Trevor Ariza

We started the day with a "source" and a small article in the New York Post. Then Twitter Nation was abuzz with the news that, per either LeBron's friend or Trevor Ariza's friend, information had been obtained that confirmed Lebron James would be in Cleveland beyond 2010. Knick fans everywhere sighed and began to google the other free agents in the class of 2010.

Then, before fans could even finish eating their lunch, "the source" refuted the entire story. Twitter nation took some shots at the New York Post's credibility as well as Trevor Ariza's, reminding us that before he was a system player in Phil Jackson's offense, he was not known as the sharpest tool in the shed during his time in New York and Orlando (good luck Houston).

Still, others questioned, how this report ever came to be? Surely it had some basis somewhere and did not appear from thin air? What would be Ariza's motivation for making it up? All valid questions.

However, the bottom line is this: regardless of what LeBron or his friend relayed to Ariza and his crew - IT DIDN'T WORK! Ariza did not sign with Cleveland!

Ariza spurned the Cavs and the chance to play with the greatest player in the world. Now why would he choose to sign elsewhere if he could receive the same exact contract in good 'ole Ohio?

Is it because he's excited that with 2 years rest Yao might regain his old form? Or is it Tracy McGrady's track record of choking in the 1st round every year?

Or maybe its because no one wants to play in Cleveland! How frustrated is LeBron that a mid level exception guy like Trevor Ariza would rather go to a lesser franchise than play in Cleveland. Even with LeBron reaching out to him! (LBJ did attempt to recruit him in some form or another, that part of the story has not been disputed).
Think it might be refreshing for LeBron to be in a place where other free agents would love to play? Maybe a little gym referred to as the Mecca of basketball?

I think the only thing we we can be sure of about Ariza-gate is free agents do not want to be in Cleveland and that is something that will not change. Perhaps by opening his mouth and either revealing a secret or misinterpreting a message, Ariza managed to put an exclamation point on the lack of interest future running mates will have in joining him in Cleveland. Thanks Trevor.