LeBron Free Agency 2010

[tidho]

Bar stool GM's have been telling us the Cavaliers don't have options to improve for years now and Ferry still manages to upgrade every time. The whole concept of 'cannot get better' is just silly.

I think Chicago and Dallas, among others, are certainly attractive options, but the only way he goes to New York is if he has it in his head that he wants to be there. It will certainly have nothing to do with the Knicks' roster.

In a global marketplace, the city he plays in really means nothing. I don't think the business side of things will come into play at all. The only think that makes LeBron bigger than he already is, is winning.

Cleveland has an ownership group, and facilities that are second to none. They've shown a commitment to winning and given LeBron an enormous amount of control. Plus LeBron is from here and has seen first hand the response to Boozer 'betraying us'.

I hope he recognizes that we are where we are because his lack of long term commitment has never afforded us the opportunity to do anything but short term quick fixes.

[TheOUTLAW]

Cup half empty; cup half full. You decide. In the end, is it better to continuously win 40 games a year and have no hope or aspirations of a championship, or is it better to win 50+ games year-in and year-out, and have a shot? We can debate this all day, everyday, all year, every year (and we have), but the truth is that it is better to have the opportunity and never win a title, than to never have had the opportunity to begin with.

Case closed!

When a team does not play in the NBA finals how do they have a shot at a championship? From Dan Gilbert's view, it would be better to have a losing team that makes him money instead of a contender if they are not going to be winning an NBA title. The real truth is that there is no difference between the 2nd best team and the worst team in professional sports. Often, the worst team is at least in a better position to improve themselves for the future.

In the end, no one cares about the great Utah Jazz, Pheonix Suns, or Dallas Mavericks teams. All anyone remembers is who wins the title. File everyone else under the "not good enough" category.

That is a ridiculous view. No way do people view the Nets and the Cavs the same. In addition there is more than the net annual revenue to take into consideration. The franchise as a whole increases in value as the team wins versus losing.

[old skool]

Bar stool GM's have been telling us the Cavaliers don't have options to improve for years now and Ferry still manages to upgrade every time. The whole concept of 'cannot get better' is just silly.

I am guilty of thinking that the Cavs could not improve. Ferry proved me wrong. Or at least other GMs proved me wrong with their willingness to trade something fore nothing in an attempt to save money or clear cap space.

But in the end, Ferry did not accomplish as much as it seemed. He assembled players that looked good, but a big part of that was looking good next to Lebron. You should look good if your best player routinely gets double or triple teamed. But the pieces did not fit well together. Shaq or Ilguaskas or Varejão at center? Three very different players, with different skill sets and different approaches to the game.

Shaq was a player designed for the playoffs. He coasted during the regular season. But instead of ramping up his intensity in the playoffs, he struggled to fit in.

The issue for Ferry is not whether or not the Cavs can improve. Rather, it is can they hope to improve in the sexy way that the Knicks or the Clippers or the Bulls or the Nets can improve. Can they add an established superstar? No, probably not. Few teams can do that. So when they pitch their improvement plan to Lebron, it will seem pretty bland compared to whatever they have to offer in those other cities. And that does not even consider the S&T options that abound.

For Lebron to remain in Cleveland, he will have to look past the glitz of instant roster upgrade that some teams will offer. He will have to look past the brighter lights of bigger markets and the opportunities for greater fame. I think that it is less about whether or not the Cavs can improve and more about Lebron's ability to understand that winning takes work and a bit of luck, and that there are no shortcuts.

oLd sKool

[TheOUTLAW]

Shaq struggled after the injury. Before that he actually had gotten to the point where he fit in just fine.

[SJSF]

I just don't think LeBron should leave the Cavs. i am a Sixers fanand the best chance he has in winning is stay put and to continue to tinker with the team. If LeBron does go to the Knicks i will truly hate LeBron cause he will be just like every other superstar. Just selfish. Leaving for the endorsment money and the glamour. And if that happens i hope he blows out a knee. I am so against FA.

[Del_Choc]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp9h3Q0BrOM[/youtube]

Stay Home Bron!

[Baseline Runner]

I'm starting to think Lebron will stay, anyone else think the same? His other options just seem to have too many downsides.

[Gordon Bombay]

I'm starting to think Lebron will stay, anyone else think the same? His other options just seem to have too many downsides.

maybe, but we have got to fix this team's makeup to get back to a title contender

[Pula_86]

All the signs are pointing to James heading elsewhere. The recent ESPN story is troubling. Not because it sounds like James might be leaving, but how pathetic some of the folks in Cleveland are acting. I cannot understand why people are so invested in a guy who clearly does not care about the city. This is not the first time people in Cleveland have put their stock in someone so undeserving. Cleveland has a lot of problems, but there is a lot to take pride in as well.

If LeBron wants to leave, it is not big deal. LeBron has proven to be a narcissist at every turn and it is very old at this point. The Cavs main problem has been that their whole strategy has been centered around feeding LeBron's ego instead of building an actual team (e.g. The signing of Boobie Gibson to a long term deal, the signing of Larry Hughes, and trade for Antawn Jamison).

The Cavs biggest asset is their owner, Dan Gilbert, who I firmly believe is committed to bringing a championship to Cleveland. He has shown as much through the money that he is spent. Regardless of LeBron's decision, the organization need to make the decision that will build the best team for the future. Already with the decision to fire Mike Brown, the Cavs are off to a good start. While the talent did not match up with the San Antonio Spurs defensive philosophy, Mike Brown still failed to get the most out of the talent that he had. I am still not sure if Danny Ferry is a good GM because LeBron's influence colors too much of his decision making. It should be interesting to see what Gilbert does with Ferry.

One thing is clear: That there will be a major roster overhaul once again. It is unlikely that Big Z or Shaq will be back. Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker, Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, and Delonte West are attractive assets as a piece of the puzzle. Looking toward the future I am not sure what to think about J.J. Hickson. I am hoping the Cavs will try to purchase a 1st round pick in the draft to add a young guy. In any case, it is an exciting off-season for the Cavs and I think the most important in terms of building a foundation for the future.

[rjgraca]

Interesting article from New York no less about Lebron. I guess we will find out come July if Lebron's talk about loyalty is hypocritical or not since the CAVs have bent over backwards for him. The CAVs also have former players like Larry Nance, Campy Russel and Austin Carr working for them.

LeBron gets assist from inner circle

As one James insider told The Post, “Loyalty is part of his DNA.”

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert seized on James’ alliances, strengthening a friendship with Wesley, who, like Gilbert, lives in suburban Detroit. Gilbert became close with Carter, inviting him onto his personal jet and the owner’s suite for games.

Gilbert hired Mims and Team LeBron still receives unprecedented perks. On the road, James’ inner circle and their friends reportedly get premium tickets — usually reserved for the opposing team’s general managers and owners — with higher priority than Cavaliers personnel.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/l ... r462LKAL/0

[Grime_Wizard]

I really hope that happens, the Dirk stuff is more realistic than Amare of Bosh. Dirk + LeBron= Ring, becuase LeBron would finally have a #2 and someone who doesnt choke in the playoffs.

[RRT]

yeah Cle isnt Chi where they just **** on their players after they leave.

[heathmalc]

We [as fans] love to debate when it comes to our favorite teams. We love to argue the benefits of various decisions made by the team, versus non-decisions made by the team. It is our inner General Manager, or Owner that brings out the best in these debates.

What we often forget to think about is the human-factor when it comes to these decisions and debates. We see LeBron and other players simply as chess pieces that we want to move in a particular fashion. Sometimes our thinking agrees with the thinking of the front office of our team; other times it doesn't - this is what causes the debates.

Many of you believe that LeBron may be leaving the Cavaliers. Your reasoning includes everything from money to championship opportunities. Many of the arguments that are made on the behalf of the above reasons, are sound. However, you cannot replicate certain things, regardless of the money your team may be willing to spend, or the possibility of more championships or a higher level of idolatry.

This is where the human-factor exists. LeBron has his mini-castle in Akron, Ohio. He was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. All of his closest friends are from either Akron, or the Cleveland area. LeBron's future wife is from Akron. All her friends are from Akron or Cleveland-area. LeBrons young boys are from Akron (obviously). Their friends are in Akron (obviously). I too have a boy that is the same age as LeBron's oldest. My wife and I base many of our decisions on what is best for our son. We recently turned down a very lucrative opportunity because it would have effected our son too much. If LeBron were to leave the Cavaliers, he would become a pariah in Ohio. That means that he could no longer live in Ohio...nor could his children, or his future wife. Why, you ask? What type of adulation would LeBron receive from Ohio residents if he went to play in New York, Chicago, or any other city? Do you think that the friends of his closest friends would not feel the backlash? Do you think that his future wife would not hear about it every time she left the confines of the castle? Do you think that his children would not hear the continuous booing of their father from the people that live closest to them? The ENTIRE family, and the network, would have to leave Akron. After you think about all of these things that will effect the people who are closest to LeBron, think about how it will effect LeBron. He would no longer be the messiah that he is now; at least not in any city in Ohio. Everytime he went to the Akron area, he would hear as many boos (or more) as he would cheers. Do you think LeBron is a real robot? One that has no feelings? Do you really believe that he wants to give up everything he has achieved for the "opportunity" to possibly get more? I say "opportunity" because there are no guarantees. No guarantee that his fame would increase; no guarantee that he would win a championship (or more), no guarantees that he will ever have the security he currently has within the Cavs organization, and the city of Cleveland and Akron. LeBron can actually go shopping at the store in Akron; without being mugged for autographs. He can go to the park with his boys, without being harassed. Is he willing to give up all of this? Is he willing to give up all of this, and give up the extra money that the Cavs can offer? Is he willing to give up all of these things for an opportunity?

An opportunity that may be no more than a mirage.

LeBron will stay in Cleveland. Have no doubt!

[LEIF]

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/01/le ... ree-agent/



Cavs have edge when Lebron hits free agency.

[hammel123]

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/01/lebron-cleveland-has-edge-when-hes-free-agent/
Cavs have edge when Lebron hits free agency.

King asked James, "Do you lean at all toward the place you know the best? I mean do they have an edge going in?"

"Oh, absolutely," James said.

-------------------------
Looking from the outside, Cleveland has by far the best chance to resign Lebron. Remember the league office is heavily promoting and encouraging speculation around this year's free agency. Speculation drums up interest=money and espn shills are only happy to oblige (now that abc is the official network of the nba). Notice how improbably LA's been introduced as a destination for some of the free agents. This completes the trifecta of agitating fans in all the largest markets

The reality is Lebron stays, unless something goes wrong within the organization/ownership. As far as trades, if they can shed some of their expiring contracts and bring in Joe Johnson, get a savvier coach, Cleveland will probably win it all

[old skool]

yeah Cle isnt Chi where they just **** on their players after they leave.

How right you are.

Except for former SG Pete Meyers, who is a Bulls assistant coach.

And except for former center Stacy King, who is a Bulls TV broadcast analyst.

And except for former forward Bob Love who was washing dishes in Seattle before the Bulls got him some help with a speech therapist so that he could become a Bulls ambassador.

And except for former guard Kendall Gill who is a TV studio analyst on Bulls broadcasts.

And except for former guard Scottie Pippen who the Bulls signed to a two year $10-million contract at the end of his career, even though it was clear that the only way he could contribute would be as a role model.

And except for former guard Lindsey Hunter who is a Bulls assistant coach.

And except for former center Bill Wennington who is a Bulls radio broadcast analyst.

And except for former guard Michael Jordan who they continued to pay his full NBA salary even after he retired from the Bulls and was playing minor league baseball for a team owned by the Bulls owner.

And except for former center Bill Cartwright, who had a serious throat condition that prevented him from coaching until the Bulls paid for larynx surgery, made him an assistant coach and later promoted him to be the Bulls head coach.

And except for former guard John Paxson, who they hired as a Bulls radio analyst, and then as a Bulls assistant coach, and later as the Bulls GM, and now is the Bulls Vice-president of basketball operations.

And except for former #2 overall draft pick guard Jay Williams who almost killed himself driving a motorcycle, and even though driving a motorcycle was sufficient grounds to void his contract because he was clearly and specifically prohibited from riding a motorcycle under the terms of his contract, the Bulls paid him for the remaining two years of his rookie contract, even though he was unable to play basketball in any way.

And except for former guard Jerry Sloan, who they hired as Bulls head coach.

And except for former guard Bob Weiss, who they hired as Bulls head coach.

And except for former guard Norm Van Lier, who they hired as Bulls TV studio analyst, a position he held until his death.

And except for former head coach Johnny Kerr, who they hired as Bulls TV broadcast analyst, a position he held until his death.

And except for former guard Randy Brown, who is their Director of Player Development.

And except for former guard, Billy McKinney who they hired as a scout and later promoted to Bulls Assistant Vice-President of Basketball Operations.

How right you are.

[Pula_86]

Also, don't forget that MJ was offered a position in the front office, but decided he wanted to own a team. Thank you for posting this because there are plenty of posters willing to spread lies to denigrate an organization that is one of best run in NBA history.

I see no reason in overanalyzing LeBron's free agency and feeding his ego. If he stays in Cleveland that's fine (I would rather him go) and if he goes the Cavs still have a first class owner committed to winning and great fans. Regardless of what Lebron does, the sun will still rise in Cleveland.

[KING JAMES1978]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7MddO49tLE

LeBron will stay in Cleveland.Personally I'm sure he'll stay.

[heathmalc]

Since so many of you seem to be totally unaware of the salary cap, and it's affect on what LeBron and other free-agents do, I will educate you as to why LeBron is very unlikely to sign as a free-agent in another city. The only way it would make sense for him to leave Cleveland, is through a sign & trade; which is extremely unlikely. I will also explain why LeBron is most likely to sign an extension, as opposed to signing a new, 6-year deal with the Cavaliers as a free-agent.

Reasoning: The most another team can pay LeBron next season is 105% of this past season's salary. The equates to $16,568,907. If he signs an extension with the Cavs, then his salary is $ 17,149,243. Over the course of a 5 year extension, LeBron would make $134 million ($133,997,426). Over the course of a new 5-year deal with a new team, LeBron would make $97 million ($97,203,159). That is a difference of 36.7 million dollars. In addition to that, after the contract is up in Cleveland, his first year's salary following a new extension or re-sign, would be $31,218,970... he'd be 30 years old. The most another team could pay him following the end of their contract? $24,908,702... a $7 million dollar difference; or $85,365.85 per game difference.

Those are the monetary reasons. However, there are flexibility issues to consider also. With the Cavaliers, LeBron has Bird-rights. This would mean that the Cavaliers could make provisions in LeBrons contract where he could opt-out while he was still young. If LeBron were to sign with a new team, then he'd have to stay for 3 full seasons (through the 2012-2013 season) before he would again have Bird-Rights... he'd be turning 29 that year. That would basically mean that if LeBron chose to leave, he'd HAVE to go to a team that was ALREADY good, and gave him a SUPER chance of winning multiple championships. LeBron cannot afford to wait until he is 28 for another team to become a serious contender; it doesn't leave LeBron much wiggle-room for his next contract.

In-addition to the above reasons, the next CBA is expected to change a lot of things that players currently have in their favor. One of those things is the number of years that a player can sign a contract for. The League wants to limit it to a maximum of 4 years. For a 29 year old LeBron, that would mean that he would be turning 34 on his last contract, and his salary would be no less than 8 million less than what it would be in Cleveland. Back to the Bird-rights: With the Cavaliers, LeBron essentially gains 2 more maximum salary playing seasons, which at the time of the contract, would be around 80 million dollars. Because the Cavaliers already have his Bird-rights, they could add-in ETO options early in the contract, allowing LeBron's 3rd contract to end while he was 28. This would give LeBron the advantage of using the new CBA rules to maximize his playing career - assuming a 4 yr contract will become the new max. If it is 5 or six, then the Cavs would only add the ETO in the final year of the extension. It works the same either way. Whereas the new team doesn't have that luxury, forcing LeBron to try and sign his last contract when he was 34 or 35... at which time he will definitely not be the best in the league.

We have discussed the money, and the flexibility issues. Now, let us discuss personal life and the perceptions that people will have. If LeBron leaves the Cavaliers, he will be FORCED to win a championship very quickly. If he doesn't, then he will be lucky to make it into the top 20 players of all-time list. Clyde "the glide" Drexler was a very similar player to LeBron. Many people thought he was a lock to be a top-3 of all time. He was Jordans' only real competition during his entire career. Yet, because Clyde failed so much , in multiple places, he is now known to most people as just another player...some of you probably don't even know who he was. This is LeBron's fate if he doesn't succeed and quickly, in a new town. LeBron will be looked at as a player who moved from a team that had the best record in back-2-back seasons, to a new team that paid a lot for him, and also had a good team, but couldn't get it done where-ever he was. He will be looked upon as a player with great gifts, that simply couldn't put it all together. If he stays in Cleveland, and NEVER wins a championship, he will still have people that question him... but there will be no questioning that the Cavs had some great teams, and he was the reason why.

His personal life is also a reasoning. He has always lived in the Cleveland area...as has his children, girlfriend, entire family. All of his friends,etc. The smells, the level of comfort... they would all disappear. Have you ever moved from where you grew up, and lived most of your life...to another State? I have. There is always something missing. I have great friends where I live now...a good life. Yet, none of it replaces where I came from... it is a hole in your stomach that cannot be filled. In LeBron's case, it would be worse. He would be frowned at whenever he returned. He is looked upon as a deity in Ohio...especially NE Ohio. All of that would be gone forever!!!! Imagine if he were to goto New York with Bosh... and they didn't win a Championship. LeBron would not only lose tons of NBA salary... but his endorsements and other businesses would take a hit as well; costing him even more money. Add to that all of the support that he would lose in Ohio. He would no longer have a home. He'd have houses...a bunch of them. But they'd never be "HOME."

The NY papers talk about how LeBron could buy stock in MSG... and how that'd be more income. What about the fact that Dan Gilbert is building Casinos? You think that he hasn't thought about how he could sell a percentage to LeBron? Casinos bring top talents to perform... and they make TONS of money. LeBron wants to be a billionaire. A part owner of a casino or two would certainly put him well on his way...long before he ever turned 30.

The Cavaliers may not have won a championship, but they do have a good team... a very good team. They need to make some tweaks, and get more young players with talent, but the Cavaliers are a known commodity that continues to grow. Is the risk worth the reward for LeBron to leave? Let us look at the facts:

In Cleveland: LeBron is KING... He has access to anything and everything. He gets whatever he wants. If he wins just one title, he is a hero in the annals of Ohio history forever. He will make more money in Ohio. He will always be #1 in Ohio as long as he stays...he'd even win an election for Governor.

Other cities: Even if he were to win 3 straight titles...right away... he will never recoupe the approximate 110 million extra he'd make with the Cavs over the life of his career. He'd never reach the same status in another city that he has here. He'd always be "just another player" somewhere else. He'd lose Ohio FOREVER!

Want some proof of what I am saying? Lets look at Kevin Garnette for a moment. In 2008, he was a hero...he was one of the greatest Celtics of all time... all any Celtic fan could talk about was how Kevin was a Celtic great, and had finally found his home. ONE year after WINNING the title, Celtic fans were wanting to trade KG to another team!!! As little as 3 weeks ago, Celtic fans were posting on forums about how they had to get rid of KG...how he was washed up! If LeBron stays in Cleveland, that will not ever happen. BUT... if he goes to another town, and doesn't produce a championship the very first year, then there will be rumblings. If he doesn't win it the second year, there will be shouts for him to be traded immediately...how he was a mistake; over-rated. If he doesn't win by the 3rd season, there will be a lynch mob, led by the Mayor of said city!

It really makes no sense for LeBron to leave. Even in the best of scenarios, all he can hope to do is come close to what he already has in Cleveland. But that is the best scenario... the worst... you (and LeBron) would rather not know that!!!

[mcfly1204]

LeBron signs a 3 year deal regardless of where he goes. He will be 28 when that deal expires, in his prime, and also will have been in the league for 10 seasons which means he can get a maxed out max contract. After that 6 year deal, LeBron will be 34, and will probably garner another large deal.