Da Clip Show: Keeping an Eye on the Tribe’s AAA Squad – 7/6/10
July 6, 2010Report: LeBron James to Announce Decision Thursday
July 6, 2010This morning on the Mike and Mike show, ESPN’s Chris Broussard said that LeBron is trying to get Chris Bosh to agree to come to Cleveland. Broussard mentioned that the Raptors were open to a sign and trade with the Cavaliers, but that Bosh would have to be sold on playing in Cleveland.
Well, you can imagine how that went over. Cavalier fans may have broken twitter. But here are some things to keep in mind about this potential blockbuster. First, it is not really news that Toronto is willing to trade Bosh to Cleveland. That has been established. They are willing to deal with Cleveland, Chicago (if they can get Noah we’re told) and Houston. They do not like any combination that the Heat can put together, and so they have basically eliminated Miami from a sign and trade scenario.
Second, for whatever reason selling Bosh on Cleveland is harder than it seems. Bosh wishes to team with LeBron or Wade in a big market. If he goes to Miami to play with either Wade or James or all three he would have to give up the idea of the sign and trade which would net him the max contract with the 6th year added in. He would be leaving over $30 million on the table in that situation. LeBron and Wade appear to be leaning towards signing with their old teams, which would give them that extra year, and possibly leave Bosh behind or in Chicago with Rose.
LeBron has been selling Cleveland to Bosh for more than just the last couple of days. It appears that Bosh may have to see his hand being forced in order to accept the deal to the Cavaliers. Why is that? For starters, Bosh has spent his career to this point in Toronto. Now for my money, there are fewer cities in the States I like visiting more than Toronto, Canada. Love it there. But it is not exactly the most embraced city in NBA circles. Bosh probably feels like he would be a bigger star had he played in a large US market city like Chicago. He may be right. The inference then is that he would continue to be overlooked by playing alongside James in Cleveland.
I have to say that Bosh would of course be overshadowed by LeBron. But that would be the case wherever he plays with LBJ. Same thing is true of Wade. However, his exposure by playing next to LeBron would be tremendous. The Cavs were on national television every other game last season (perhaps a slight exaggeration) and with Bosh that number would certainly not go down. Add Byron Scott’s ‘showtime’ offense to the mix and the Cavaliers would be a wildly entertaining team that TNT and ESPN would show constantly. A Bosh Nike puppet would be a no-brainer.
Another concern for Bosh is what position the Cavaliers would want him to play. SI’s Chris Mannix tweeted that Bosh would only accept coming to Cleveland if the Cavaliers used him at the PF position, one that he’s more comfortable at and wouldn’t have quite the nightly toll taken on his body as opposed to playing center.
If LeBron can ease Chris’ fears about playing in ‘small market’ Cleveland, and the team’s ability to add pieces when needed, then perhaps we have a new reason to call LeBron the King.
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So who would the Cavs be giving up in this trade? Conventional wisdom says that the Raptors would want Anderson Varejao to replace Bosh. As Scott tweeted earlier today, the Raptors have loved Andy for some time. In addition, they would want Delonte West to be included so that they can opt out of his non-guaranteed contract and save $4 million. They would more than likely insist that JJ Hickson be part of the deal. While that would be a lot to give up, you have to take those kinds of chances if it means re-signing LeBron and adding Bosh.
A different approach by John Hollinger has the Cavs sending Jamison, West, Moon and Powe for Bosh and Turkoglu. This would be more of a money saving move by Toronto, clearing $10 million of contracts by the end of the season. In this version the Cavs would likely slide Varejao to the 5, and let Hickson rotate between the 4 and 5. I have no idea what they would do with Hedo. He would likely be the 6th man? Hedo’s contract is terrible. Horrible. Horrible that is at the production he gave last season. If the Cavs could get something out of him, suddenly 4 years remaining at around $11 million per isn’t the end of the world.
73 Comments
“A different approach by John Hollinger has the Cavs sending Jamison, West, Moon and Powe for Bosh and Turkoglu.”
I have been trying to tell you guys that Toronto will take pennies on the dollar to get rid of Turkoglu. I cant imagine they would give up Bosh without getting back Varejao OR Hickson, however.
I’ve got my fingers crossed.
With the $30 mil extra Bosh would get in a sign & trade, he could buy a $15 mil (thats his take home after taxes & agent fees)palace anywhere he wants (miami, paris, italy, Kazakhstan)and live there in the off-season. The chance to play with LeeBron would potentially get him the additional endorsements that he covets (gatorade, nike commercials featuring puppets, pitchman for Extendze, whatever!)Don’t be a fool, man. Take the extra money in the sign & trade and come to cleveland. At least we are not Detroit!
Hedo and the blue collar makeup of Cleveland’s fanbase would get along quite splendidly I would imagine. BALL!
I know there are certain people that doubt Gilbert *cough*Reghi*cough* but to go from recruiting LeBron to turning LeBron into CLE recruiter (allegedly) isn’t too shabby. If we miss Bosh but LeBron does the smart thing and signs longterm, there will be plenty of FA’s fighting to get into Cleveland down the road.
If this report is true, then we’ll see just how much Chris Bosh cares about winning. I know I’m a biased native Clevelander, but this should be a no-brainer for Chris Bosh, IMO.
I’d miss Anderson, but no JJ that much. When I think of JJ, I think 50/50: 50% are spectacular displays of athleticism and 50% are missed opportunities due to a lack of concentration. It sounds like Delonte is gone, one way or the other.
I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that they can pull-off re-signing James and then actually getting Bosh. I don’t see it happening, but that would be a glorious day in Cleveland sports history.
If thats true what Mannix said it’s a no brainer.
First of all, i doubt they’d do that without getting JJ or Andy. but i’d part with one of them to get Bosh.
secondly, i agree with Ike – if he does care about winning, that’s the best setup for him. I’ve always got the feeling that winning is secondary for him though…just something about the way that he’s approached this.
Hopeful but cautious. Still a pipe dream, IMO.
Can’t wait to hear the CLE-is-boring jokes. Either way, can someone get Noah bound and gagged? And while you’re at it, shave his head, just because. Thanks.
Don’t know much about Bosh’s personality – how he would react to the culture of Lebron genuflecting now ingrained in the org. Question is whether the max contract sufficiently soothes all ego issues. Like, what if the Moms of both max contracts want to complain to Gilbert about the courtside service at the same time? But I say take that chance right now. If they each sign for 6 years, give Toronto anyone/everyone, eat Hedo’s pus-filled contract, and Grant can still take a couple of years to figure it out. Hell, it ain’t my money.
Only concern is if we get rid of both JJ and AV. Assuming Shaq and Z don’t return, we’d have to put Powe @ C.
That is really the only downside to this. Having a bench of bigs who can’t play, but we need them.
To me, the fact that he’s making a documentary about this whole precess says that, to Chris Bosh the process is all about “making Chris Bosh as famous as Chris Bosh can be all while getting Chris Bosh his money.” Chris Bosh.
It’s like the scene in Being John Malkovich when John Malkovich goes inside his own head, and it’s just a bunch of John Malkoviches saying, “MALKOVICH!” over and over again.
Tell Bosh that with him and LeBron, we would re-sign O’Neal (who would certainly come back in that scenario for 7 mil or so) and taking a look at another center (Brendan Haywood). I think we all agree with him that we dont want him playing center. Who would Chicago play at center without Noah? Who would NYK play at center, Amare? No. Who would Miami play at center? They dont even know. The only places (among his widely considered destinations) that he gets PF-security are Houston in a sign-n-trade and the Nets if you sign there for less money.
“Chris, if you come to Cleveland, I will play center” – LeBron
This would probably be the greatest moment in Cleveland sports since the greatest ping pong ball in history. I don’t see how bosh can say no to this. Especially if we can get another solid player with the MLE (Mike Miller, best case Ray Allen). We have a better team than Miami and Chicago (especially if they have to give up Noah in a sign and trade). The 5 is the only position that’s a little rocky.
Would suck, on a personal level, to lose Andy and West… my 2 favs. JJ had potential, but I agree with Robbie– 50/50. I was always yelling his name.. because he made an outstanding play one minute, & then fumbled the ball worse than Braylon the next. Ok, maybe not.. but still.
I’m sure Cleveland will find some extra love for Mr. Bosh. He would be our Pippen, and it would be amazing.
Of anywhere Cleveland is the last place he should be worried about being overshadowed. LeBron would spend plenty of time talking up Bosh, and the highlight reals they create would speak for themselves.
I hate getting caught up in rumors, but this one has me drooling.
LOL @ DP… Nice reference.
Wait, you mean even if LeBron James is pushing it players still don’t just run to Cleveland? Wierd. Maybe we can stop blaming LeBron for Ariza not showing up…..the aura this city puts off is even greater than the King himself. I love it. NBA players hate it.
Still could all go wrong if we don’t land Bosh….
Rich, the eternal optimist.
Can we somehow get Bosh, Mike Miller and Haywood? I think that is ideal and I would be willing to give up Andy and Hickson for that lineup.
Another day another story but I like it and for the record I’d take Turkeyglue too. Give ’em Hickson or Varejao but not both especially if you include Jamison. I think the Cavaliers would still need a center and it would be interesting to see how LBJ, Turkeyglue and Bosh would play on the court together but a nice problem to have anyways. Let’s hope this sort of rumor is real.
Anyone else feel like Windy’s tweets are making the Bosh S&T seem evermore less likely?
Btw I like Haywood too he’s the kind of “workmanlike” center that’d be perfect especially if Bosh was a real possibility. I’d also look at Brad Miller but he’s less of an inside presence like Haywood.
@Shamrock – Brad Miller? Brad…Freaking…Miller!?!?! Sorry. It’s nothing personal but it would be painful to see Brad Miller in a Cavs jersey. He is sooooooooooo sloooooooooooow… I once saw him catch the ball at the free throw line with no once within 20 feet, just to see him get stuffed as he trudged to the hoop for the LAY-IN. Plus, that sad face he makes when he thinks he’s been fouled makes me want to verbally kick him in the shin.
Bosh could get plenty of love in cleveland. I mean, just look at how much we all wanted Z back…and he was horrible at that point.
Christopher Wesson,
Playing in Cleveland would rule!
LBJ thinks so.
@21 – yes, it is possible, however sort of a longshot.
#1 Sign-n-trade for Bosh
#2 Sign-n-trade for Haywood (Dallas wants Shaq, we want Haywood)
#3 Sign Mike Miller to the MLE
That requires:
A: LeBron re-signing
B: Bosh agreeing to come here
C: Dallas liking Shaq more than Haywood
D: Mike Miller not getting a better offer than the MLE (Knicks/Clippers could panic sign him)
I’d say the Haywood portion is the most likely.
that is most likely of #1-3. We all know “A” is most likely overall. 🙂
@25 I would have taken Miller/Salmons what a year or two ago and I listened to people ripping Miller. He’s not my first choice but given the centers currently on the Cavaliers roster I’d take him.
Sam Amico is on ABAO talking about a possible s&t with Toronto and says it has been discussed and that LBJ is behind it. Talk about a rollercoaster ride. Imagining LBJ along with Bosh under Byron Scott is exciting.
LBJ and Bosh sound great to me, but I would love a way to keep Andy in the process. And I’m not so excited about Haywood either, they call him “Brenda” here in DC.
Dr. Cle- Is that Bubbles in your photo?! hahaha
Pretty sure I’m just going to ignore everything until something actually happens. All of this crap is far too manic and over the top for my liking.
I do love these dream scenarios… would be great if it was for a Center though.
I just wanted to put this here for all to see. Sheridan supposedly typed this with a straight face (line at the bottom)
Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com:
New York: 45%
Cleveland: 25%
Chicago: 10%
Miami: 10%
New Jersey: 10%
The Knicks have the best supporting pieces to put in place alongside him
The horse can smell the barn. Our long national nightmare is almost over.
Woj from Yahoo tweeted that Cavs front office types are confident that 1) Bosh ain’t comin; and 2) LeBron is re-signing. Makes perfect sense to me. I look for Bosh to go to HOU in a S&T.
We might have found a bigger idiot in Bosh than LeBron. Amazing. Yep, these guys all want to win above all else, yet here’s this buffoon who will apparently only go to a major market.
If that’s the truth, then I don’t want him here in Cleveland.
MattC, How is LeBron an idiot? Putting your personal bias aside, how can we think re-signing is a no-brainer? I like to think we are the best option, but after our last two playoff chokes and our aging roster, it is not a given that Cleveland is his best option.
As for Bosh, I tend to agree that passing up a chance to play on a team that already contends annually and has LBJ is verification that winning is not a top priority for him.
@ TSR: LBJ has his fair share of the blame for our playoff chokes. Aside from that, I’ve just been tremendously put off by the guy’s ego for the last three years. People who have been killing me for criticizing him two years ago are now coming to me hat in hand and saying “Wow… you were right.”
Leaving or pursuing free agency doesn’t make him an idiot. The manner he’s gone about it certainly has contributed to my view of him though. I want him to stay and will be glad if he does, but LBJ the person means nothing to me.
Ah man, now my hopes are up again.
This never ends well.
IF this goes through, it could be an GREAT thing for Cleveland:
@ TSR3000 – You caught me…
Everyone seems to be forgetting that most NBA players don’t want to play in Cleveland. This is the reason that LeBron hasn’t committed to the Cavs because it’s obvious Bosh doesn’t want to play here. This is why we have had to over pay people in the past to play in C-town (Hughes,Damon Jones,Marshall) The next question is even if LeBron commits who do the Cavs get to surround him? The only way seems to be via a trade route or to overpay marginal talent.
So…now because Bosh has stated he doesn’t want to play in Cleveland were throwing blankets around saying NBA players don’t want to play here? Interesting.
@MattC Those hats must be like beanies ‘cuz I think you are way off base. I don’t see anything wrong with the way he’s acted he’s not saying a word yet he’s still criticized. What should he have done not exercised his right to see what someone else offers?
As for the playoffs LeBron James wasn’t the problem. The problems were a head coach who couldn’t make adjustments and players like Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, Anderson Varejao and Delonte West who contributed next to nothing. Just my opinion though.
Btw is there a link or video I can see where Chris Bosh said he doesn’t want to play in Cleveland or is this another unsubstantiated comment?
Does it not seem that way stin? YOu here the degrading remarks about the city. You see the FAs we actually manage to get. I mean, it does seem to me that most big time FAs really don’t feel like playing here, even w/ LeBron.
That said, I seriously think CP3 comes here ina couple of years if LeBron is here.
Shamrock…it’s ALL insider reporting. So if you are going to believe the rumors that the raptors would accept a SnT to Cleveland, then believe the rumors that say Bosh doesn’t want to be here.
MattC- not only has LBJ kept quiet, he took a potential summer long nationwide media circus recruitment tour ( a la Brett Favre) and shrunk it to 3 days in Cleveland. I am impressed with his handling of the situation.
That being said, if he leaves I will never forgive him.
@ shamrock
Visit either http://www.miamiheat.com or http://www.chicagobulls.com or http://www.houstonrockets.com
I’m pretty sure the reports all stem from there.