in Cleveland. If he leaves, I think the only places that would be capable of luring him that he would consider are as I said, NY, NJ, or Dallas... all big market cities that he has openly expressed a liking for. I would say LA too, but with their situation right now, its not going to happen.

It's Cleveland and New York and that's it. Dallas has no chance.

[monosylab1k]

And, when the Pistons traded Billups for Iverson, there were several articles by ESPN writers that said Dumars was angling to get LeBron in 2010, with over $25 million in cap space and having connections in Detroit as well and Detroit poised to be still championship caliber with the addition of LeBron. How come Detroit wasn't on your list of possible destinations? Why? Because there's zero chance of LeBron going to Detroit, just like there's zero chance of LeBron going to Dallas.

No, it's because LeBron, nor anyone close to him, has ever mentioned that he'd consider playing for the Pistons the way that he already has with the Mavericks.

Starts don't mean much, I agree. How about the last two ends of the seasons for the Mavs?

They were in the playoffs and didn't win a championship. Just like LeBron's team.

[Iakchos Kadmos]

Please be marking my words. He will be playing in Greece!

[Findog]

I chose my words wisely. I didn't use the word "criminal." I used "legal."

And, I'm not saying he definitely won't be the owner. I'm saying with the current "legal" issues, if hits the fan, he may not be. And, it won't necessarily be because of going to jail or something like that. He could be reluctantly forced out by the league. We all know Stern is a dictator and that something like this could have Stern act. That's my take on it. You're more than en led to disagree.

I'd be surprised if Stern forces him out over this. He hasn't been fined for any officiating criticism since the 06 Finals. Cuban has learned to hold his fire on that. Plus, Stern is smart enough to realize that the Mavericks are a much stronger and healthier franchise under Cuban's stewardship than they were under H. Ross Perot. For all of Cuban's "antics," he has done a good job of making the team compe ive and profitable. I would imagine Stern would prefer more Cubans, not less.

[JamStone]

So it's enough that a "source" close to LeBron to say that LeBron would like playing for Paul Allen and the Portland Trailblazers to be enough to believe he has a genuine interest?

[JamStone]

I'd be surprised if Stern forces him out over this. He hasn't been fined for any officiating criticism since the 06 Finals. Cuban has learned to hold his fire on that. Plus, Stern is smart enough to realize that the Mavericks are a much stronger and healthier franchise under Cuban's stewardship than they were under H. Ross Perot. For all of Cuban's "antics," he has done a good job of making the team compe ive and profitable. I would imagine Stern would prefer more Cubans, not less.

Not right now. I said IF hits the fan.

[monosylab1k]

So it's enough that a "source" close to LeBron to say that LeBron would like playing for Paul Allen and the Portland Trailblazers to be enough to believe he has a genuine interest?

Certainly bodes better than the resounding silence coming from LeBron's camp regarding playing in Detroit.

[monosylab1k]

Then again, nobody in their right mind thought A-Rod would sign with the Rangers, so who knows.

[Red Hawk #21]

Please be marking my words. He will be playing in Greece!

[Thunder Dan]

Then again, nobody in their right mind thought A-Rod would sign with the Rangers, so who knows.

but that was becuase they offered the most money. Lebron will get the same offers from the Knicks, Nets, Mavs, Pistons, Bobcats, Heat, Thunder....the only team that can offer him more is the Cavs

[JamStone]

I specifically said there's zero chance at LeBron going to the Pistons. What's your point.

So forget that the Mavericks can't offer him a max contract in 2010 and that the Mavs suck. Dallas is still a possibility.

[Findog]

Not right now. I said IF hits the fan.

What do you consider to be " hitting the fan?" Because Cuban admits that he received material non-public information and sold shares based on it. His legal defense is that he wasn't bound by a duty of confidentiality, while the SEC says he is. This isn't like Martha Stewart where she perjured herself and covered up her actions. This is a dispute about the interpretation of the law.

[JamStone]

Then again, nobody in their right mind thought A-Rod would sign with the Rangers, so who knows.

Dallas won't even be able to offer $10 million a year, much less a max contract.

[monosylab1k]

So forget that the Mavericks can't offer him a max contract in 2010 and that the Mavs suck. Dallas is still a possibility.

Hey if you don't like it, don't get mad at us. Take it up with LeBron - he's the one who said Dallas is a possibility.

[JamStone]

What do you consider to be " hitting the fan?" Because Cuban admits that he received material non-public information and sold shares based on it. His legal defense is that he wasn't bound by a duty of confidentiality, while the SEC says he is. This isn't like Martha Stewart where she perjured herself and covered up her actions. This is a dispute about the interpretation of the law.

I don't know the legal issues of the case. I don't know all the facts of the suit. But, I figure in a case about insider trading, there's still the potential of something much bigger getting exposed. I wasn't comparing it with Martha Stewart. But, if things go terribly wrong somehow, that could be the " hitting the fan." Just using that expression to say something, anything ed up that might happen.

[JamStone]

Hey if you don't like it, don't get mad at us. Take it up with LeBron - he's the one who said Dallas is a possibility.

I thought it was a "source." Now, it's LeBron specifically said he wants to play for Dallas in a public quote? Can I see the quote and story? It's evolved from "liking the city of Dallas" to a "source saying LeBron would want to play for Dallas" to LeBron outright saying Dallas is a possibility?

I'm not mad if you think Dallas is a possibility. I'm expressing an opinion that it has zero chance of happening. If you don't like that, take it up with statistics and probability.