Much has been made of the 6-year contracts that can be offered by potential suitors versus Cleveland's ability to offer a 7-year max deal and a slightly higher amount. It has also been well documented that LeBron loves his hometown and will be wary of leaving, knowing that upon his return the adulation he once received will have turned to venom from fans who feel they were betrayed. What if he hedged his bet though? Is it far fetched to envision this scenario: After a three week courtship, LeBron makes his move to New York. At the press conference he announces that this was "the hardest decision of his life." Cleveland fans watching on TV begin preparing their #23 jerseys for a massive bonfire. Then LeBron says, "I can't envision myself away from Cleveland forever and that's why I only signed a 4 year contract." All of a sudden Cleveland fans put their lighter fluid down. You mean he may return, in only 4 years? Will he still be effective then? The answer is a resounding, "Hell yeah." In 4 years, LeBron will be a seasoned 29 year old at the peak of his game. The reception in Cleveland may be chilly at first, but in the back of their minds, they'll know they better not turn on him entirely, otherwise he won't come home. Will New York fans care? Absolutely not. In fact, if you had to ask anyone in the Knick front office if they would sign LeBron to 4 years of max money and it was guaranteed that he would leave in 4 years, they'd be ecstatic. Under this scenario, if New York wins a couple rings with LeBron and his new cast, he may even stay past those 4 years. The only thing LeBron sacrifices by this course of action is guaranteed money in years five and six (and seven if he stayed in Cleveland). He's shown that he's not afraid to forgo long term security for the ability to negotiate another contract sooner when he chose negotiate a three-year contract extension in order to become a free agent this summer. Some might even argue it actually works better for LeBron to renegotiate a max deal at the age of 29, then again at 35 rather than taking the full six year year deal now, then negotiating at 31 and have owners wary of signing a 37 year old to a six year maximum deal. A 4 year deal allows LeBron to be loved by 2 cities. Even if he ends up being a 4 year rental for New York, it will be 4 years that will never be forgotten. While if he returns to Cleveland, they'll choose to remember only the Cleveland years and see the 4 year hiatus as a short fling that didn't mean a thing. This summer LeBron will again think outside the box, as he did when negotiating his last extension, and surprise everyone by signing a 4 year deal to suit up at Madison Square Garden for a brief tour with an option to return home sooner than most expected.
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Bill Simmons had a 3 hour chat last Friday where he discussed EVERYTHING. Hats off to the Sports Guy, dude is a workhorse and always produces a quality product. My only beef with the Simmons is that he's a little biased against New York. Somewhat expected from a Boston fan, but its tough to have a such a loud national voice that has an anti-New York slant. Its not as pronounced these days with the Knicks being so irrelevant, but back when he decided to develop the Ewing Theory while failing to mention that Patrick was on the back end of his career it was more in your face. Today its more of a passive aggressive, but the guy knows Hoops, so below is a summary of the parts of his chat that touched on 2010 and LeBron and our take on each question: Bill Simmons (12:04 PM) The Cavs. That team has an answer for everything - they can go fast, slow, big, small, doesn't matter. The only guy who can stop them is Mike Brown. And don't put it past him This is noteworthy as we've maintained that it will be difficult for LeBron to leave if the Cavs win it all. Its also important to see how little respect there is for Mike Brown. Coach Brown just rides the wave, he doesn't innovate or challenge his players, this is the one "on the court" area where New York holds a distinct advantage over Cleveland. joe (chicago) Look into your crystal ball and sort out where the big free agents are going this summer! Bill Simmons (12:08 PM) If I had to guess at gunpoint: LeBron and Bosh (Chicago); Wade and Amare (Miami); David Lee, Joe Johnson (New York); Rudy Gay (Clippers). I hear every Knick fan grumbling after reading that. All this and we basically stay the same, but add Joe Johnson! Not even Bosh? This is a worst case scenario and we know Lee won't get max money, so there would be a third player as well. That being said, this is the result of Simmons being high on the Chicago angle right now, don't put too much stock in it. Drew (Wichita, KS) What did you think of Wojokasldf;dhgf;adl column about LeBron, Wade, and Bosh coming together in NYC? Bill Simmons (12:17 PM) He ignored 2 big points. First, you can't have LeBron and Wade on the same team - it would be like the 2010 All Star Game all over again. No team has ever won a title that didn't know who The Man was on the team. it wouldn't work. I don't think Wade would take a back seat and neither would LeBron obviously. More importantly, to expect these guys to give up that much money to play together is just not realistic. Athletes don't leave that kind of money on the table. Don't underestimate how much all these guys really like each other and think about their legacies. If these guys think they can win multiple titles by coming together and think the marketing that can flow from that will pay the difference of the money they sacrifice in salary, its an option. Not a likely option, but an option nonetheless. Tiller's Ulcer (Dallas) In Dallas, there are local reporters who claim that Cuban/Donnie purposely structured Dampier's contract to use for this Summer (believable). What my friends and I debate though, is there any shot of the big 4 FA's just DEMANDING to play in Dallas w/ Kidd and Dirk, and the Mavs using Damp and Caron as sign and trade? As in, can a 3 year run in Dallas be appealing enough for those guys? Bill Simmons (12:22 PM) Dallas is the sleeping giant this summer. Big city, Cuban, no state tax, Damp's contract for sign and trade purposes (for instance, if LeBron decided, I AM PLAYING IN DALLAS, Dallas could offer Damp's contract, Butler, $3 million and the French rookie. Not a likely possibility, but the 6 to 8 games at the Cowboy's stadium is an amazing device to lure a guy who is all about marketing himself. Then again, so is the owner of a Cable Television Company and the potential to have your own channel 24/7. Maybe Jim Dolan's ownership finally pays off here... Jeff (Philly) Why isn't the no state tax brought up more often. Do NBA players have to pay taxes in every state they play in prorated, or does Miami, Houston and Dallas have an after tax salary cap extension? Bill Simmons (12:27 PM) It's a great question. For instance, let's say Dallas and Cleve did that sign and trade that I just mentioned. LeBron could make 6 years at the max... only he'd be making it in Texas. That's his biggest money bonanza by far. And Dallas is the only team that has real sign and trade assets. The ability to waive Dampier's contract before the start of the season is a major major asset. I happen to agree on this. Maybe agents do a poor job of explaining this to their clients, but I've always thought this should be a bigger factor in where players sign as well. Mike (San Diego) You realize that Cavs fans saw your idea of what they'd get back for LeBron and threw up in their mouth a little, right? I'd call that a big pot of poop gumbo! Bill Simmons (12:31 PM) But if LeBron says, "Look, I am going to Dallas and that's how this is going to play out," what can Cleveland do? Everyone keeps forgetting that LeBron will decide where he plays this summer - cap space doesn't matter. if he wants to play in Boston, then it will be Boston. Dallas, it's Dallas. Lakers, it's the Lakers. Doesn't matter. He is holding the cards. This is just simply false. If LeBron announces he's gone and needs/demands Cleveland's help he'll risk tarnishing his image irreparably. In response to Odds on where LeBron lands. Current Vegas Odds say Cavs or 1 to 4, Knicks nearly 2 to 1, Nets at 30 to 1, Pistons at 50 to 1 and the remaining field at 5 to 1. Matt K (NJ) Did you think the Knicks deadline moves were effective or short-sighted? (Throw in token unprovoked shot at Kareem because we are talking about the NBA) Bill Simmons (12:40 PM) Kareem is a ninny. Look, the Knicks did what they had to do - their fans are on board, they needed to play the "illusion of regret" card and that's what needed to happen. The only thing that confused me was that Houston was the only suitor for Jefferies' contract. Where was Memphis? Where was Minnesota? Where were the OKC Hijackers? Plus, it's not like Jefferies sucks - he's a very good defensive player. Great Point! How were there not more teams willing to take on a possible rotation player at a bloated salary for 1 year in order to gain a top 10 pick with NBA size, a better draft pick in 2011 and 2012 first rounder. That just doesn't make any sense. Wes (Boston) If you owned the Celtics, what would be the first change you'd make? Bill Simmons (12:53 PM) I would plant 20 pounds of pot iN Rasheed Wallace's trunk, then make an anonymous tip to the police. Any Knick fans interested in the same plan for Eddy Curry???? Rob (Boston) How would you define sports hell? Bill Simmons (12:57 PM) Cleveland if they lose the 2010 title and then LeBron leaves. I actually think we might see fire and brimstone if that happens. No argument, that city and franchise is in A LOT of trouble if he goes Josh (Milwaukee) You and ESPN pretty much worship the ground LeBron walks on. You gotta admit this guy still has work to do. His free throw percentage is dropping again, he can't hit 3's (yet continues to take them over over in big situations) and his one-on-one defense is overrated. Melo killed him last week. No way LBJ wins a title without another STAR. Bill Simmons (1:09 PM) Read more of Josh's LeBron's take at www.nitpick.com. There are too many situations where LeBron gets by on raw talent. However, that talent is in a different stratosphere and is increasing every single day, as evidenced by the stats Simmons lists. Regan (Princeton) Wade is a Nike guy. Bill Simmons (1:25 PM) You're right. He switched last summer, I forgot. So yes, that's the only way Wade-LeBron-Bosh could happen - they take less money from NYK, but Nike makes up for it with a $100 million mega-campaign centered around them being the new superheroes of Gotham or something. Personally, I think Nike would be better off spending that money on my adopted son Kevin Durant. All Nike guys, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... TJ (Austin) Does CLE survive if they win it this year and Lebron still decides to leave? Bill Simmons (2:15 PM) That might be the most fascinating of the scenarios. The entire city of Cleveland would make the face that Affleck makes at the end of Good Will Hunting when he realizes that Damon left, only it would quickly turn into anger and hostility and get ugly. It would be incredibly difficult for LeBron to win a championship and leave. He wouldn't be able to present himself as someone who values winning over everything else. There is that school of thought that says if LeBron is able to win this year, he will then be able to leave Cleveland with a clear conscience, essentially he accomplished his goal in Cleveland and can now move on comfortably. One other thing everyone forgets is that LeBron can leave Cleveland, sign a 6 year deal with New York and then return to Cleveland at the age of 31! They may not want to turn on him in hopes that he'll return someday. Ryan (Cleveland) What are your thoughts on the future of JJ Hickson. His talent is still a little raw, but is making huge progress in limited minutes in Cleveland. Bill Simmons (2:20 PM) It pisses me off that the Wizards didn't insist on getting him in the Jamison deal and Ernie Grunfeld should be disbarred as a GM for it. In fact, keeping Hickson was Cleveland's ONLY chance to keep LeBron - now, they can potentially sign and trade him with other stuff to Toronto for Bosh or Phoenix for Amare. Pisses me off. That was as bad as Chris Wallace hooking up LA with Gasol. How did Grunfeld not get Hickson? Especially when you consider that they had a "wink, wink" deal to have Big Z bought out and returned. Lou (NYC) What is your worst-case scenario for the Knicks this offseason? Bill Simmons (2:40 PM) Amare and Rudy Gay. Let's stop thinking about worst cases... Doug (Hoboken) You ranked Carmelo #1 player you would want taking the last show for your team on Cowherds show... why though wouldnt you just want LeBron to drive to the basket instead, NOBODY can guard him in the NBA Bill Simmons (2:46 PM) But that's the problem... LBJ settles for 20-footers and threes a little too much right now. He can get to the rim every single time. To be clear, he'd want LeBron to take the last shot, so long as he went to the hoop more often - semantics here. That's the last reference to LeBron or 2010 in the chat, we'll see if the Sports Guy proves to be prophetic come July 1, 2010...
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NYPost.com Reports: James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed yesterday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan. Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season. James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. If he signs elsewhere, he could choose any available number without needing approval. Only thing to say here is if he didn't do this, there would be a lot of speculation as to why he didn't file. That being said, it doesn't instill confidence that he might be leaving. I hope the Jay-Z concert at MSG last night that he attended gave him a taste of the event opportunities he will have all the time in NYC. LeBron at MSG for Jay-Z Concert last night photo below (excuse the blurriness):
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LeBron's response "LOL." TMac is doing his part in more ways than just on the court. Marc Berman of the New York Post reports: Tracy McGrady already began his recruiting pitch to LeBron James after he was traded to the Knicks Feb. 18. T-Mac and LeBron have been in communication. "He's a good friend,'' McGrady said at the morning shootaround at Quicken Loans Arena. "He wanted to see me back on the basketball court and congratulate me on being back. I sent him an email that said: "I'm in the Big Apple. I'll see you here next season.'' LeBron's response was a "LOL.'' Anything bad that happens to Cleveland is good for the Knicks, so the Cavs announcing this morning Shaquille O'Neal is out about eight weeks because of his thumb surgery isn't the worst thing for Donnie Walsh's July 1 bid. Shaq will miss the first round of the playoffs and if the Cavaliers are stunned early, the chances of LeBron's departure goes way up. "(He) could go either way,'' McGrady said. "On one hand, he could say I gave you all something you never had, what you wanted. On the other hand, I've been here seven years, I tried and it just didn't happen. I want to start fresh. It could go either way. Nobody knows what the guy is thinking. Let's just sit back and enjoy and wait till July 1st.'' Despite his sore knee, McGrady expects some time on James tonight, with Wilson Chandler not making the trip because of personal reasons. "It's what you really get up for,'' McGrady said. "He's a great player. The things he does on basketball court is unbelievable. He's a rare talent. A guy whose 250, 6-8, faster than most of the guards in this league and very powerful. God was like, I'm going to make you the perfect basketball player, the perfect body. He ought to be on his knees every night thanking the Lord.'' |
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Randolph, the former Knicks forward, was dealt to the Clippers in November 2008, as team president Donnie Walsh decided to start clearing cap space. Now with the Grizzlies, Randolph said before last night’s 120-109 Memphis win that the Knicks’ cap-clearing dumps of him and Jamal Crawford — among others — may end up being justified after all should James make the Garden his new home. “It’s a good chance he will,” Randolph said. “Just the city, playing in the Garden. It’s going to be interesting, though. It’ll be interesting.” How much Randolph — who annihilated the Knicks with 31 points and a career-high 25 rebounds — actually knows about James’ intentions, of course, is pretty debatable. But the big man does have experience playing here, spent a short time playing for coach Mike D’Antoni (whom he called “great”) and has established himself as an All-Star on a possible playoff team. Told how much the personnel has changed here since he was traded, Randolph asked: “What are they trying to do? Who are they trying to get? They’re trying to get Bron Bron, huh? “But if they don’t get him, then I wonder [about their cap-clearing trades]. I don’t know.” Randolph said if the Knicks don’t land James, they would have screwed up by dealing away him, Crawford and others. Asked about the potential for a Randolph-David Lee-Crawford Knicks core, Randolph whistled. “We’d be tough, man,” he said. Randolph himself was tough last night. He almost out-rebounded the Knicks’ entire team, his 25 falling just a bit short of their 32. “He’s relentless,” Al Harrington said. Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/randolph_garden_good_spot_for_lebr... Z-Bo has been great this year, but Donnie had to deal him. Even if Zach had developed into the unselfish rebounding machine he has become this year, at 28 years old Zach isn't the best match for LeBron to build his team with in New York. All the best to Z-Bo in Memphis, just try to stay out of trouble with Hoop Family. |
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Zach Randolph said he thinks fellow All-Star LeBron James just might head to the Knicks this summer — with New York City and Madison Square Garden serving as the prime attractions.
Salary Cap expert Larry Coon breaks down teams that have the cap space chances to sign LeBron Cleveland Cavaliers: New York Knicks: Miami Heat: New Jersey Nets: Los Angeles Clippers: Chicago Bulls: Sacramento and Minnesota:
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The Knicks lost in overtime 121-118 to Oklahoma City in the debuts of Tracy McGrady, Sergio Rodriguez and Eddie House, but there was an excitement in the arena that hasn't been seen in recent years. McGrady scored 26 points on an efficient 10-for-17 with five assists and four rebounds. McGrady was received warmly my the New York crowd. “I haven’t felt that good in a while, to really be received that way, to hear those chants,” McGrady said. “It really gave chills down my spine.” This Garden was electric Saturday night for a star who is well beyond his prime. While the Cleveland crowd acted as if they were holding a moment of silence throughout overtime of LeBron vs. Carmelo two nights earlier. The Garden should again be alive tomorrow night when the team honors the 1969-70 Championship team. Donnie Walsh has pointed to the incredible loyalty and buzz created by New York fans during the hard times. Real fans know how great things can be at the Garden during good times, but for 25 year olds like LeBron James and Chris Bosh it's nice to have a present day example of just how special the Mecca of Basketball can be.
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Most headlines read "Knicks Accquire Tracy McGrady," but what they should read is "Knicks Clear an Additional $9.5 Million in Cap Space for 2010." What a day. One of the most influential days in Knicks history might not be July 1st, 2010 anymore, it may now have turned to February 18th, 2010, the day the Knicks cleared enough cap room to sign two max players. As Marc Berman put it: "Donnie Walsh is “all in” for this summer. Walsh opened up another $9.3 million of salary-cap space — giving the Knicks a projected total of $32 million to play with — in acquiring former superstar Tracy McGrady and Kings backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez yesterday in a three-team blockbuster with the Rockets and Kings." Mike Vaccaro writes: 1. Blow up the foundation. This was done by jettisoning Isiah once and forever, by hiring D’Antoni, and by serving early notice that two full seasons would be set aside to sacrifice for what was necessary. 2. Clear out the decks. In other words, do precisely what he did yesterday. Make sure every nickel is available by the stroke of midnight July 1. 3. Sign two max-contract players. Which really means this: Get LeBron James’ name on a contract, and a sidekick to be named later. And that, of course, is the part that, starting at 12:01:01 on July 1, will make what happened this week seem like a vacation. It is a very clear, crystal thing to be a Knicks fan now. Forget this year. Forget the draft, because there’s no first-round pick this year and there may be none in 2011 or 2012, too, after yesterday’s transactions. Focus on one thing. Focus on July 1, 2010. The day the Knicks are either reborn or given a blindfold, a cigarette, and a shove into the abyss." Oh and a side note- he was able to move nuisance Nate Robinson to Boston, perhaps disrupting the chemistry in Boston for a second time (see Marbury 2009). The countdown continues... 131 Days.
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