Holy Crap

[SLATEmosphere]

The Chicago Bulls are on the verge of trading Luol Deng to clear up even more cap room. They will officially have enough to make room for two max free agents without having to do a sign and trade.

I can see Lebron and Amare/Bosh going there.

Rose
Hinrich
LeBron
Amare/Bosh
Noah

with Gibson and Johnson off the bench

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Holy ****!!!

[Sam I Am]

I can't imagine why LeBron would actually want to go to Chicago. I mean, he will NEVER get out of Jordan's shadow. While physically he is better than Jordan, he doesn't have the inner drive to win.

His career will forever be marked as a failure in Chicago.

[Joe Realist]

I can't imagine why LeBron would actually want to go to Chicago. I mean, he will NEVER get out of Jordan's shadow. While physically he is better than Jordan, he doesn't have the inner drive to win.

His career will forever be marked as a failure in Chicago.


Agree 100%. I was thinking the same

[joseephuss]

I can't imagine why LeBron would actually want to go to Chicago. I mean, he will NEVER get out of Jordan's shadow. While physically he is better than Jordan, he doesn't have the inner drive to win.

His career will forever be marked as a failure in Chicago.

LeBron has the inner drive to win. He just doesn't have it at the same level as Jordan. Who does?

[Sam I Am]

LeBron has the inner drive to win. He just doesn't have it at the same level as Jordan. Who does?

He does? I never saw Jordan take a game off during the regular season. I watched LeBron go on vacation during the playoffs. His drive isn't to win, it's show people how good he is.

LeBron is the best basketball player I've ever seen...if he would play like it all the time. He wants to win, everyone does. It's just not the most important thing to him. LeBron is the most important thing to LeBron. FAIL.

As for drive like Jordan has, there are thousands of athletes where winning in the most important thing to them. Jordan was by no means in a league of his own drive wise. Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Chris Paul, Kevin Garrnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and I'm just naming top tier active players today. There are I'm sure there are a hundred more still actively playing in the NBA today. Most just aren't quite as talented.

LeBron could be the best player to ever play the game, but he won't. The only way LeBron ever wins a championship, is if he joins a team that has a top tier player who does have the drive to win and pushes LeBron. The question is, can he handle getting pushed by someone he thinks is inferior to himself. I'm not sure his ego will allow that.

[BehindEnemyLinez]

I can't imagine why LeBron would actually want to go to Chicago. I mean, he will NEVER get out of Jordan's shadow. While physically he is better than Jordan, he doesn't have the inner drive to win.

His career will forever be marked as a failure in Chicago.
I hope by "physically" you mean because of his size combined w/ his athleticism because he's not as skilled as Jordan...not as tough as Jordan...and seemingly not as driven as Jordan. MJ simply didn't think losing was an option and LBJ doesn't seem to take that approach everytime he steps onto the hardwood.

[zrinkill]

I hope by "physically" you mean because of his size combined w/ his athleticism because he's not as skilled as Jordan...not as tough as Jordan

Agreed.

[Sam I Am]

I hope by "physically" you mean because of his size combined w/ his athleticism because he's not as skilled as Jordan...not as tough as Jordan...and seemingly not as driven as Jordan. MJ simply didn't think losing was an option and LBJ doesn't seem to take that approach everytime he steps onto the hardwood.

Physically means physically. I think he has the skill set too, he just doesn't practice as hard as Jordon. It doesn't appear that he has too either. He is just that freaking talented. Of course if he did, he would be completely unstoppable.

It's the drive that he doesn't have. It's why he will end his career labeled as a failure unless he teams up with someone who actually has drive that can motivate him to work.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

No one wants Luol Deng, let alone trade for him. The Clips could just sign Rudy Gay

[ajk23az]

No one wants Luol Deng, let alone trade for him. The Clips could just overpay for Rudy Gay

FIFY

My bet is on Wade going to the Bulls.

[Sam I Am]

FIFY

My bet is on Wade going to the Bulls.

It's home for him so that is very plausible. I would guess that is where he would go also unless his plan is to team up with another big time player somewhere else.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Wade is staying.

W/ the Bulls clearing room trading Hinrich and the Heat and Nets looking to do the same ****s gonna get reall fun soon.


The Nets can get Chris Paul and have CP3, Lebron, Lopez which trumps anything

[Sam I Am]

Wade is staying.

W/ the Bulls clearing room trading Hinrich and the Heat and Nets looking to do the same ****s gonna get reall fun soon.


The Nets can get Chris Paul and have CP3, Lebron, Lopez which trumps anything

Why would anyone sign with the Nets? Especially with Avery now the coach.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/gmjigga/savior.jpg

[SLATEmosphere]

I can't imagine why LeBron would actually want to go to Chicago. I mean, he will NEVER get out of Jordan's shadow. While physically he is better than Jordan, he doesn't have the inner drive to win.

His career will forever be marked as a failure in Chicago.

Michael will be in LeBrons shadow by the time his career is over in Chi-town.

Discuss....

[UnoDallas]

Lebron is going to Dallas - end of dicussion

[ajk23az]

Michael will be in LeBrons shadow by the time his career is over in Chi-town.

Discuss....

:laugh2:

Gawd your ridiculous...

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Lebron is going to Dallas - end of dicussion


They got nothing going for them

The Bulls and Nets are looking good. Hopefully someone **** blocks this Hinrich deal

[Rampage]

Michael will be in LeBrons shadow by the time his career is over in Chi-town.

Discuss....
until Lebron wins a championship there is nothing to discuss.

[casmith07]

Heinrich's going to Washington along with Chicago's #17 pick for some undisclosed compensation.

[casmith07]

until Lebron matches or bests this list of achievements (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Michael_Jordan) there is nothing to discuss.

FIFY.

[SLATEmosphere]

They got nothing going for them

The Bulls and Nets are looking good. Hopefully someone **** blocks this Hinrich deal

How the **** are the Nets looking good for LeBron? Maybe if they got John Wall.

[SLATEmosphere]

FIFY.

Well he's already racking up the MVP's and 1st team all defensive achievments. Lebrons 7 Finals MVP trophys will quickly follow suit.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

How the **** are the Nets looking good for LeBron? Maybe if they got John Wall.


Cap room, Lopez > Rose, TWill, Favors, an actual coach and owner

[SLATEmosphere]

Cap room, Lopez > Rose, TWill, Favors, an actual coach and owner

Trash aroma in the air...

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Trash aroma in the air...

Seems youre no NBA expert either

[ajk23az]

Seems youre no NBA expert either

If you need facts to back this statement up, you can find them EVERYWHERE in here about his "predictions"

[SLATEmosphere]

Seems youre no NBA expert either

Oh I thought we were talking about things that didn't matter. My bad.

[pupulehaole]

I can't imagine why LeBron would actually want to go to Chicago. I mean, he will NEVER get out of Jordan's shadow. While physically he is better than Jordan, he doesn't have the inner drive to win.

His career will forever be marked as a failure in Chicago.

This!:bow:

[zrinkill]

Well he's already racking up the MVP's and 1st team all defensive achievments.

How many does he have?

[Sam I Am]

until Lebron wins a championship there is nothing to discuss.

Mike has six, so that should be. Until LeBron has as many championships as Mike, there is nothing to discuss.

Unless he LeBron teams up with a player who has real drive, he won't win a single one.

[dropshot001]

no more hinrich in that lineup

[MarionBarberThe4th]

LeBron James(notes) is planning to invite six teams to meet him over the first three days of free agency, and rap mogul Jay-Z and Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov will be part of a New Jersey Nets contingent that will make the first presentation on July 1 in the Akron, Ohio, area, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.





Slate is automatic
Tell me I wont win the lottery

[Kangaroo]

Why would anyone sign with the Nets? Especially with Avery now the coach.

That is funny he got the Mavs to finals which Nelson never did; he got on his team when they went to Miami because they where to busy parting he questioned his team focus to win and he was correct. Jerry stackhouse was one of the culprits.

Avery was not the issue it is the owner and players on that team

[MarionBarberThe4th]

The Mavs have been awesome since he left.....
wait

[casmith07]

Ultimately, I think it's Miami or Chicago for James. Probably Chicago with Thibodeau as coach. In Miami Pat Riley would probably come out of retirement if they signed LeBron.

I think it's all a wash, though. He won't win a championship. He's like Allen Iverson in that his presence and him as a "character" command more attention from himself than winning championships.

He is still young though, so hopefully he can redefine himself as a player and become a better basketball player and stop worrying about tossing baby powder in the air and snapping imaginary pictures of teammates.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

W/O Lebron next year the Cavs will win 25 games. They suck. Their best player will be Anderson Varejaeo. If Lebron was on the Lakers they win the title in 5 games.

He will win a title next year if he hooks up w/ the Nets or Bulls.

He wouldnt on the Heat b/c that "dream team" everyones talking about would really suck

[Rampage]

W/O Lebron next year the Cavs will win 25 games. They suck. Their best player will be Anderson Varejaeo. If Lebron was on the Lakers they win the title in 5 games.

He will win a title next year if he hooks up w/ the Nets or Bulls.

He wouldnt on the Heat b/c that "dream team" everyones talking about would really suck
:lmao2: and he won't go to Miami cause that's Wade's team. Lebron wants his own team.

[casmith07]

:lmao2: and he won't go to Miami cause that's Wade's team. Lebron wants his own team.

Yeah I can't believe he seriously thinks that's true for next season.

New Jersey? Really?

I think he's going to Chicago. He applied to change his jersey number to 6, and people read into it and felt that according to league rules he was staying in Cleveland since you only have to apply for a new number if you're changing your number on your current team (a la Kobe from 8 to 24).

But they didn't think about this: 23 is retired in Chicago.

[Rampage]

Yeah I can't believe he seriously thinks that's true for next season.

New Jersey? Really?
the Nets need to hurry up and move that team to Brooklyn if they think any top players will even consider playing for them.

i'll laugh if he goes to Chicago because the pressure will be so enormous. but if he does all he would need is a big man who can score to pair with him and Rose and they could be a real contender

[MarionBarberThe4th]

CP3, Lee, Lebron, Haslem, Lopez

or

Harris, Lee, Lebron, Amare, Lopez


Yea, um, Ill take that

[casmith07]

the Nets need to hurry up and move that team to Brooklyn if they think any top players will even consider playing for them.

i'll laugh if he goes to Chicago because the pressure will be so enormous. but if he does all he would need is a big man who can score to pair with him and Rose and they could be a real contender

I still think there's an outside shot he could land in Washington. Got a new star point guard to play with, a young nucleus of players, etc.

I think the worst thing Washington did was agree to bring back Gilbert Arenas. They should have bought him out and sent him packing, and cleared up that cap space to try and get LeBron and another free agent.

I think they're going to hold what they've got, though, and potentially go after Carmelo Anthony next year and bring him home.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Arenas is on the books, you cant clear his cap number.


Anyway.....Washington, really? They just added Hinrich for $9M. Cmon son.

Theres a reason people are mentioning only the best options. Bulls, Nets, Heat, and to a lesser extent the Knicks

[SLATEmosphere]

I think he stays in cleveland and entices bosh to force a sign and trade. Bosh openly admitted that he's waiting for lebrons decision

Here's why it would work out.

Toronto has a ton of horrible contracts they want to get rid of and will see this as an opportunity to shed it. If bosh signs outright with miami, they get nothing. If they sign and trade with cleveland, they can get jamison,delonte(who is only gaurenteed 500k next season) and eyenga who they liked in the 2nd last year.

In return, cleve would take on turkoglus horid contract in order to get bosh. Dan gilbert has no problem spending money.

Take this to the bank.

[juck]

Michael will be in LeBrons shadow by the time his career is over in Chi-town.

Discuss....
Ur joking right? And are u just waiting to jump on a teams bandwagon when Bron Bron gets there? Thats lame.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

I think he stays in cleveland and entices bosh to force a sign and trade. Bosh openly admitted that he's waiting for lebrons decision

Here's why it would work out.

Toronto has a ton of horrible contracts they want to get rid of and will see this as an opportunity to shed it. If bosh signs outright with miami, they get nothing. If they sign and trade with cleveland, they can get jamison,delonte(who is only gaurenteed 500k next season) and eyenga who they liked in the 2nd last year.

In return, cleve would take on turkoglus horid contract in order to get bosh. Dan gilbert has no problem spending money.

Take this to the bank.

No way Toronto wants to pay Jamison $12M a year. And how would Cleveland take on Turks contract when they are already over the cap? They would have to send Toronto something back. Which would be even more crap they dont want


What an awesome team if they could pull that off though

Mo Williams corpse
Nobody
Lebron
Bosh
Nobody

That definitely beats out what the Bulls and Nets can do

Lopez, Rose, Noah, Harris, Favors, Gibson, and TWill are all better than anyone on the Cavs

[SLATEmosphere]

No way Toronto wants to pay Jamison $12M a year. And how would Cleveland take on Turks contract when they are already over the cap? They would have to send Toronto something back. Which would be even more crap they dont want


What an awesome team if they could pull that off though

Mo Williams corpse
Nobody
Lebron
Bosh
Nobody

That definitely beats out what the Bulls and Nets can do

Lopez, Rose, Noah, Harris, Favors, Gibson, and TWill are all better than anyone on the Cavs

Jamison only has 2 years left on his contract. He's still a decent talent and Hedo has publicly wanted out. Vice versa.

You're underestimating his loyalty.

LeBron+Bosh+his loyalty> Noah+Rose+Jordans shadow

And stop with the Nets bull****. No one wants to go to that peice of **** city dude. Just stop.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Cool. Jamisons horrible contract for Turkuglus horrible contract. Done deal. Now how are you getting Bosh?


"My favorite borough? Brooklyn," James said, choosing the proposed future home of the New Jersey Nets over the borough of Manhattan, where the Knicks play their home games. "Brooklyn is definitely a great place here in New York City, and some of my best friends are from Brooklyn, so I stick up for them."








Cleveland nabbed the top spot as a result of poor ratings across the board. It was the only city that fell in the bottom half of the rankings in all nine categories. Many residents are heading for greener pastures. There has been a net migration out of the Cleveland metro area of 71,000 people over the past five years. Population for the city itself has been on a steady decline and is now less than half of it what it was 50 years ago.

Cleveland ranked near the bottom when looking at corruption. Northern Ohio has seen 309 public officials convicted of crimes over the past 10 years according to the Justice Department. A current FBI investigation of public officials in Cuyahoga County (where Cleveland is located) has ensnared more than two dozen government employees and businessmen on charges including bribery, fraud and tax evasion.



On the housing front Cleveland is dealing with thousands of abandoned homes. The city contributed to its foreclosure problem by providing down payments to many people that could not afford homes through the federally funded Afford-A-Home program. Cleveland led by Mayor Frank Jackson sued 21 large investment banks in 2008 who he felt were complicit in the subprime and foreclosure crisis that hit Cleveland hard. A federal judge dismissed the suit last year, but the city is appealing the ruling.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Oh no.




The Nets as the World's Team. That's basically Mikhail Prokhorov's pitch...and there's every indication free agents are listening. Al Iannazzone reports LeBron James is most interested in meeting the new owner, quoting "someone close to the situation" as saying, "LeBron really wants to meet Prokhorov and see what he's about. He's really interested in meeting him."

No disrespect to Rod Thorn or Jay-Z, but it's Prokhorov who's the big draw, say sources.

Iannazzone adds quotes that'll cause Nets fans' hearts to palpitate, but cautions things'll change, perhaps day to day. "He's coming to New Jersey," Iannazzone quotes "someone close to James". He also quotes "multiple NBA sources" as saying the Nets have as good a shot as Chicago.

[DallasDomination]

I hope he goes to chicago but for the love of god not with BOSH or JOE JOHNSON Those guys are about as overrated as they come.

[StylisticS]

I am also on the wagon that he is Chicago bound. I do not believe he stays in Cleveland. It's basically between Miami and Chicago.

[Shneek814]

Dont matter Lakers are getting it again. Clevelands GM did everything he could to bring in a championship. Good Luck buddy. Go to Boston or LA to have a chance.

[CliffnMesquite]

Is a Luol Deng in China the same thing as a fender bender here?

How can you people watch that trash sport...

[BanditHiro]

Dont matter Lakers are getting it again. Clevelands GM did everything he could to bring in a championship. Good Luck buddy. Go to Boston or LA to have a chance.

well not everybody can have the connections LA has. Gasol for a bag of chips and a used condom, what a joke.

[Shneek814]

well not everybody can have the connections LA has. Gasol for a bag of chips and a used condom, what a joke.

Clearing cap room is the business of the NBA. LA just knew how to take advantage of it. Too many haters are on this board. Give credit where its due.

[casmith07]

well not everybody can have the connections LA has. Gasol for a bag of chips and a used condom, what a joke.

If that's your sentiment, then you should be furious at the trades that Chicago and Miami pulled off during the draft on Thursday.

[casmith07]

Arenas is on the books, you cant clear his cap number.


Anyway.....Washington, really? They just added Hinrich for $9M. Cmon son.

Theres a reason people are mentioning only the best options. Bulls, Nets, Heat, and to a lesser extent the Knicks

You've got to pay closer attention to the business side of the NBA and not just salary numbers and the face value of stuff.

There's still a chance Hinrich could be packaged and moved due to his salary.

ONE of the two will not be in Washington come season's start: Kirk Hinrich, or Gilbert Arenas.

I think he stays in cleveland and entices bosh to force a sign and trade. Bosh openly admitted that he's waiting for lebrons decision

If Bosh gets a sign-and-trade done, he's going to the Lakers for Bynum and some extras. Cleveland still has no coach, no GM, and even after making all sorts of moves including bringing the Big Aristotle to Cleveland, still no championships. There's no excuse why that team, led by LeBron, with all those young players should have lost to the Celtics in the playoffs. No excuse.

Once Cleveland failed to land Izzo, LeBron was officially on the move. It's between Chicago and Miami, and it could be either one. I also think Wade and Bosh will take less money to get on the same team. Wade's from Chicago, but Florida has no income tax. My most sure prediction, though? LeBron to Chicago, and Bosh to Miami. I can already picture Bosh in a Heat uniform.

Finally, Bosh said he's waiting on LeBron's decision to be made so he can get a feel for the market, not so he can jump on whatever team he's going to.

The Nets actually have a nice roster for LeBron to work with, but not anyone that can really compete in the next 3 to 5 years. And if anyone STILL thinks LeBron is going to New York, I have two words for you: Mike D'Antoni.

[Yeagermeister]

well not everybody can have the connections LA has. Gasol for a bag of chips and a used condom, what a joke.

That's what happens when you have an owner who cares more about the bottom line than winning. I wish he could find a buyer that cares about the team and doesn't look at them as a business.

But we did get his brother Marc out of the deal and he played well last year.

[juck]

I could care less where he goes. He is so overhyped and its all about him. He can go to the Knicks and be a star and never win anthing cause any of these teams are rebuilding. He could not win with Cleveland and that record. Its a team sport. Bosh sucks too. He is soft as ****.

[SLATEmosphere]

I could care less where he goes. He is so overhyped and its all about him. He can go to the Knicks and be a star and never win anthing cause any of these teams are rebuilding. He could not win with Cleveland and that record. Its a team sport. Bosh sucks too. He is soft as ****.

Oh shutup. You'd be gargling his marbles if he went to the mavs. Knock it off.

[SLATEmosphere]

You've got to pay closer attention to the business side of the NBA and not just salary numbers and the face value of stuff.

There's still a chance Hinrich could be packaged and moved due to his salary.

ONE of the two will not be in Washington come season's start: Kirk Hinrich, or Gilbert Arenas.



If Bosh gets a sign-and-trade done, he's going to the Lakers for Bynum and some extras. Cleveland still has no coach, no GM, and even after making all sorts of moves including bringing the Big Aristotle to Cleveland, still no championships. There's no excuse why that team, led by LeBron, with all those young players should have lost to the Celtics in the playoffs. No excuse.

Once Cleveland failed to land Izzo, LeBron was officially on the move. It's between Chicago and Miami, and it could be either one. I also think Wade and Bosh will take less money to get on the same team. Wade's from Chicago, but Florida has no income tax. My most sure prediction, though? LeBron to Chicago, and Bosh to Miami. I can already picture Bosh in a Heat uniform.

Finally, Bosh said he's waiting on LeBron's decision to be made so he can get a feel for the market, not so he can jump on whatever team he's going to.

The Nets actually have a nice roster for LeBron to work with, but not anyone that can really compete in the next 3 to 5 years. And if anyone STILL thinks LeBron is going to New York, I have two words for you: Mike D'Antoni.


There's a lot wrong with this post. its going to be a domino effect in cleveland when lebron signs. All they have to do is tell lebron, "pick any player you want and well get him" he will agree and before he signs, he will make sure bosh will force a trade. Talks will also be made about a head coach before hand. They'll tell lebron that byron scott would love to be your coach if you resign. Just like that you have lebron,bosh and byron scott.

He's going on his strokemylego tour right now to give everyone a pitch.

You can't pick and choose how good his team is. He gets zero ****ing help ever year in the playoffs. So what if he had a few bad games, its a team sport. Kobe bryant had some horrible games and the lakers still won because he got help. Its extremely hypocrytical to say lebron choked when kobe had the same type of games.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

The Nets actually have a nice roster for LeBron to work with, but not anyone that can really compete in the next 3 to 5 years.


What am I(or you) missing?

Harris, Lee, Lebron, Bosh, Lopez

Best player in the game, top 12ish player, and a top 15 player. And Harris and Lee have finals experience.

W/ lottery picks TWill and Favors(mini Dwight Howard) off the bench



There's a lot wrong with this post. its going to be a domino effect in cleveland when lebron signs. All they have to do is tell lebron, "pick any player you want and well get him" he will agree and before he signs, he will make sure bosh will force a trade. T

They cant get Bosh. Toronto does not want Antwan Jamison. No one wants Jamison. They cant get Bosh. They have the MLE they can sign like Al Harrington



You can't pick and choose how good his team is. He gets zero ****ing help ever year in the playoffs. So what if he had a few bad games, its a team sport. Kobe bryant had some horrible games and the lakers still won because he got help. Its extremely hypocrytical to say lebron choked when kobe had the same type of games.



Sounds like a ringing endorsement for Cleveland. City sucks, team sucks.

Chicago, Brookyln, Miami. Good cities, good teams

[casmith07]

There's a lot wrong with this post. its going to be a domino effect in cleveland when lebron signs. All they have to do is tell lebron, "pick any player you want and well get him" he will agree and before he signs, he will make sure bosh will force a trade. Talks will also be made about a head coach before hand. They'll tell lebron that byron scott would love to be your coach if you resign. Just like that you have lebron,bosh and byron scott.

He's going on his strokemylego tour right now to give everyone a pitch.

You can't pick and choose how good his team is. He gets zero ****ing help ever year in the playoffs. So what if he had a few bad games, its a team sport. Kobe bryant had some horrible games and the lakers still won because he got help. Its extremely hypocrytical to say lebron choked when kobe had the same type of games.

I could have been wrong in my opinions on Chris Bosh. I still think Dwyane Wade, LeBron, and Bosh will take less money to have a chance to win, especially if it means Wade gets to come home and compete for a title.

Starting 5 of Rose, Wade, James, Deng/Noah, and Bosh? That would be a lock for the Eastern Conference. Deng or Noah could start, and the other would be an extremely dangerous 6th man off the bench. Read on:

Report: LeBron leaning toward Bulls (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5333896)

An NBA executive says the Chicago Bulls have emerged as a favorite in the free agency sweepstakes for LeBron James, along with Chris Bosh, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

The executive said he had gleaned from his discussions with other league executives that James is leaning toward joining the Bulls, along with Bosh, his teammate on the United States' gold medal-winning 2008 Olympic team. The Times reported the executive did not want to be named because he was discussing a player who was not yet a free agent.

"I think it's a done deal," the executive, said according to the report.

James' friend and business partner Maverick Carter told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that James will have would-be suitors visit him in his native Ohio, rather than embark upon a barnstorming tour of cities hoping to land the two-time MVP. Free agency officially starts at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday.

LeBron Tracker

Where will LeBron James land? We're keeping tabs on the King. Here's the latest. LeBron Tracker

"LeBron is not going on a tour," Carter said. "He never planned to go on a tour and has not been a part of any team's plans for a recruiting trip."

Teams including the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers are in the hunt for James, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the only team he has played for in his seven-year NBA career. Fans in Cleveland and cities hoping to woo James have already made high-profile pushes for his services.

But the NBA executive said he believed James would meet with those teams as a courtesy, out of consideration for the overtures and personnel moves they have made to clear salary cap in hopes of signing James, The Times reported.

Sources said various teams were made aware of James' anti-tour stance Wednesday. The Knicks -- who, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, were planning a spectacular, celebrity-laden dinner cooked by a world-renowned chef for James on July 1 -- quickly canceled it and began drafting an alternate plan, according to two sources.

While several teams had hoped to sell James on the non-basketball advantages of their cities, it's believed that James wants to keep the focus on basketball. The executive quoted by the Times also said that James wanted to keep the focus on the game.

"He is going to make a basketball decision, so all that is unnecessary," the executive said, according to The Times. "He just saved a lot of people a lot of money."

Information from ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard was used in this report.

[SLATEmosphere]

I do agree that the Bulls have a great chance.

Rose
Lebron
Deng
Bosh
Noah

All those guys are 26 or younger. That's incredible. They could contend for rings the next 6-7 years.

[Rampage]

I do agree that the Bulls have a great chance.

Rose
Lebron
Deng
Bosh
Noah

All those guys are 26 or younger. That's incredible. They could contend for rings the next 6-7 years.
I thought they wanna get rid of Deng? so if Lebron leaves the Cavs are you gonna follow him or stay with the Cavs since you liked them because of.....:laugh2: because.......................:lmao2: because of Andre Miller?:lmao:

[casmith07]

I do agree that the Bulls have a great chance.

Rose
Lebron
Deng
Bosh
Noah

All those guys are 26 or younger. That's incredible. They could contend for rings the next 6-7 years.

I thought they wanna get rid of Deng? so if Lebron leaves the Cavs are you gonna follow him or stay with the Cavs since you liked them because of.....:laugh2: because.......................:lmao2: because of Andre Miller?:lmao:

Haha...Slate man I don't just do this stuff for fun, I've got ambitions :D

[SLATEmosphere]

I thought they wanna get rid of Deng? so if Lebron leaves the Cavs are you gonna follow him or stay with the Cavs since you liked them because of.....:laugh2: because.......................:lmao2: because of Andre Miller?:lmao:

whats your deal?

I dont know how many ****ing times I gotta answer this question.

[Rampage]

whats your deal?

I dont know how many ****ing times I gotta answer this question.
just wondering

[SLATEmosphere]

just wondering

The fact that you mentioned Andre Miller means you know the answer.

[casmith07]

Go ahead and put your order in, Slate.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2rz9vyb.jpg

Also, interestingly enough, when you try and customize a Bosh #4 or Wade #3 jersey for the Bulls, the site won't let you, giving you this error:

Your current entry cannot be processed. Some entries are prohibited due to guidelines for past and present player names. Please create a new entry.

How about this though?

http://i48.tinypic.com/2qw397k.jpg

[SLATEmosphere]

I'll get that jersey no doubt. LeBron will always be my favorite player.

[mldardy]

What am I(or you) missing?

Harris, Lee, Lebron, Bosh, Lopez

Best player in the game, top 12ish player, and a top 15 player. And Harris and Lee have finals experience.

W/ lottery picks TWill and Favors(mini Dwight Howard) off the bench



They cant get Bosh. Toronto does not want Antwan Jamison. No one wants Jamison. They cant get Bosh. They have the MLE they can sign like Al Harrington





Sounds like a ringing endorsement for Cleveland. City sucks, team sucks.

Chicago, Brookyln, Miami. Good cities, good teams
Lopez, a top 15 player? :lmao2:I hope you are not saying that.

[Rampage]

The fact that you mentioned Andre Miller means you know the answer.
that sucks. atleast you got the Cowboys and Billion dollar boys(yankees)

[casmith07]

Lopez, a top 15 player? :lmao2:I hope you are not saying that.

He's saying either Top 12 or Top 15 for Lopez. LOL.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

In some order

Lebron, Kobe, Howard, Wade, D. Williams, Durant, Melo, Gasol, CP3, Bosh, Nowitzki, Nash, Amare, Brandon Roy

Wow, hit that on the head. Rose is a toss up. Top 3 PG or top 3 center, take your pick

Crazy like a third of these guys could be moving. And CP3 can be had as well.

so yea, Lopez is a 20/10 7'1" center who can block shots and play D. He also has never missed a game in his career. Crazy considering hes had no help, which is hard for young centers b/c of double teams


You may want to bring up guys like Pierce, Granger, Yao or Duncan but those guys are either old or banged up.

[mldardy]

In some order

Lebron, Kobe, Howard, Wade, D. Williams, Durant, Melo, Gasol, CP3, Bosh, Nowitzki, Nash, Amare, Brandon Roy

Wow, hit that on the head. Rose is a toss up. Top 3 PG or top 3 center, take your pick

Crazy like a third of these guys could be moving. And CP3 can be had as well.

so yea, Lopez is a 20/10 7'1" center who can block shots and play D. He also has never missed a game in his career. Crazy considering hes had no help, which is hard for young centers b/c of double teams


You may want to bring up guys like Pierce, Granger, Yao or Duncan but those guys are either old or banged up.
Lopez is not a top 15 player. Lopez is not a 20/10 player. There are a lot better players and established players than him.

[SLATEmosphere]

Lopez is not a top 15 player. There are a lot better players and established players than him.

Welcome to our world. Don't take the bait.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Welcome to our world. Don't take the bait.


Hows that trade for Bosh working out?

Oops, you dont understand the rules so why should anyone listen to you.......



Id like to see anyone else's top 15. Tell me 15 players youd take over Lopez. I gave you the list, its right there.

[SLATEmosphere]

Hows that trade for Bosh working out?

Oops, you dont understand the rules so why should anyone listen to you.......



Id like to see anyone else's top 15. Tell me 15 players youd take over Lopez. I gave you the list, its right there.

FA doesn't start till July 1st ****tard. That's when things will go down

[MarionBarberThe4th]

FA doesn't start till July 1st ****tard. That's when things will go down


July 8th.

The 1st is when they can talk to the FA's

And what does that date mean to your lack of NBA knowledge? You mean you plan on knowing how trades work on the 1st?

[SLATEmosphere]

July 8th.

The 1st is when they can talk to the FA's

And what does that date mean to your lack of NBA knowledge? You mean you plan on knowing how trades work on the 1st?

Everything hinges on LeBrons decision.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Everything hinges on LeBrons decision.


And Lebron is going to decide to go to the craptastic Cavs?

The Bulls have 3 or 4 better players than anyone on the Cavs. Plus one for another max FA

The Nets have 3 or 4 better players than anyone on the Cavs. Plus one for another max FA. And of course Lopez, the 2nd or 3rd best center in the NBA

If Lebron re-ups God bless him. He has no way to get help. Bosh isnt signing for $5.6M when he can get $16M to play in Miami w/ Wade

[casmith07]

In some order

Lebron, Kobe, Howard, Wade, D. Williams, Durant, Melo, Gasol, CP3, Bosh, Nowitzki, Nash, Amare, Brandon Roy

Wow, hit that on the head. Rose is a toss up. Top 3 PG or top 3 center, take your pick

Crazy like a third of these guys could be moving. And CP3 can be had as well.

so yea, Lopez is a 20/10 7'1" center who can block shots and play D. He also has never missed a game in his career. Crazy considering hes had no help, which is hard for young centers b/c of double teams


You may want to bring up guys like Pierce, Granger, Yao or Duncan but those guys are either old or banged up.

Comedy. Nowtizki? Comedy.

[casmith07]

And Lebron is going to decide to go to the craptastic Cavs?

The Bulls have 3 or 4 better players than anyone on the Cavs. Plus one for another max FA

The Nets have 3 or 4 better players than anyone on the Cavs. Plus one for another max FA. And of course Lopez, the 2nd or 3rd best center in the NBA

If Lebron re-ups God bless him. He has no way to get help. Bosh isnt signing for $5.6M when he can get $16M to play in Miami w/ Wade

The Bulls already have 3 or 4 better players.

Rose is better than Mo Williams and Delonte West combined.
Deng is better than Tony Parker or Antawn Jamison (at this stage in his career...Jamison used to be a best)
Noah is better than Ilgauskas and is certainly better than Varejao

As for the Nets

Devin Harris is better than the Cavs PGs, and Lopez is better than Ilgauskas and Varejao but that's not putting him in some arbitrary Top 15 or anything.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Comedy. Nowtizki? Comedy.


I put Nowitzki in there Cas.


The Bulls already have 3 or 4 better players.

Rose is better than Mo Williams and Delonte West combined.
Deng is better than Tony Parker or Antawn Jamison (at this stage in his career...Jamison used to be a best)
Noah is better than Ilgauskas and is certainly better than Varejao

As for the Nets

Devin Harris is better than the Cavs PGs, and Lopez is better than Ilgauskas and Varejao but that's not putting him in some arbitrary Top 15 or anything.

Hes in the 15, trust me.

Between the Nets, Cavs, and Bulls it goes like 8 deep before you get to a Cav a team would want over them

Some order: Lopez, Rose, Favors, Harris, Noah, TWill, Gibson, Deng then another max(Amare now?)

[casmith07]

Your signature should read "MarionBarberthe4th: Doing it for the Lulz since Aug 2005".

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Dang.

You guys put more time into insults than into 15 players they would take over Lopez.

I am dissapoint

[casmith07]

Dang.

You guys put more time into insults than into 15 players they would take over Lopez.

I am dissapoint

1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Chris Paul
5. Deron Williams
6. Derrick Rose
7. Pau Gasol
8. Kevin Garnett
9. Ray Allen
10. Rajon Rondo
11. Tony Parker
12. Steve Nash
13. Joe Johnson
14. Chauncey Billups
15. Carmelo Anthony
16. Dirk Nowitzki
17. Brandon Jennings
18. Tyreke Evans
19. Dwight Howard
20. Amare Stoudemire
21. Chris Bosh
22. Paul Pierce
23. Kevin Durant
24. Jeff Green
25. Brandon Roy

Should I go on? Can I name rookies from this year's draft class?

[SLATEmosphere]

1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Chris Paul
5. Deron Williams
6. Derrick Rose
7. Pau Gasol
8. Kevin Garnett
9. Ray Allen
10. Rajon Rondo
11. Tony Parker
12. Steve Nash
13. Joe Johnson
14. Chauncey Billups
15. Carmelo Anthony
16. Dirk Nowitzki
17. Brandon Jennings
18. Tyreke Evans
19. Dwight Howard
20. Amare Stoudemire
21. Chris Bosh
22. Paul Pierce
23. Kevin Durant
24. Jeff Green
25. Brandon Roy

Should I go on? Can I name rookies from this year's draft class?

Ray Allen at 9? Wow I think MB4th is a little ***** as much as anyone else, but there's no way Ray Allen is top 10..and Jeff Green top 25? and Kevin Durant at 23? I really hope this is in no particular order, if not then I apologize.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Chris Paul
5. Deron Williams
6. Derrick Rose - 6? Hes around 15 w/ Lopez
7. Pau Gasol
8. Kevin Garnett - Done(And 8th???)
9. Ray Allen - Done
10. Rajon Rondo - No D, also a punk
11. Tony Parker - Trade bait.
12. Steve Nash
13. Joe Johnson - Really came up big in the playoffs
14. Chauncey Billups - Done
15. Carmelo Anthony
16. Dirk Nowitzki
17. Brandon Jennings - Lopez shot 50%, Jennings shot 40%. Lopez is a 82% FT shooter to Jennings 80%. Lopzeven had 2.3 assists to Jennings 3.6
18. Tyreke Evans -Nice year, but lets see if he can run the point
19. Dwight Howard - 19???
20. Amare Stoudemire
21. Chris Bosh
22. Paul Pierce - Love his game but hes up there
23. Kevin Durant - 23?????
24. Jeff Green - I knew youd grasp at straws but dang
25. Brandon Roy - 25????

Should I go on? Can I name rookies from this year's draft class?

Wow dude. Take them over Lopez and your worse than Danny Ferry(He was the Cavs GM Slate)


Two more real close ones are Russel Westbrook and Josh Smith. If Atanta called up and offered Smith for Lopez theyd get laughed at but Westbrook is intriguing b/c hes still getting better :eek:

[ThreeSportStar80]

He'll forever live in Jordan's shadow...

[casmith07]

Ray Allen at 9? Wow I think MB4th is a little ***** as much as anyone else, but there's no way Ray Allen is top 10..and Jeff Green top 25? and Kevin Durant at 23? I really hope this is in no particular order, if not then I apologize.

It's just a list of guys - in no particular order I forgot to add. Just a list of 20+ guys off the top of my head I'd take before Lopez off the Nets.

[casmith07]

Wow dude. Take them over Lopez and your worse than Danny Ferry(He was the Cavs GM Slate)


Two more real close ones are Russel Westbrook and Josh Smith. If Atanta called up and offered Smith for Lopez theyd get laughed at but Westbrook is intriguing b/c hes still getting better :eek:

Haha, you'd take Lopez over Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?

You must be from New Jersey.

[mldardy]

Wow dude. Take them over Lopez and your worse than Danny Ferry(He was the Cavs GM Slate)


Two more real close ones are Russel Westbrook and Josh Smith. If Atanta called up and offered Smith for Lopez theyd get laughed at but Westbrook is intriguing b/c hes still getting better :eek:
You mention all these players as being done but they are all still very good players and still better than Lopez. How do you have someone like Lopez as a top 15 player when his best season so far is avg. 18 pts and 8 rebounds. You might as well put Al Jefferson in your top 15 too. What has he done to be worthy of top 15. That is saying he is one of the best players in the NBA and he isn't even close. He isn't the best player on his own team. Lopez has a long way to go before he can be in anyone's top 15 list.

[DallasDomination]

Dont matter Lakers are getting it again. Clevelands GM did everything he could to bring in a championship. Good Luck buddy. Go to Boston or LA to have a chance.

IF Mo Williams is the second best player you didnt try hard enough. That Clevelan team is a joke and I'm surprised they even made it that far.

[Joe Rod]

The Cavs should just do a sign-and-trade sending LeBron to the Magic in return for Vince Carter. Great trade for all parties involved! :D

[Sam I Am]

The Cavs should just do a sign-and-trade sending LeBron to the Magic in return for Vince Carter. Great trade for all parties involved! :D

As long as you become a Cavs fan once Vince gets there. ;)

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Haha, you'd take Lopez over Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?

You must be from New Jersey.


So you had several lulz over your personal preference for 2 rookie PG's?

Id rather have the young center, but include the young PG's if you want and hes still top 20 on any list


How do you have someone like Lopez as a top 15 player when his best season so far is avg. 18 pts and 8 rebounds. You might as well put Al Jefferson in your top 15 too. What has he done to be worthy of top 15. That is saying he is one of the best players in the NBA and he isn't even close. He isn't the best player on his own team. Lopez has a long way to go before he can be in anyone's top 15 list.Hes played 2 seasons, he didnt start his rookie year, of course last year was his best year. 18.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg, and 1.7 bpg is sick for a young center. You also cant foul him b/c hes one of the best FT shooting bigs ever


He isn't the best player on his own team.
Insanity. Harris is nice but injury prone. Hes like a top 11-ish PG. Lopez is a top 3 center.

[Joe Rod]

As long as you become a Cavs fan once Vince gets there. ;)

Ugh, cheering for that choke artist is like living in basketball purgatory! Trade him Magic! :bang2: