LeBron - Money or More Money?

[jerry]

But the cavs are just gonna go on their knees and beg him because wow they need him...and I like nets but i wouldnt want him to be on nets, because nets already have VC, kidd and jefferson, and VC and Jefferson are the "give me the ball" sort of people, and with lebron in, who will kidd give the ball to? Before he can do eenie meenie minie mo the opponent will have already stolen the ball or somethin...I think he should stay... Besides, if they want to go into the playoffs again, they better resignwith lebron no matter how much money it takes.

[Stevesanity]

wow that would be insane
Kidd, Vinsanity, and LeBron?

although who knows what they'll look like in 08

I'd love to see the monster that LeBron turns into once Kidd's on his side.

But Kidd's gonna be slow and fat by then...

Yes maybe he won't be as active he is now but Kidd will still probably be top 5 at his spot and he'll always carry that ability to make someone take that extra step. He made K-Mart look good and then got Jefferson into possibly someone thats capable of being top 5 at his spot and then turned VC back to the VC Toronto didnt get. LeBron has huge potential and with Kidd's ability no matter how slow or fat he is although I'm not sure why Kidd would become fat cause of age would only boost Bron's stock and make him look better than he is which is scary when considering its LeBron James whose already scary enough.

[Christopherson]

Personally I dont think Kidd will be in the top 5 point guards in a couple of years. In fact, I think it might be a stretch to consider him in the top 5 right now. I know I would take Chauncey, Nash, Paul, Parker, and well, maybe thats it. but I seem him as no more than number 5 right now.


EDIT: I take that back, put Iverson in that group too. Dont know how I forgot him. That means Kidd isnt even in my top 5 now. Dont get me wrong, he was once a GREAT player, so good he got Kenyon Martin his max contract. But now... He cant shoot, he's old, slow, even though he was voted all-defense first team, I dont think he is much of a stopper anymore.

[Sauru]

I wonder if it constitutes tampering though, with a sponsorship deal influencing the free agency process and perhaps even offsetting money lost by taking a smaller deal with the Knicks or Nets. If it doesn't break any rules, it would surely come close.

if its not considered that then it should be. that clearly influences where he signs his next deal. i mean if he got double his nike money he could sign in chicago for the minimum and still be making more than anyone else and be playing on a team that could have some serious hopes of making the finals.

[magius]

i'd think pretty much any superstar would be guaranteed more money playing in a market like new york. imo, certain players would leave for the big market, but I don't think lebron is one of them. From what I've seen he's pretty respectful and has a love of nba history and the game; i think he wants a legacy in cleveland. Based on my perception of him and his maturity, I think the chances of him leaving are slim.

[Stevesanity]

Messy article, but it looks like Bron's very likely to stay cause his word seems to be very honest and sincere.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/ ... t_to_stay/

A day after a gut-wrenching defeat at Detroit that ended their season in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers began to look forward to better times.
Times such as signing forward LeBron James to a contract extension.
The Cavaliers can make James a maximum offer July 1. When the moratorium ends July 12, he can sign a five-year deal worth approximately $75 million - a deal many naysayers predict will never come.
If James rebuffs the Cavaliers' offer, then it's time to panic.
But for now, both sides are saying all the right things.
"Of course, I want to stay," James said. "This season has really put me in a good frame of mind as far as me being a part of this organization for a long time - the great teammates that I have and a coaching staff that I really enjoy being around."
The negotiations should be cut-and-dry. He will get the maximum amount possible.
"Hopefully not," James said when asked if the negotiations would take long. "We can come to an agreement that's suitable for both sides."
General Manager Danny Ferry said he wants James in a Cavaliers uniform for a long time.
"Our control over the situation is to continue to do as many good things as possible for our team and making it a great place to play and make our team a contender for a championship," Ferry said. "Players want to be part of that. We are committed to make this a great place to play. LeBron is a big part of our future. Hopefully, we'll be able to say that for a very long time."
Ferry said he hasn't discussed an extension with James because it would be against the rules in the collective-bargaining agreement.
Power forward Drew Gooden is a restricted free agent, and he can sign for a maximum five years. The Cavaliers might have his agent, Calvin Andrews, broker a deal with another team, and they'll have an opportunity to match it.
If the Cavaliers decide they don't want to retain Gooden's services, they will be able to use him in a sign-and-trade. They would then need to bring back another forward or center to the roster. Gooden could ask for as much as $7 million a season.
"I want to be a Cavalier," Gooden said. "This was my favorite year (in my career). I did my job when I was out there. The most attractive thing is we won. I want to be on a winning team."
Gooden said he'll test the free-agent market.
"Of course. I'll keep my ear to the street," he said.
Ferry said Gooden was solid this season, when he averaged 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds.
"Drew did a great job for us and is a big part of us winning 50 games," Ferry said. "He's a talented, 6-10 power forward. Obviously, we're very interested in keeping Drew in our uniform."
Guard Flip Murray is an unrestricted free agent. He might want to go to a team for which he can start. He just wants to fit in.
Murray's performance in the Cavaliers' seven-game loss to the Pistons might have soured the Cavaliers on Murray. He shot 21.8 percent from the field in the seven games (12 of 55).
"Flip's impact was huge for us," Ferry said. "He helped us win basketball games when we needed to grind out victories. We'd like to explore having him back, as well."
If Murray wants the full mid-level exception, he might be playing elsewhere next season.
The Cavaliers have the mid-level exception (approximately $5 million) and the biannual exception (formerly the million-dollar exception) at their disposal. They also have a first-round pick (No. 25 overall) and two second-round selections.
The Cavaliers have two other unrestricted free agents - forward/center Alan Henderson and guard/forward Stephen Graham.