Stephen A. Smith: LeBron, Bosh to Miami.

[casmith07]

Stephen A. Smith knows where LeBron is headed …

… and he won’t be going alone. Smith divulged his free agency secrets to Dan Patrick this morning.

“I got a call last night from a source, and I double-checked it with another, and they told me essentially that LeBron James and Chris Bosh are going to tag team and go together to join Dwyane Wade in Miami,” Smith told Patrick on Monday.

“Obviously, there are numerous reports out there. Whoever is wrong can have egg on their face. As far as I’m concerned, I already have. Because I thought in my heart of hearts that eventually, he would go to the New York Knicks. But around 10 o’clock last night or so, I heard the news. I stayed up for a few more hours and made a few phone calls, and I felt comfortable enough to go with what I reported.”

The Heat are $27.5 million below the projected salary cap of $56.1 million for next season, meaning they could re-sign Dwyane Wade and also get a pair of max free agents. And that pair, said Smith, will be LeBron and Chris Bosh.

“I believe it’s highly likely,” he told Patrick. “I would never say anything is a done deal with LeBron James until it’s signed. Because a year and a half ago, when I reported that he was definitively going to New York, I was told that from a very reliable source. Anybody who has watched me cover the NBA over the years, you can figure out who that person is. But I was told that he was going to New York City and that he wanted to be a New York Knick.”

Of course, by that commented, he essentially negated his entire claim. Luckily, he continues with:

“… last night, I heard emphatically that this is the direction that LeBron James has leaned toward and that Dwyane Wade has done a very good job of convincing them not just about Pat Riley and not just about the fact that there are no state taxes in Florida, but that he’s there in a tandem. That’s what it’s going to take — a tandem or a three-headed monster — to win multiple championships. And LeBron James is all in.”

Former Indiana Pacer Reggie Miller had a completely different take on the LeBron-Miami theory: “I just don’t think that’s a great fit because you’re going to have to have personalities that are going to be able to mesh,” Miller told Patrick. “Just because you put the super powers together doesn’t equate to winning basketball and winning championships. They both ball dominate and they both make plays for their teams. There’s just not enough basketball to go around. If I’m looking at all the teams that want LeBron James it is going back to the Chicago Bulls. I just think that would be the best fit.”


Reggie Miller obviously didn't watch the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

What say you, NBA fans?

[Rampage]

Lebron needed Kobe to win a gold medal and now he needs Wade to win a NBA championship.

would be fun to watch all of them on the same team though.

[casmith07]

Lebron needed Kobe to win a gold medal and now he needs Wade to win a NBA championship.

would be fun to watch all of them on the same team though.

It would be even more fun to watch them ALL on one team, like they all go to Los Angeles and re-create Team USA. But it won't happen :(

[JustDezIt]

Lebron needed Kobe to win a gold medal and now he needs Wade to win a NBA championship.

would be fun to watch all of them on the same team though.

to be fair, kobe did need shaq or three seven footers on a team to win rings.

[SLATEmosphere]

Lebron needed Kobe to win a gold medal and now he needs Wade to win a NBA championship.

would be fun to watch all of them on the same team though.

Kobe needs the best Bigman in the game to win rings. Don't kid yourself.

We all saw what Kobe did when he had a "LeBron like supporting cast"

He didn't do ****.

[Bob Sacamano]

So if this is true, are you still going to be a Cav fan, SLATE?

[big dog cowboy]

What say you, NBA fans?
Championship?

[HoleInTheRoof]

I'm not even a basketball fan, but this mildly interests me.

Lebron is easy to root for, because he's likeable. I root for him.

[Bob Sacamano]

Slate?

[Bob Sacamano]

Slate?

.....

[SLATEmosphere]

I'm not even a basketball fan, but this mildly interests me.

Lebron is easy to root for, because he's likeable. I root for him.

It would be fun to watch for sure.

But LeBron will NEVER get props if he plays with Wade or Rose and Bosh. Everyone will say that he had too much talent around him.

If Cleveland just gets Bosh and LeBron then I think it's only fair to give him props since Kobe has Gasol and Kobe's getting love.

[dmoore]

It would be fun to watch for sure.

But LeBron will NEVER get props if he plays with Wade or Rose and Bosh. Everyone will say that he had too much talent around him.

If Cleveland just gets Bosh and LeBron then I think it's only fair to give him props since Kobe has Gasol and Kobe's getting love.

But Cleveland can't get Bosh and LeBron. LeBron's already proven he can't win with the cast he had in Cleveland. LeBron needs to start worrying about winning championships. His best shot is with the Bulls, if he can convince another big name FA to come with him (Bosh and Joe Johnson would be preferable). Chicago is just set up so perfect.

[SLATEmosphere]

But Cleveland can't get Bosh and LeBron. LeBron's already proven he can't win with the cast he had in Cleveland. LeBron needs to start worrying about winning championships. His best shot is with the Bulls, if he can convince another big name FA to come with him (Bosh and Joe Johnson would be preferable). Chicago is just set up so perfect.

The cavs can easily get Bosh if LeBron signs. Depends on if Bosh wants to play with Wade or LeBron. Bosh will then go to Toronto and force a sign and trade. Cleveland will then take on Hedo's horid contract in return and Toronto will recieve a slue of expirings and a young talent in Hickson. Win, Win for both teams.

[MC KAos]

stephen a smith said it, it wont happen, i guarantee it. he will end up in chicago, vegas had it +125 lebron to chicago, then out of nowhere now its at -500!!! hmmmmmm

[dmoore]

The cavs can easily get Bosh if LeBron signs. Depends on if Bosh wants to play with Wade or LeBron. Bosh will then go to Toronto and force a sign and trade. Cleveland will then take on Hedo's horid contract in return and Toronto will recieve a slue of expirings and a young talent in Hickson. Win, Win for both teams.

It's not possible. I'm sure Toronto would be open to a sign and trade, but Cleveland doesn't have anything to offer Toronto to motivate them to make a deal. The Salaries would have to match, and Cleveland doesn't have enough desireable players/contracts to match a max deal. Add in Hedo, and it's no way. Cleveland can only hope that LeBron comes back. They can't add any significant outside FA. They could make a trade, with West likely being moved, but there's not going to be much more help for LeBron.

Seriously, if LeBron couldn't win this year, I don't think it'll get any easier for him in the coming years. LeBron needs to start worrying about his legacy, and go where he has the best shot at winning a title. He can't carry a team to a championship, but nobody except Jordan could. My guess: Chicago with Bosh on 3 year deals. If he wins a championship, he'll stick with Chicago, if not he bolts to Brooklyn.

I just can't see him going to Miami. I don't think LeBron-Bosh-Wade is as good as LeBron-Bosh (or Johnson)-Rose-Noah-Deng. It's a young team too. If the 3 of them play together and one goes down with an injury, I'm not sure that's a playoff team.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Youre wasting your time Dmoore, he keeps bringing up that idea and he keeps being wrong. Hes clueless



Chicago with Bosh on 3 year deals.


If Im him I go balls out to Chicago, 5 year deal w/ Amare or Bosh. Unless the Nets owner really has some cool stuff up his sleeve. What would you do?

[dropshot001]

i think that lebron and wade would be good together. having bosh just makes it a situation in which someone will have to take a back seat. not to mention they already have beasley

[casmith07]

I still see James, Bosh, AND Wade going to Chicago. The team is ready to accept at least two, and Wade would love to go home and play for his hometown favorite Bulls, especially if it means all three of them.

They're going to make stupid money in endorsements and advertising dollars if they do - jersey sales, etc. Might as well take a minimal pay cut in order to have a legitimate chance to win multiple championships, and by multiple I mean certainly more than two. It would be like the Boston Celtics' last ditch effort with Pierce, Garnett, and Ray Allen, except THESE three guys are all well under 30.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

I still see James, Bosh, AND Wade going to Chicago. The team is ready to accept at least two, and Wade would love to go home and play for his hometown favorite Bulls, especially if it means all three of them.

They're going to make stupid money in endorsements and advertising dollars if they do - jersey sales, etc. Might as well take a minimal pay cut in order to have a legitimate chance to win multiple championships, and by multiple I mean certainly more than two. It would be like the Boston Celtics' last ditch effort with Pierce, Garnett, and Ray Allen, except THESE three guys are all well under 30.


Except those 3 all did different things.

KG- Defend, rebound, 18 footer
Shuttlesworth - shooting, defense
PP - Iso scoring, defense, complete game really


I wouldnt want to take on the LBJ, Wade, Bosh triforce or anything but how would they guard Dwight Howard, who will stretch the floor? Who takes the last shot?


My prediction? Lebron and Amare in Chicago
Bosh joins Wade and they fill out the roster wisely

I wouldnt count out the Nets yet either, they have a ton of assets so they can be one of the few teams that offers Lebron the S&T option that pays him the true max

[SLATEmosphere]

It's not possible. I'm sure Toronto would be open to a sign and trade, but Cleveland doesn't have anything to offer Toronto to motivate them to make a deal. The Salaries would have to match, and Cleveland doesn't have enough desireable players/contracts to match a max deal. Add in Hedo, and it's no way. Cleveland can only hope that LeBron comes back. They can't add any significant outside FA. They could make a trade, with West likely being moved, but there's not going to be much more help for LeBron.

Seriously, if LeBron couldn't win this year, I don't think it'll get any easier for him in the coming years. LeBron needs to start worrying about his legacy, and go where he has the best shot at winning a title. He can't carry a team to a championship, but nobody except Jordan could. My guess: Chicago with Bosh on 3 year deals. If he wins a championship, he'll stick with Chicago, if not he bolts to Brooklyn.

I just can't see him going to Miami. I don't think LeBron-Bosh-Wade is as good as LeBron-Bosh (or Johnson)-Rose-Noah-Deng. It's a young team too. If the 3 of them play together and one goes down with an injury, I'm not sure that's a playoff team.

What the hell does this even mean? That's a dumb statement. He's going to play with better players.

[SLATEmosphere]

I still see James, Bosh, AND Wade going to Chicago. The team is ready to accept at least two, and Wade would love to go home and play for his hometown favorite Bulls, especially if it means all three of them.

They're going to make stupid money in endorsements and advertising dollars if they do - jersey sales, etc. Might as well take a minimal pay cut in order to have a legitimate chance to win multiple championships, and by multiple I mean certainly more than two. It would be like the Boston Celtics' last ditch effort with Pierce, Garnett, and Ray Allen, except THESE three guys are all well under 30.

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahah

[SLATEmosphere]

Youre wasting your time Dmoore, he keeps bringing up that idea and he keeps being wrong. Hes clueless





If Im him I go balls out to Chicago, 5 year deal w/ Amare or Bosh. Unless the Nets owner really has some cool stuff up his sleeve. What would you do?

Dude stop bringing up the ****ing Nets. New Jersey is an embarrassment to the United States. No surprise you live there.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Dude stop bringing up the ****ing Nets. New Jersey is an embarrassment to the United States. No surprise you live there.


Then tell your boy Lebron to cancel them as his first meeting



And please, to improve the level of debate here somewhat


http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

[casmith07]

Then tell your boy Lebron to cancel them as his first meeting



And please, to improve the level of debate here somewhat


http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

The luxury tax and it being a soft cap are interesting.

But seriously, stop with the Nets. Just stop.

[SLATEmosphere]

The luxury tax and it being a soft cap are interesting.

But seriously, stop with the Nets. Just stop.

:laugh2:

[casmith07]

Except those 3 all did different things.

KG- Defend, rebound, 18 footer
Shuttlesworth - shooting, defense
PP - Iso scoring, defense, complete game really


Lebron James - slasher, dribble-drive scorer, prolific in transition
Dwyane Wade - outside shooter, excellent off the dribble, quality defender
Chris Bosh - plays well with his back to the basket, 20/10 player, rebounder, can do everything Garnett can do with more agility


I wouldnt want to take on the LBJ, Wade, Bosh triforce or anything but how would they guard Dwight Howard, who will stretch the floor? Who takes the last shot?

With what the front office did to the roster in Orlando, they don't have to guard Dwight Howard. Trading away Rafer Alston for Vince "I'm a Bum" Carter and letting Turkoglu walk (despite him not being that great) were horrendous decisions. They won because of matchup problems, having 3 guys on the floor over 6'9" at a time.


My prediction? Lebron and Amare in Chicago
Bosh joins Wade and they fill out the roster wisely


Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson are going to New York to reunite with their old coach Mike "Can't Win" D'Antoni. Book it. Stoudemire cannot create offense without the basketball and is suspect on defense, two things that Joakim Noah and Luol Deng both do better than him.


I wouldnt count out the Nets yet either, they have a ton of assets so they can be one of the few teams that offers Lebron the S&T option that pays him the true max

Seriously, with the Nets, man. This isn't NBA 2K11. :laugh1: I like Jay-Z just as much as the next hip-hop fan, but having an aging rapper as part of your sales pitch to bring an NBA franchise to the second-rate, second-tier burrough of Brooklyn is comedy. Stand up comedy - you know, the bad kind that you spend $5 at the door to get in and then $20 on the two drink minimum and feel incredibly ripped off about 15 minutes into the 2 hour show. I mean come on, you're owned by a Russian. When's the last time Russia did ANYTHING in the Olympics or at the FIBAs?

[SLATEmosphere]

Then tell your boy Lebron to cancel them as his first meeting



And please, to improve the level of debate here somewhat


http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

The Nets are like that sad little beat up dog in the pound. People will of course take a look and feel pity, but they'll eventually move on when they see a better option.

[casmith07]

The Nets are like that sad little beat up dog in the pound. People will of course take a look and feel pity, but they'll eventually move on when they see a better option.

Once they sold Julius Erving's rights to the 76ers, it was a wrap.

[juck]

Kobe needs the best Bigman in the game to win rings. Don't kid yourself.

We all saw what Kobe did when he had a "LeBron like supporting cast"

He didn't do ****.
Ill bet ur nervous not knowing what shirt to buy once LeQueer lands. lol

[juck]

Stephen A is full of Donkey Doo DOo

[juck]

Reggie Miller obviously didn't watch the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

What say you, NBA fans?
Aint happenin

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Adrian Wojnarowski WojYahooNBA

Miami Herald: No meeting in Miami with James, Wade and Bosh. D-Wade was in Chicago all weekend. http:// .com/28dozzp

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Lebron James - slasher, dribble-drive scorer, prolific in transition
Dwyane Wade - outside shooter, excellent off the dribble, quality defender
Chris Bosh - plays well with his back to the basket, 20/10 player, rebounder, can do everything Garnett can do with more agility


Wade doesnt have an outside shot. He takes the mid-range shot

I think that team would be sick if they left Bosh off and used that money on some bigs and shooters


With what the front office did to the roster in Orlando, they don't have to guard Dwight Howard. Trading away Rafer Alston for Vince "I'm a Bum" Carter and letting Turkoglu walk (despite him not being that great) were horrendous decisions. They won because of matchup problems, having 3 guys on the floor over 6'9" at a time.

Alston sucks, I dont even....


Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson are going to New York to reunite with their old coach Mike "Can't Win" D'Antoni. Book it. Stoudemire cannot create offense without the basketball and is suspect on defense, two things that Joakim Noah and Luol Deng both do better than him.

Amare has a great mid range shot and can catch and finish, he doesnt hog the ball like Bosh. His D has improved over the years w/o Dantoni. Amare is a perfect fit in Chicago scoring in the post.



Seriously, with the Nets, man. This isn't NBA 2K11. :laugh1: I like Jay-Z just as much as the next hip-hop fan, but having an aging rapper as part of your sales pitch to bring an NBA franchise to the second-rate, second-tier burrough of Brooklyn is comedy. Stand up comedy - you know, the bad kind that you spend $5 at the door to get in and then $20 on the two drink minimum and feel incredibly ripped off about 15 minutes into the 2 hour show. I mean come on, you're owned by a Russian. When's the last time Russia did ANYTHING in the Olympics or at the FIBAs?


I dont know what youre trying to say here but Ill disagree w/ it anyway

[jterrell]

I think it would be silly.

LeBron is the man. He has a chance to win wherever he goes. He doesn't need a bunch of ballhog, whiners who either get injured a lot(DWade) or play craptastic defense (Bosh).

He does need to play with 1 legitimate scorer but he can do that almost anywhere. Even in CLE if they get off their duff and add a scorer instead of all these stale big guys like Shaq.

I think LeBron should stay... make his 30 mil extra and recruit a scoring sidekick.

I think Dallas ends up with Joe Johnson. He'll be overpaid but definitely fills a true need.

[Double Trouble]

What I think is that Lebron goes back to Cleveland, and Bosh goes to Miami with Wade.

If you were a young free agent, Miami and it's beautiful weather would be pretty enticing, especially for a guy who's been wintering in Canada.

But with Lebron, I think he stays. He loves Cleveland, they can pay him 15% more, plus offer a longer contract.

Lebron and Wade are both guys who flourish with the ball in their hands. I don't see that they would work well together on a long-term basis. And they both know it. Plus, no way that Miami can afford 3 max contracts long-term. Why would Bosh take a shorter term contract, in a league that is in dire financial straits, knowing that it's very possible that future contracts will be for less $$$? He won't, unless he's crazy. He'll want the max for as many years as he can get, which likely won't happen if he and Lebron both sign in Miami.

[Joe Rod]

If Stephen A Smith said it was so, then it will probably not happen.

[kev8822]

Sam Smith expects the Lakers to offer Bynum/Odom for Bosh and Jack. He is wrong about everything so I doubt this happens.

[jterrell]

Sam Smith expects the Lakers to offer Bynum/Odom for Bosh and Jack. He is wrong about everything so I doubt this happens.

The Lakers would be insane.

You don't give up that much defense for a Gasol clone.

[jterrell]

What I think is that Lebron goes back to Cleveland, and Bosh goes to Miami with Wade.

If you were a young free agent, Miami and it's beautiful weather would be pretty enticing, especially for a guy who's been wintering in Canada.

But with Lebron, I think he stays. He loves Cleveland, they can pay him 15% more, plus offer a longer contract.

Lebron and Wade are both guys who flourish with the ball in their hands. I don't see that they would work well together on a long-term basis. And they both know it. Plus, no way that Miami can afford 3 max contracts long-term. Why would Bosh take a shorter term contract, in a league that is in dire financial straits, knowing that it's very possible that future contracts will be for less $$$? He won't, unless he's crazy. He'll want the max for as many years as he can get, which likely won't happen if he and Lebron both sign in Miami.

Bosh's best spot is NY. He wants to be THE man and he could have a decent crew around him if NY also landed Joe Johnson plus kept David Lee. That's not a bad team at all and marketing in NY is very good.

BUT, all these guys best bet is a sign and trade or simple return. Because at the end of the day it's all about money.

The goes most likely to leave are the ones whose teams do not want to pay them the max.. see Amare and Joe Johnson. Bosh would leave because the max money at home costs him more then it would to leave and his marketing is next to non-existing playing in Canada.

[Sam I Am]

This just in, LeBron to Memphis. :laugh2:

[casmith07]

What I think is that Lebron goes back to Cleveland, and Bosh goes to Miami with Wade.

If you were a young free agent, Miami and it's beautiful weather would be pretty enticing, especially for a guy who's been wintering in Canada.

But with Lebron, I think he stays. He loves Cleveland, they can pay him 15% more, plus offer a longer contract.

Lebron and Wade are both guys who flourish with the ball in their hands. I don't see that they would work well together on a long-term basis. And they both know it. Plus, no way that Miami can afford 3 max contracts long-term. Why would Bosh take a shorter term contract, in a league that is in dire financial straits, knowing that it's very possible that future contracts will be for less $$$? He won't, unless he's crazy. He'll want the max for as many years as he can get, which likely won't happen if he and Lebron both sign in Miami.

If LeBron stays in Cleveland, he will not win a title.

[numnuts23]

James/Bosh to Chicago
Wade to Dallas via SnT (Roddy, Butler, Damp, and 1st round picks)
Amare/Johnson to NY

IMO....

[BehindEnemyLinez]

CHI- LBJ & Bosh
MIA- Wade, Amare & JJ
NJ/NY- **** outta luck!!! :lmao:

[dmoore]

Bosh's best spot is NY. He wants to be THE man and he could have a decent crew around him if NY also landed Joe Johnson plus kept David Lee. That's not a bad team at all and marketing in NY is very good.

BUT, all these guys best bet is a sign and trade or simple return. Because at the end of the day it's all about money.

The goes most likely to leave are the ones whose teams do not want to pay them the max.. see Amare and Joe Johnson. Bosh would leave because the max money at home costs him more then it would to leave and his marketing is next to non-existing playing in Canada.

NY doesn't have the cap space for 3 max (or near max) guys. They can't keep Lee if they're bringing in Bosh and Johnson.

They can get more money and longer deals staying with their current team, but the way things have been now is players taking shorter deals with the opportunity to opt out. LeBron will sign a deal he can opt-out of after 3, which gives him control of his future and sets him up for one more big pay day while still in his prime. The money difference isn't substantial. If LeBron stays in Cleveland (doubtful), it won't be because of a couple million bucks.

[Chief]

espn.com

All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki has sent in official notification to the Dallas Mavericks that he is opting out of the final year of his current contract, according to sources close to the situation.

In addition to faxing the official opt-out letter, Nowitzki had to mail a signed copy Monday from Germany to ensure its arrival at the Mavericks' offices before Wednesday's opt-out deadline in his current deal.

The move has been expected since an ESPN.com report in mid-May that Nowitzki planned to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. But Mavericks officials have remained confident that they will secure a verbal commitment from Nowitzki on a new four-year deal early in free agency.

Teams and free agents can begin negotiating on Thursday at 12:01 a.m. ET, but signed contracts can't be executed before July 8, when the league's moratorium on roster moves is lifted.

Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he has already booked a flight that will have him overseas at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday -- 6:01 a.m. in Germany -- when free agency begins to show Nowitzki how sincere the club is about keeping its all-time leading scorer and rebounder. But sources told ESPN.com that Nowitzki's schedule is still in flux and that it has not yet been determined whether he will be in his native country or in the U.S. when free agency starts.

"He is our No. 1 priority -- period," Nelson said.

Nowitzki will forfeit next season's scheduled $21.5 million salary by opting out and is eligible to receive a four-year deal from the Mavericks worth a maximum of $96 million. Dallas is precluded from offering him a longer deal because of the league's over-36 rule, which prohibits giving players the league maximum if they will turn 36 before the contract expires. Nowitzki turned 32 earlier this month. The Mavericks have spent the past several weeks trying to convince Nowitzki to sign an extension that would keep him off the open market. But opting out provides him with multiple contractual benefits. One of them is the ability to incorporate a no-trade clause into a new deal, which can only be secured by players -- in a new contract, not an extension -- with at least eight years of service time and four with the same team.

"It's a very odd, weird, strange time," Nelson said. "If there's anything good about this process, it's as someone goes through it, the thing that comes out is what is really important to them -- whether it's location, money, winning, those types of things. Those things really, really come out."

The Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant is the only player in the league with an active no-trade clause in his contract, but sources say a new Nowitzki deal with Dallas is expected to include a no-trade provision. The Mavericks' dream scenario, according to sources with knowledge of the team's thinking, remains securing Nowitzki's verbal commitment as quickly as possible and then making him a central voice in their efforts to recruit the league's top free agents via sign-and-trade offers.

Sources have maintained since November that the Mavericks will make every attempt to convince LeBron James to push for a sign-and-trade to Dallas, despite Cleveland's insistence that it will not take part in a sign-and-trade and James' widely reported interest in possible moves to Miami or Chicago.

The Mavericks will enter free agency still believing they have an outside shot at landing James, although one source concedes that Dallas is no more than a "dark, dark house" in the LeBron sweepstakes.

Sources say Dallas also intends to meet face-to-face with most of the elite free agents -- including Dallas native Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and longtime Mavs nemesis Dwyane Wade -- in hopes of convincing another star to push for a sign-and-trade to play alongside Nowitzki and Mavs guard Jason Kidd, who at 37 remains one of the NBA's most popular figures among fellow players.

One source with knowledge of the team's thinking said Monday that the Mavericks "have an interest in any and all top free agents" for the "right sign-and-trade deal."

Sources said Sunday that the Mavericks are confident that they will be granted a turn to make their pitch directly to James in Ohio, thanks largely to the high regard members of James' inner circle have for Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and James' close relationship with Kidd.

As for Nowitzki, Kidd expressed confidence last week that the Mavericks can retain the leading scoring in franchise history, despite any interest he might generate on the open market.

"Sometimes as a player you want to feel wanted," Kidd said last week. "He's always felt wanted here, but maybe this could be some weird way of being appreciated by other teams. There's nothing wrong with that because he's probably one of the top five free agents or top four, top three. He's good.

"He'll get a lot of attention, but we all feel he's not going anywhere."

Cuban has made similar statements several times in recent weeks, despite the fact that the opt-out scenario does theoretically expose the Mavericks to the possibility of another team swooping in to sign Nowitzki away, as seen in the summer of 2004 when the Phoenix Suns stunningly pilfered Steve Nash.

Nowitzki has never been on the market and was never wooed by colleges because he went straight from a German club team to the NBA as a teenager.

"In some respects, it would confuse the marketplace, push things back for us," Nelson said. "But if there's a bug inside Dirk that wants to see what that's all about, then do it."

From the start, though, numerous executives around the league have expressed doubt that they can pry Nowitzki from Cuban's grasp, given Nowitzki's ties to Dallas after arriving with Nash on draft day in 1998 and the close bond Nowitzki and Cuban have forged through the owner's 10½-year reign.

Said Nelson last month, when the reality of Nowitzki's looming opt-out began to sink in: "That wouldn't change our approach one bit. We're going to do everything we possibly can to make sure Dirk is a Maverick for a long, long time. ... It's impossible for us to imagine Dirk in any other uniform.

"I think his heart is in Dallas. You learn to never say never in this business, but from our perspective we will be doing everything possible to keep him right here."

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Chocolate Lab]

Yeah, all the talk today on DFW sports radio is that there is zero chance of Dirk leaving, and that he only wants a no-trade clause and a bit more money than an extension would give him.

Frankly, if I were him, I'd look around and make sure before I signed anything.

[SLATEmosphere]

CHI- LBJ & Bosh
MIA- Wade, Amare & JJ
NJ/NY- **** outta luck!!! :lmao:

:lmao2:

And I love it.

**** new jersey and **** New York

[SLATEmosphere]

Yeah, all the talk today on DFW sports radio is that there is zero chance of Dirk leaving, and that he only wants a no-trade clause and a bit more money than an extension would give him.

Frankly, if I were him, I'd look around and make sure before I signed anything.

If he's smart, he'll partner up with Wade. That would be a disgusting duo..

[MarionBarberThe4th]

http://assets.espn.go.com/espnradiostations/i/ny/Features/Features/100629_NetsBillboard412.jpg

[BehindEnemyLinez]

Add Paul Pierce to the mix...


Pierce's agent, Jeff Schwartz, told ESPN.com in a text message Tuesday night the All-Starhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_11pxw.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/paul-pierce-to-become-free-agent-opt-out-of-contract-062910#) forward will forfeit next season's $21.5 million salary for a chance to sign a new four-year deal worth more than $90 million.
Schwartz did not immediately respond to a voicemail left by the AP.
Pierce would become an unrestricted free agenthttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_11pxw.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/paul-pierce-to-become-free-agent-opt-out-of-contract-062910#) and join a loaded group of NBA stars, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who could be on the move starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m. (EDT).

[casmith07]

Dirk and Paul Pierce are most likely opting out as a formality toward an extension with their current teams.

[kev8822]

I still think LBJ is staying in Cleveland.

A big reason is his alcohol and drug addicted mom. She is a mess. He leaves her in Cleveland and she would end up dead in less than a year.

[BehindEnemyLinez]

I still think LBJ is staying in Cleveland.

A big reason is his alcohol and drug addicted mom. She is a mess. He leaves her in Cleveland and she would end up dead in less than a year.
Delonte' West will take care of her!! :lmao:

[kev8822]

Delonte' West will take care of her!! :lmao:

:lmao2: :lmao: :laugh2: :laugh1:

[Rampage]

Delonte' West will take care of her!! :lmao:
what's that all about?:confused:

[BehindEnemyLinez]

what's that all about?:confused:

Rumor has it that West and Mama LBJ had a thing going on...

[Duane]

http://network.yardbarker.com/NBA/article_external/Source_Allen_May_Take_Less_To_Join_Heat_Big_3/2822049

Source: Allen May ‘Take Less’ To Join Heat Big 3?
Posted by Brooks on Jun. 30, 2010, 3:06pm

Jorge Sedano of the MIAMI HERALD reports today that, according to a source, LeBron James has spoken to Boston Celtics free agent Ray Allen in a bid to land the shooting guard for the Miami Heat in the event James, Raptors forward Chris Bosh and Miami Heat free agent Dwyane Wade agree to join the Heat together.

Though Sedano, who is also morning drive host for 790 The Ticket in Miami, added that Allen hasn’t ruled out a return to the Celtics - on one condition.

According to the source, Allen has spoken to James and would consider joining said, “Dream Team.” Along with possibly taking less money if it was the perfect opportunity.

The source tells me that Allen’s preference is to remain with the Celtics, but that’s predicated on Paul Pierce remaining with the team. The money is not a huge factor. Winning more championships is the most important factor.

One last factor the source close to Allen mentioned was that Ray’s mother lives in Orlando, and he would not mind being closer to his family.

Sedano isn’t the only one reporting that Allen is on Miami’s radar. Yahoo Sports NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski noted on June 5:

(Miami President Pat) Riley is also intrigued with signing Boston’s Ray Allen to get a shooter on the floor with Wade.

As for Bosh, Dan Le Batard, also of the Herald and 790 The Ticket is reporting today that a sign-and-trade between Toronto and Miami that would send Bosh to the Heat has been agreed upon “in principle” - with Heat forward Michael Beasley and others being shipped to Toronto as part of the deal.

Miami Heat beat writer Ira Winderman of the SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL also noted today, via an NBA agent source, that Bosh is “expected to land” in Miami after a Heat trade with Toronto.

The reporting is becoming more and more credible - and specific - as the LeBron sweepstakes play out. As I’ve said, too many moving parts to predict what might happen.

There’s also a chance James is floating the Miami thing out in the media to see gauge the outrage quotient as it pertains to the perception of him abandoning Cleveland. So far, outside of Cleveland, there’s been little to no negative reaction that I’ve detected.

Not a good sign for the Cavaliers.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at 3:06 pm and is filed under Brog, NBA, Sports Business . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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[InmanRoshi]

The only enjoyment I would get out of seeing the trio all headed for Miami is seeing the reaction of the spoiled New Yorkers who just assumed it was God's plan that Lebron just has to be a Knick and then to strike out on each of the Big 6.

[casmith07]

If Chicago lands Bosh, Boozer and/or Amare are going to Miami. Then, I think Ray Allen will go to Chicago.

I also think JJ Redick will be wearing a Heat or Bulls uniform next year.

[Cythim]

LeBron is too chicken to become a Bull. He already can't handle being in Jordan's shadow and moving to Chicago would only make it worse. I'll bet he goes to Miami because that is the only place he will have a chance to win.
:lmao2:

[Chocolate Lab]

The only enjoyment I would get out of seeing the trio all headed for Miami is seeing the reaction of the spoiled New Yorkers who just assumed it was God's plan that Lebron just has to be a Knick and then to strike out on each of the Big 6.

I'd love it if they all went to the same team and never won a thing.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

GitRDone


http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l4ude9ieS51qz81buo1_500.jpg

[casmith07]

Not happening. The Nets are to the Knicks as the Clippers are to the Warriors right now. Yes. They are that bad.

[MC KAos]

the only way lebron is signing in jersey is if he takes a superstar with him, like bosh or boozer or amare. i could see the nets contending in the east with devin harris, brooke lopez, lebron, favors, and another max deal player

[casmith07]

the only way lebron is signing in jersey is if he takes a superstar with him, like bosh or boozer or amare. i could see the nets contending in the east with devin harris, brooke lopez, lebron, favors, and another max deal player

The only way LeBron signs with New Jersey is if they change their name to the Bulls and move to Chicago :laugh1:

[casmith07]

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d94/a7xskater00/lebron_heat.jpg

http://www.chicitysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/lebron-james-chicago-bulls-jersey.png

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Lebron is officially not a Cav.


And soon to be a Net

[casmith07]

Lebron is officially not a Cav.


And soon to be a Net

Comedy.

[Bob Sacamano]

MB4. Are you channeling SLATE?

[casmith07]

MB4. Are you channeling SLATE?

Speaking of that bum where is he at this all important time? His avatar should be a picture of LeBron in a generic "NBA" jersey until he gets signed somewhere. :laugh2:

[Bob Sacamano]

Speaking of that bum where is he at this all important time? His avatar should be a picture of LeBron in a generic "NBA" jersey until he gets signed somewhere. :laugh2:

He's probably tanning. Or air-kissing in the mirror. Whatever the jersey kids are doing nowadays.

[casmith07]

He's probably tanning. Or air-kissing in the mirror. Whatever the jersey kids are doing nowadays.

:laugh1: :laugh1: :laugh1:

[MarionBarberThe4th]

How soon til Slate blocks me once Lebron signs on July 8th

[casmith07]

How soon til Slate blocks me once Lebron signs on July 8th

LeBron wants to be signed somewhere within 5 days.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

LeBron wants to be signed somewhere within 5 days.


He cant sign til July 8th.

Right now is just when they are allowed to talk to FA's,

Although our owners have been talking to him for weeks now. Ha!

Are you a Bulls fan or just hatin?

[Alumni2k11]

This thread is going to be priceless after July 8th, one way or another.

[casmith07]

He cant sign til July 8th.

Right now is just when they are allowed to talk to FA's,

Although our owners have been talking to him for weeks now. Ha!

Are you a Bulls fan or just hatin?

I'm a basketball fan. And the Nets are trash, don't kid yourself. The only thing I ever found good in New Jersey was Jersey girls, and not the take-them-home-to-mom kind of good.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Is this the official gloating thread?




We’re told by two people who are in contact with the Six In The Room that it went so well with LeBron James today, they’re not fretting Rudy staying home – or even discussing any contingencies – yet.

“All cards are on the table with LeBron,” one team official said. “It went that well.”