Report: “Team LeBron” vs. World Wide Wes
June 28, 2010While We’re Waiting… Wizards Revenge, Rogers’ Future and LeBron Free Agency Odds
June 29, 2010
The initial plans for a free agency “summit” proposed by Dwyane Wade were quickly squelched by the agent for Wade and Chris Bosh within days of Wade’s quotes on the possible meeting. The summit was both discussed and mocked ad nauseum. But, according to a joint report from both ESPN’s Chris Broussard and Marc Stein, a meeting, if not a summit, between Wade, Bosh, and LeBron James did take place this past weekend in Miami. The focus of the meeting was discussing the potential plan of all 3 free agents signing with Wade’s Heat. The report characterized James as “clearly intrigued” and Stein characterized LeBron as “clearly excited” by the proposition. The report quoted sources which labeled Miami as “the new frontrunner” in addition to sources close to Wade stating that he believed the Heat were close to pulling off a “free agency coup.”
Many NBA reporters have had sources this month with conflicting information on the free agency movement – an indication of the complexity and difficulty of the story. Stephen A. Smith reported yesterday morning that he had sources telling him that both Bosh and James had already decided to sign with Wade in Miami and that Pat Riley was going to coach them. This came on the heels of a report by Smith, one week prior, stating that his sources were telling him that James was likely headed to the New York Knicks. The Stein/Broussard report adds momentum to the Miami coup and cites evidence of an actual meeting between the 3 superstars supporting the very real possibility that all 3 wind up in Miami. As it stands now under the projected salary cap, the Heat would likely have to shed the salary of Michael Beasley or one of the three would have to take less than max money. The report states that all 3 were comfortable the contracts could be worked out in Miami:
But sources told ESPN.com that James, Wade and Bosh all expressed confidence at the meeting that contractual complexities to make this ambitious triple signing work can be worked out, although it was not immediately clear if all three players would receive an equal amount or if one or two would receive the max.
The sources for the ESPN report, however, made it clear that while a meeting took place, LeBron, in the end, remained non-committal to the Miami proposition:
Sources insisted, meanwhile, that other scenarios were discussed at the weekend meeting apart from the Miami plan. One source said James’ admiration for Bulls legend Michael Jordan is such that he is determined to hear Chicago’s pitch later this week, keeping alive the possibility that both James and Bosh could still wind up together with the Bulls…
Sources said James, furthermore, has not ruled out staying with the Cavaliers. Although Cleveland does not have the financial flexibility or the trade assets to import Bosh or Wade and enhance its chances of retaining this summer’s face of free agency, James is a proud Ohioan who is said to be still wrestling with the notion of leaving his home state, no matter how enticing the possibilities are in Miami and Chicago.
Everyone was aware that things would pick up this week and this report will certainly add fuel to the fire. The fact that all 3 superstars met is a huge story but it’s unclear if it really adds anything new to the equation and status of each individual. Broussard and Stein’s sources add that the Toronto front office is becoming more and more resigned to the fact that Bosh is leaving and their GM, Bryan Colangelo, is likely going to field sign and trade offers, which Bosh is open to. Colangelo articulated yesterday on Toronto radio that the possibility of Bosh re-signing is “not going to happen.”
As for James, despite the meeting and his excitement over the Miami plan, he remains open to the possibility of staying in Cleveland. The meeting and potential status of the Heat as a “frontrunner” has to be unnerving for Cavalier fans and owner Dan Gilbert. We now have a report with hard evidence of a meeting with the big 3 to discuss the Miami plan. Cavs fans have to hope that this is not the start of a move to Miami but only the beginning to a wild week of ups and downs in the LeBron free agency drama – a drama where he ends up staying home. LeBron has said all along that he was going to explore all his options and while the “summit” is a juicy story, it’s part of the exploratory process – one that includes a pitch from his hometown Cavs.
***UPDATE Both the Miami Herald, on the Wade end, and the Plain Dealer’s Brian Windhorst on the LeBron end, have reported through their sources that no such meeting took place in Miami this weekend.
40 Comments
as much as I don’t want to admit it, it is getting harder and harder to make the argument that he is going to stay. the only thing to hold onto is that duncan visited orlando before resigning with the spurs. but I am as doubtful as ever that he will resign with the cavs, and i am someone who has thought he would all year
P.S. first
if he doesnt resign with cleveland i’d rather seem him in miami. although does he really want to share the spotlight? does he really trust the ownership? how can you do any more than gilbert has done?
Can you blame the kid for wanting to go? Aside from one game in the playoffs I can’t think of any other time he didn’t carry the majority of this team and its momentum on his back. And, all for what? Significant losses in the post-season? Let’s face it, if he stays it’ll be grand; but in the real world, how often does something awesome and amazing happen?
I think the non-committal line is very important.
I have a strange feeling that LeBron will re-sign with the Cavs then get all non-committal with them all over again.
I really hope Denny is right. The optomist in me is dying slowly as each story breaks.
I think Lebron is gone…sad but when you look at it through his eyes it makes sense. Why would he stay with the Cavs? To play with Mo? Antawn? We can’t sign anybody else. I agree wit Whipjacka…at this point it just doesn’t make any sense for him to stay.
First preseason game is only like 6 weeks away!!!!!!
Honestly though, who can blame him if he ends up in Miami with Bosh and Wade? Not I.
Here’s the real answer:
– Any city, and thus any city’s reporters, would love to have LeBron play for them.
– Nobody (including quite possibly LeBron) knows how this free agency will play out.
– The hype’s been building for this decision for about 2 years if not longer.
Result: rampant speculation, rumors, and innuendo, none of which has any bearing on what will actually happen.
My own take: I have no control over what will happen, so I’m just going to wait it out, unpleasant as that may be.
With as much cap room as they’ll have left, they might have to sign me to play point guard…
“With as much cap room as they’ll have left, they might have to sign me to play point guard…”
Mario Chalmers will do just fine. He’ll look like Rondo out there, just dishing and playing defense. All he has to do is play mistake-free ball – maybe take five or six shots per game. Now 2011-12… might be a different story.
I always knew LeBron loved to play Super Nintendo :/
Looking at this from the perspective of a native NE Ohioan (like LeBron), I can understand wanting to go to a place like Miami. Beautiful weather, no state income tax, and a bigger market would all be draws for LeBron. But at the same time, being a native NE Ohioan, I would want nothing more than to bring a championship to Cleveland. Wouldn’t that be the ultimate story in the NBA? Winning a title with Bosh and Wade would be a cop out IMO. Where is the legacy when you stack a team? I also have to think David Stern is very upset about the notion of two of his biggest draws and another all star all being in one place. I have to think the NBA would be served better if they all went different places and created rivalries for the next ten years. In the end I think Stern may have his own little meeting with all of them.
Where is the legacy when you stack a team?
Ask the 2008 Celtics?
@swig
yeah, but Celtics were taking a shot with the old guys to win in the next three years when they signed them. Signing Wade, Bron, and Bosh would last the next 10 years – and that wouldn’t make watching the NBA any more fun than playing NBA JAM.
That would be an awesome NBA Jam team though
@ #3 does he really trust the ownership?(of the heat)
Does he have to? If they sign LBJ wade and bosh, whats left to trust. Not like they will need a bunch of other key players, all they need to do is pull 2 people out of the bleachers every night and tell them to pass the ball. I agree Gilbert is a great owner, but if he re-signs LBJ he has a lot more work to do, more trades, bring in more talent, etc. In Miami, once signing those 3 the owners work is basically done. IMO
Spend my winters in Miami and get to play with Wade and Bosh?? That’s just too good to pass up even if he’d be taking less money compared to CLE which would be the case.
WELL, MY SOURCES TELL ME THAT LBJ HAS DECIDES THAT HE WANTS TO GIVE FOOTBALL A CHANCE AND HAS DECIDED TO SIGN WITH THE DALLAS COWBOYS.
Why haven’t the Cav’s offered Byron Scott a contract? He said he wants to job even if Lebron walks, if Lebron stays then we have a proven winner running the team. Seems like a slam dunk Gilbert…
Anyone think LeBron is just flirting with all these teams because he knows the Cavs cant get any of the top guys. He waits until all these teams sign one all-star (not two.. gotta wait for him of course) then re-signs with the Cavs. In doing so, he effectively controls the competition and gives himself a straight shot to the finals?
/Me neither
Since when do the Cavs not have trading pieces? Twan, Delonte, Moon, Parker… What makes them that much worse then the Bulls players? -in reference to the ESPN article saying the Cavs dont have anything for a Bosh sign and trade.
If the Raptors just want cap relief cant we sign and trade Shaq or Z (assuming they retire… or are they already?) Or even sign and trade plus a twan or delonte…
strange that lebron isn’t trying to convince a top free agent to sign HERE to play with him? If it were anyone but LBJ, then yes, it’s strange. But my eyes have been opened on his character for a couple years now, and I am chairman of his going away party. Just go already.
On the off chance that he does re-sign here, he has a lot of explaining to do regarding quitting on the team the last 2 years and all of his actions since being eliminated.
@b- Miami has like 30-35 mil open under the cap. the cavs are still over if Lebron resigns, and if he doesnt they have only around 10 mil. left. If he wants a big name with him in Cleveland thats up to Grant/Gilbert to find the right deal and get it done.
He was incredible in the Orlando series last year. He scored at will, had the one clutch shot, went nuts on the passes, and was solid on the boards, what series were you watching?
@19: NO WAY – THERE ARE WAY MORE LUCRATIVE OFF THE FIELD OPTIONS FOR LEBRON IF HE PLAYS FOR THE GIANTS OR REDSKINS!!!
@JJ, thus it would be an even bigger legacy
Lebron could win 7 championships with his next team, but the fact remains that his leaving Cleveland will ultimately spell the end of NBA basketball in Cleveland within 5-10 years.
LBJ’s legacy will not be his rings but the fact that he bailed on his hometown and destroyed an entire franchise.
@ben
YOU’RE OUT OF YOUR MIND. HE WILL GO TO THE JETS. ESPN SAID SO, I MEAN WHY WOULDN’T YOU WANT TO GO TO THE JETS? THEY HAVE THE BEST QB IN THE LEAGUE AS WELL AS THE BEST CORNER, RUNNINGBACK, HEADCOACH, FANS, CITY, RESTAURANTS, AND JAY-Z IS PART OWNER….. IDIOT!!!!
Henry Thomas, Wade and Bosh’s agent, is saying that the three enver met in Miami this weekend. Bosh was in Miami but Wade was in Chicago.
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/NBA_AM_The_Cavs_Playing_Hard_Ball/2814150
These rumors are getting out of control. I can see those freaks in the MSM with semi’s and drooling at every rumor that flies across the wire… OMG! LBJ WANTS TO PLAY BASKETBALL ON THE MOON!!!!
@127, no his legacy would be winning 7 championships. The destroying professional basketball in Cleveland would only be a story in the upcoming 50for50 documentary series.
This is how the MSM covers a story…
AN UNDISCLOSED SOURCE WHO HAS KNOWN (of) LBJ SINCE HIS DAYS AT AKRON SVSM (the source is a janitor at SVSM) HAS SAID LBJ WANTS TO PLAY WITH BOSH IN CHICAGO. The source actually said “it is well documented that LBJ was a fan of Chicago growing up and is good friends with Chris Bosh”
my favorite rumor so far is some undisclosed source saying that he talked to LeBron at the Olympics and he happened to mention that he always wanted to live in NYC.
and the write spun that as he’s guaranteed to be a Knick.
you know, these things have gotten so silly the past few days and so over-the-top (STALLONE!), that I’m actually enjoying them. each one provides new hilarity and untold laughs.
and Matty should write for MSM. those are some good headlines adn were good for some laughs too (does MSM use sarcasm font too…is that why headlines are in all-caps?)
mgbode, they use sarcasm font, but they don’t know that it’s sarcasm font.
All I want is for all these places to come out and apologize. They are ruining lives by claiming LBJ, Bosh, and or Wade are leaving cities. With reports LBJ and Bosh are goin to Chi-town down to Miami, someone has got to be wrong, and when they are I demand an apology for following faulty leads (though in their case its probably leads they invented).
/MSU journalist police’d
bobby. LMAO
bobby
I think the expression is “man up.”
my undisclosed sources tell me lebron is teaming up with Randy Lerner to join Aston Villa, with an eye on making a 2014 world cup run for the US. he will be joined on the Aston Villa world cup roster by Wade and Bosh. wade was quoted as saying “i’ve always enjoyed spending time in italian villas so this is the next logical step in my career.”
Aston Villa is in England, but good try
yes – i know aston villa is in england. part of the sarcasm. work with me here.