With the Chicago Bulls using their current roster and salary cap space to their advantage when attempting to pitch their franchise to LeBron James, what may not help their case is a recent report that claims the Bulls will not provide special privileges to the player’s friends.
As a member of the Cavaliers, members of James’ entourage – including business manager Maverick Carter and close friend Randy Mims – have enjoyed a high level of access in Cleveland. Mims was given a role as player liaison with the team and others have reportedly enjoyed many flights on the team plane. But with the possibility of James leaving, these privileges were thought to have been at risk – something that the Chicago Daily Herald confirms would be the case if James were to head to the windy city.
When the Bulls met with LeBron James on Saturday afternoon, they were armed with only their story. There were no marketing presentations, no world-class rap stars and no championship ring display. They opted to talk only basketball and what they can offer the 25-year-old free agent. A strong roster and plenty of salary cap space can go a long way, but can it go long enough?
With the Bulls stating that they will not cater to James’ friends and business partners, it provided a stark contrast to what the two-time MVP saw earlier in the day when the Cavaliers created a custom cartoon in the form of Family Guy which featured he and his friends that was reportedly full of pranks and inside jokes.
Anyone that knows James knows that his friends and family are of the utmost importance to him. Whether or not the Bulls reported unwillingness to cater to those that come along with James impacts the player’s decision remains to be seen.
