NBA free agency July 1, 2010

[primetime]

Well, it's almost here. NBA free agency. Of course, the world (NBA fans) are waiting to see what Lebron James does. Personally, I think he stays in Cleveland. Why?

Because Lebron leaving Cleveland will be the most evil thing in sports ever. Everyone knows I have absolutely ZERO love for Cleveland (ain't that right Kis? ), but I would feel horrible for the Cavalier fans. The organization has done everything in their power to help Lebron win a title. They added Mo Williams, Shaq, Jamison, to help win a championship. Unlike Kobe Bryant's ranting a few years back, Lebron was on the NUMBER ONE team in basketball in the regular season. You saw him dancing and joking with the guys on the team. You saw him thank all of them for back to back MVPs. Now, he's going to leave them?

If he leaves, Lebron is basically saying his teammates suck. He can't win with those guys. You mean to tell me the guys who won over 60 games for two years in a row all of the sudden can't win? Is Lebron really that cold?

Plus, if you can get the Governor of a State to participate in a We are the world" type song to help persuade Lebron, then dammit, Lebron has to stay. Besides, Lebron brings revenue into Ohio. If he leaves, Cleveland will have some losses because no one would want to see the Cavs play after that.

I really can't see him leaving. If he does, then he will be the most cold blooded free agent ever. It would be different if the Cavs sucked. Then by all means, LEAVE. But they didn't suck. Well, compared to the Lakers they did, but you get my point.

As for everyone else, I think Dwyane Wade stays in Miami and gets Amare Stoudemire. Bosh will go to Cleveland, and the Knicks will be, well, the Knicks.....

July 1 is going to be very interesting. Will the home State kid leave that State in the lurch?

 

[Cy/MiG]

Because Lebron leaving Cleveland will be the most evil thing in sports ever.

After every NBA Referee, Al Davis, Sonicsgate, Gretzky leaving Edmonton, Modell moving the Browns, the Colts leaving Baltimore in the middle of the night, David Littlfield and Eric Lindros.

Now, he's going to leave them?

Yes.

If he leaves, Lebron is basically saying his teammates suck. He can't win with those guys.

They do and he can't.

You mean to tell me the guys who won over 60 games for two years in a row all of the sudden can't win?

Not in the playoffs, no.

Is Lebron really that cold?

He's that smart.

If he does, then he will be the most cold blooded free agent ever.

Carlos Boozer and Eltron Brand say hello.

As for everyone else, I think Dwyane Wade stays in Miami and gets Amare Stoudemire. Bosh will go to Cleveland, and the Knicks will be, well, the Knicks.....

Reports have LeBum and Bosh in Chi-Town (apparently Stephan A Smith reported this).

Most reports also have Joe Johnson and Amare going to NY (who can offer two max deals)

Wade will probably stay in Miami, who might nab Amare or a Tyson Chandler type.

Then there's Dirk, PP and Ray-Ray (among others) out there.

But none of this matters, because unless Bosh AND LeBron go to Chicago, no team has a shot of beating the Lakers next year.

 

[primetime]

Lebron leaving Cleveland will be the most evil thing in sports because unlike the other scenarios you mentioned, none of those people were "begged" to stay. None of those scenarios had an entire State begging them to stay. It would be heartless of Lebron to leave. I thought Lebron was a lovable guy...

Um, it is funny how people say Lebron's teammates suck NOW. Where was all this criticism when they were rolling in the regular season? They had the BEST RECORD two years in a row. Now they suck? Granted, I was saying that, but according to people on this forum, I was looking through Laker-colored glasses. No one was saying Cleveland sucks when they were winning. They lose in the playoffs, and now they suck. Funny how people can turn...

This would be a whole different story if Cleveland wasn't making the playoffs, or barely made them. They had home court advantage throughout the playoffs. When Shaq was added, and Jamison, people were lauding the move. Now that they lost, people say it was a bad move. Ah, but then again, I was saying that. But I'm looking through Laker-colored glasses.....

Lebron is from Ohio. He knows how much they love him there and they want him there. To turn his back on them, Lebron would be the most evil guy. Move over Art Moddell. Lebron was a "hero".

If Lebron does leave, just remember this tidbit. Kobe never left the Lakers and he could have, TWICE. If Lebron leaves, that would go to show you that he can't lead a team to the title, he is a ring chaser. Kobe never did that.... And people say Lebron is better than Kobe...hahahahahahahahaha

As for the rest, I honestly think D-Wade and Lebron stay where they are. It will be guys like Bosh, Amare, and Joe Johnson that will make the biggest moves. The one team that I hope doesn't cash in is.....Oklahoma City. If they get a Bosh or a Boozer, that team will be scary good.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

Bosh and Lebron to chicago

Joe Johnson and Amare to the Knicks

Wade stays with the heat and the heat sign Dirk

 

[Cy/MiG]

Lebron leaving Cleveland will be the most evil thing in sports because unlike the other scenarios you mentioned, none of those people were "begged" to stay.

True, but both Brand and Boozer stabbed their teams in the back big time. And in the case of Brand, he forced the Clips to sign Baron Davis.

There are probably better examples of creepier players, but those two spring to mind.

Um, it is funny how people say Lebron's teammates suck NOW. Where was all this criticism when they were rolling in the regular season? They had the BEST RECORD two years in a row. Now they suck? Granted, I was saying that, but according to people on this forum, I was looking through Laker-colored glasses. No one was saying Cleveland sucks when they were winning. They lose in the playoffs, and now they suck. Funny how people can turn...

You're right, I am exaggerating; they don't suck.

They're just not as good as what Chi-town, Miami or other teams can offer. Would you rather play with A+ players like Derrick Rose, Bosh, or Wade... or with Antawn, Delonte and a bunch of other B- players?

Then, of course, the Knicks can make him a billionaire and the Nets may be able to as well, so...

If Lebron does leave, just remember this tidbit. Kobe never left the Lakers and he could have, TWICE. If Lebron leaves, that would go to show you that he can't lead a team to the title, he is a ring chaser. Kobe never did that.... And people say Lebron is better than Kobe...hahahahahahahahaha

Okay, I don't mean to argue, but...

How does Kobe demanding a trade and not following through with it and getting Shaq traded and Phil ousted (dismantling a dynasty) equal better than what LeBron may do?

Kobe's a great (legendary) player, but he's not a great person.

The one team that I hope doesn't cash in is.....Oklahoma City. If they get a Bosh or a Boozer, that team will be scary good.

Please... I beg of you...don't remind me of what should be the next great SONICS team...

It hurts...

😡 🙁

 

[10 armed tkler]

Could they have made this Free agency anymore boring with there waiting and eating all the attention up crap. I do not know why they get it...none of them beside Wade has won a title.

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

Could they have made this Free agency anymore boring with there waiting and eating all the attention up crap. I do not know why they get it...none of them beside Wade has won a title.

When LeBron signs it will be a dominoe effect to the other premier free agents

 

[Mitchell]

Knicks just signed Amare Stoudamiare to a five year, 100 mil deal.

The NY Times is claiming that the Knicks are also making a serious pitch for Lebron James. As we NBA fans know, the Knicks (29-53 in 2009-2010) have been terrible for several years, but, signing Stoudamiare improves them, and, if they could snare Lebron, it would make them good in a hurry.

Prime, other "evils" have happened in sports. I dont know how closely you follow baseball, but, in 2002, future Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine left the 11 time division champion Atlanta Braves, to sign with the last place New York Mets. While the Braves went on to win three more division titles after he left, it took Glavine four years to make the playoffs with the Mets. Future Hall of Fame pitchers John Smoltz and Greg Maddux also didnt finish their careers with the Braves, so things happen in sports.

I'm not sure what to think about Lebron. The teams that he would have the best chance to win a title with would be the Lakers, Boston, or Orlando, but I doubt any of those teams could afford him due to salary cap constraints.

It will be interesting to see where he goes.

Mitch

 

[primetime]

It would be hysterical if Wade, and Lebron stay with the Heat and Cavs respectively....

The reason why I said Lebron leaving Cleveland would be the most evil thing has to do with that city's love for Lebron. Can anyone tell me any other free agent instance where an entire STATE begs an athlete to stay? Think about the all the free agents signings in the last 15-20 years. Lebron leaving would be cold blooded. Why?

Typically, free agents leave for the money or their team sucks. Lebron can get paid more by Cleveland than he can with any other team. His team didn't "suck" per se. They had the best record the last two years. Why would he leave? He is the reason anyone ever plays attention to the City Of Cleveland. Without him, Cleveland goes right back into the cesspool from which they came from (kidding Kis, I'm just kidding... ).

I have never seen an outpouring of support from a State like that before. 3 years ago when Kobe said he wanted to be traded, you were not going to see the Governor of California singing a song with other high profile Californians to beg Kobe to stay. That's what happened in Ohio. That's why if Lebron leaves, that has to be the most evil thing ever. Because he would literally break the hearts of Cleveland/Ohio fans across the entire State.

As for Amare. He just got overpaid. The Knicks landed a good offensive player, but a non-defensive player. Whenever Stoudemire plays against a solid front court player, he is exposed badly. Oh well Knicks, I hope you enjoy your star. Then again, it's not like the Knicks plan to play defense with Mike D'Antoni running the show. I can hear D'Antoni now. "What the hell do people mean by play defense?" Which is why that stooge will never get a ring....

 

[Mitchell]

Prime, I see what you're saying. I dont know why Lebron would leave. The only reason I could think of, would be if he thought he could win a title somewhere else. The Cavs have made the Finals only once, and lost to the Spurs. Again, I dont know the legistics of all the money situation.

Chances are, from what you present, Lebron will probably stay, and will try to continue to chase a title with the Cavs, while probably always having Orlando, Boston, and LA in his way to get there.

Mitch

 

[primetime]

Yeah, it will be interesting to see what Lebron does. His situation is different from Dwyane Wade. The Heat have sucked for a while now. But then again, Wade did get his title in Miami, so I'm guessing he will stay. But I got this feeling he and Bosh will be in Chicago...

I think if Lebron stays, the Cavs still have a shot to win it all. They will have to wait until Kobe retires (hehehehehehe), but they will be title contenders if an only if Lebron stays...

 

[Tickle Fiend]

I hope King James is accompanied to Chicago by Bosh or Wade. The Bulls would be the favorites if they got LeBron. Wade would be a nice fit in New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do.

I'm really hoping that LeBron leaves the Cavs to shake things up. I have my heart set on that happening but I'm beginning to feel that the chances of LeBron and Wade staying put have increased over the past few days. I wish they would get this over with already.

 

[Cy/MiG]

It would be hysterical if Wade, and Lebron stay with the Heat and Cavs respectively....

Yes it would.

I would love to see ESPN make a story out of that. 😀

 

[Skinfan87]

And in addition to that point Mitch, the team that can offer the MOST money to LeBron through a contract IS Cleveland. Yes the endorsements and stuff could push LeBron's net worth even higher, but only Cleveland can offer them the most money here.

Also....the coldest thing in sports? No one ever 'begged' the Browns to stay in Cleveland? I think we're forgetting the most important thing with this....sports is a business....and he has to be looking out for himself....put yourself in his position...who has played in high school and the pros in the state of Ohio your entire life. You weren't even recruited out of high school for college because you went straight to the NBA. What are you gonna think about especially since, people of our ilk and the media's ilk keep reminding him that a certain man (MJ) has all of these championships...you're desperate to win championships plural, so what are you gonna do other than entertain every offer that comes your way.

I'm not gonna speculate on this anymore.

 

[Mitchell]

prime, I dont think Kobe will be retiring anytime soon. He's first going to be 32 in August, and if the Lakers can three-peat, in Phil's last season, in 2010-2011, Kobe might stay a while.

The interesting thing for the Lakers is what will happen after Phil leaves. As great as Kobe is, he hasn't won a title, or even been to the Finals, in a season where Phil is not his coach.

I think the Lakers have to be the favorites to win it all again next year. After that, with Phil gone, I think things will become more wide open as to who will win it all, and you would then have to throw Boston, Orlando, and the Cavs into the mix of teams that could well win it all.

Mitch

 

[Mitchell]

I just read in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the Hawks have serious interest in signing Shaq O Neal.

I'm not nearly as emotionally involved in the Hawks as I am in the Braves, even though I do consider myself a quasi Hawks fan, but, as great as Shaq is, even with his four rings, he's way past his prime. One has to wonder what effect he would have on the very young, up and coming Hawks team.

Mitch

 

[Skinfan87]

And here's another thought that just occurred to me what with all the Shaq talk. When he left Orlando to go to the Lakers....I don't recall people calling him anything like so many people say they are going to be calling LeBron if he leaves Cleveland, even for a team like Chicago, which you could make an argument sort of resembles the Lakers around that time.

Shaq is still regarded as a great guy and a fun man to be around, and it seems people have forgiven him for leaving Orlando for LA....but if LeBron bails and heads to Chicago or other places...he'll be worse than Art Modell? Just thinking about this makes me question the accusatory language from members on this forum towards James I think is a little premature for starters and just unneccesary since there are plenty of examples in the NBA's history of guys going to another team that could better suit them to get a championship.

 

[The Fallen Angel]

Newest word out of ESPN (although the stories seem to change every hour) is that the Lakers are in talks with the Raptors about a sign and trade deal that would send bosh to LA for Andrew Bynum

 

[obama666]

Amare 8.9 Rebounds per game...1.0 assist per game...23.1 pts. per game....nearly Everytime the Knicks get a guy from another team, their numbers go down. He has got to help though. I hope they can sign someone else.

 

[AmishTickler]

ESPN is reporting that "Prince" James will announce his future NBA plans during a one-hour special on its network at 9 p.m. Thursday. ESPN's Chris Broussard said James' "representatives" contacted the network and asked for the unusual arrangement. It is not known which team James will join or where the announcement will take place. Citing anonymous "independent sources," Broussard reported James' group requested they be allowed to sell sponsorship for the special with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

 

[Tickle Fiend]

Amare 8.9 Rebounds per game...1.0 assist per game...23.1 pts. per game....nearly Everytime the Knicks get a guy from another team, their numbers go down. He has got to help though. I hope they can sign someone else.

That help is supposed to come in the form of Carmelo Anthony in 2011.

 

[AmishTickler]

That help is supposed to come in the form of Carmelo Anthony in 2011.

Also been rumored to land Eva Longoria's husband in some sort of trade with the Spurs.

 

[10 armed tkler]

Wade and Bosh to sign with the Heat. I really do not think it will change much, unless they sign a big man.

 

[FlockOfSeagulls]

Newest word out of ESPN (although the stories seem to change every hour) is that the Lakers are in talks with the Raptors about a sign and trade deal that would send bosh to LA for Andrew Bynum

I just can`t see that happening. That basically gives Lakers 3 power forwards in Bosh , Odom , and Gasol and no center. Plus the fact that no GM in their right would trade Bosh for Bynum eventhough Bosh is leaving regardless. That is like trading a Toyota for a Ferrari .

 

[Skinfan87]

Well its not happening now, Bosh and Wade are headed to Miami. And LeBron is set to make his decision tomorrow night at 9pm ET.

As I see it right now, its come down to 3 teams.

1. Cleveland
2. Chicago
3. Miami

You can pick and choose from any 3 of those teams, and honestly I can't pick a frontrunner here, cause each location has their plusses and minuses. I still believe that he will stay in Cleveland, but wouldn't be surprised to head for Miami now that this deal with Bosh and Wade is going to go through.