In Lebron's case, the Cavs can offer him MORE money than any other team.
More guaranteed money via contract.
There are many rumors and theories that LeBron can make more $$$ in NY or NJ.
The new Nets owner is a BILLIONaire. He could give Bron-Bron all sorts of endorsements and world wide connections.
There is a hot rumor that LeBron (or more precisely, those he works with/has business with) have been buying MSG stock, which will increase not only if and when he signs w/ the Knicks, but as he continues to play for them and make them contender.
And even though all I state is just theory, they are based somewhat in truth in that Lebron can make more money in a larger market.
Cleveland can offer more $$$ in the short term, but Lebron can certainly get more money playing somewhere else... like the Big Apple.
And Miami and Chicago offer him the quickest route to the finals.
Usually, the coach takes the fall. Mike Brown is gone. Why should Lebron leave? He will get more money, the ownership is very much behind him in winning a championship, and he is in his home State. If he leaves, he just told his teammates that helped him win 2 MVPs that they suck. Can you really see "loveable Lebron" doing that? That's why it would be evil if he left. When Art Moddell bailed, he bailed out like a thief in the night. There was no public outpouring begging him to stay like you see with Lebron.
Compared to the rosters of Chicago and the new-look Miami, the Cavs are not as good.
If Lebron leaves in favor of either of those teams, he is simply saying he would rather play with better players more guaranteed to win a title now, not that his Cavs teammates 'suck'.
I would venture a guess that a large majority of superstars or even run-of-the-mill FA's want to play in Miami right about now and I don't blame them.
People say the Wade/Bosh move forced Lebron's hand. How? Wade could have teamed up with Bosh in Chicago. Wade is from Chicago. He would be closer to his kids, especially during this domestic issue he has. BUT, he chose to stay in Miami. Think about that. He and Bosh could have been Bulls. Why did he choose Miami? Bosh wanted Miami, and down deep, Wade wanted Miami. He already was part of winning there. Same could be for Lebron. If Lebron wants to win now, the Knicks are not part of that plan. The Cavs are more ready for a title than they are. Mike D'Antoni will not win a title until he learns defense is a major part of winning titles....
True that LeBron and Bosh or Wade and LeBron could have both gone to Chi-town, but not all three could have.
So that's the 'forcing the hand' idea.
Lebron has a chance to create the greatest trio of all time in Miami.
Miami can still offer a MAX deal, especially if they work a deal to trade for Bosh instead of sign him outright.
There has been thoughts of Lebron-Bosh-Wade playing together since they won Gold @ the Olympics a few years ago. Their impending Free agency @ the same time gave them such an oppurtunity to 'collude' and decide to sign together in one of two places:
New York (who had the cap space before signing Amare)
Miami
I don't see how one could blame Lebron for ditching Cleveland to play with a future HoFamer who has already won a title and a PF who may also one day be a HoFamer. Together that trio may (has no reason not to) win the next five titles.
I'm not saying Lebron isn't a punk if he leaves Cleveland, because he still is, but the fact remains he has every reason to leave now.
