NBA Free Agency

Master

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Boynton Beach, FL

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Bosh stiffed Cleveland knowing James is leaving... And yes, no income tax in FL helps a little. Still see the Heat pullign off James deal as well. Season tickets just doubled.

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

My gut is that Lebron goes to Chicago. IMHO, Rose is a better prospect over the next 5-7 years than anyone else in free agency this year.

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Brooklyn, NY

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

I don’t know why anyone would come to the Knicks. I don’t think the Knicks/Madison Square Garden mystique exists anymore. James Dolan has done everything he could to squash the life out of it.

If I was Lebron and I had the choice of living in South Beach and playing every night with my buddy D-Wade for a Hall of Fame coach or living in the pressure-cooker that is the NY Media scene and trying to carry the weight of ten million desperate Knicks fans on my back every night, I’d pick Miami in a heartbeat.

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Oak Park, IL

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

tri808 - 2010-07-07 2:24 PM

My gut is that Lebron goes to Chicago. IMHO, Rose is a better prospect over the next 5-7 years than anyone else in free agency this year.

As much as I want you to be right... I just don't see it happening at this point. I'm done trying to apply logic to this situation. Earlier today Bosh and Wade said they both are willing to take less money so Miami can put good role players around them.
Why would they not just both take 15 mil from Chicago (only 1.5 mil under a max contract)??? With Rose and Noah already there, Wade and Bosh would make that team amazing! Good luck finding two pieces like that on the market.

If it truly is about winning then the only way them taking less money to go to Miami over Chicago is if Labron comes with them. If he doesn't, they missed their best shot with the Bulls.

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Oak Park, IL

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 3:59 PM Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

But then they won't have anything for Noah and Rose when it's their time, for Bosh and Wade, Florida has no state income tax so lessens the bite of taking less a bit,, and then there is south beach.

I think this is a good deal for the Bulls though. I think just Bosh would be good for the bulls,, not sold on wade since he is used to having the ball most of the time, which would mess things up

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143

Oklahoma City, OK

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Maybe not as big news, but hearing my OKC Thunder have signed Kevin Durant to a max deal. Five years, $86M. This locks him up for the next 6 years. Now need to lock down some more of the talent around him, and the future looks bright!

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302

Oak Park, IL

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:26 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 3:59 PM Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

But then they won't have anything for Noah and Rose when it's their time, for Bosh and Wade, Florida has no state income tax so lessens the bite of taking less a bit,, and then there is south beach.

I think this is a good deal for the Bulls though. I think just Bosh would be good for the bulls,, not sold on wade since he is used to having the ball most of the time, which would mess things up

You are allowed to go over the cap to re-up your own players. Reinsdorf indicated to LBJ that he would do that during their "pitch" to him.

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 4:30 PM

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:26 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 3:59 PM Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

But then they won't have anything for Noah and Rose when it's their time, for Bosh and Wade, Florida has no state income tax so lessens the bite of taking less a bit,, and then there is south beach.

I think this is a good deal for the Bulls though. I think just Bosh would be good for the bulls,, not sold on wade since he is used to having the ball most of the time, which would mess things up

You are allowed to go over the cap to re-up your own players. Reinsdorf indicated to LBJ that he would do that during their "pitch" to him.

True... But only up to a certain percentage, and then only a certain % of what they are currently making. and there is no guarentte that they will accept it when they could get more elsewhere. Plus the salary cap is going down next year, and who knows what will happen after the owners lock the players out. Since the last lock out proved that most players actually live paycheck to paycheck..

The one thing I haven't heard written about is when players are thinking of taking less, is that they are also going to lose out on money next year,

I honestly think LBJ stays in Cleveland and I've never heard of any bad blood with him and Boozer after he went back on his verbal commitment when Cleveland let him out of his contract, I think him leaving hurt them more than people realize, since then they were always playing catch up attempting to get an inside presence. But maybe this is a good sign that LBJ is going to Chicago.

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Oak Park, IL

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:44 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 4:30 PM

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:26 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 3:59 PM Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

But then they won't have anything for Noah and Rose when it's their time, for Bosh and Wade, Florida has no state income tax so lessens the bite of taking less a bit,, and then there is south beach.

I think this is a good deal for the Bulls though. I think just Bosh would be good for the bulls,, not sold on wade since he is used to having the ball most of the time, which would mess things up

You are allowed to go over the cap to re-up your own players. Reinsdorf indicated to LBJ that he would do that during their "pitch" to him.

True... But only up to a certain percentage, and then only a certain % of what they are currently making. and there is no guarentte that they will accept it when they could get more elsewhere. Plus the salary cap is going down next year, and who knows what will happen after the owners lock the players out. Since the last lock out proved that most players actually live paycheck to paycheck..

The one thing I haven't heard written about is when players are thinking of taking less, is that they are also going to lose out on money next year,

I honestly think LBJ stays in Cleveland and I've never heard of any bad blood with him and Boozer after he went back on his verbal commitment when Cleveland let him out of his contract, I think him leaving hurt them more than people realize, since then they were always playing catch up attempting to get an inside presence. But maybe this is a good sign that LBJ is going to Chicago.

That's a great point about Boozer backing out of his Verbal agreement w/ Cleveland. I haven't heard of any bad blood either but I remember it being pretty bogus at the time.

I also agree with you about Labron. I think he is gonna go back to Cleveland. But if you put yourself in his shoes, things just got a little interesting.

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 4:55 PM

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:44 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 4:30 PM

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:26 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 3:59 PM Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

But then they won't have anything for Noah and Rose when it's their time, for Bosh and Wade, Florida has no state income tax so lessens the bite of taking less a bit,, and then there is south beach.

I think this is a good deal for the Bulls though. I think just Bosh would be good for the bulls,, not sold on wade since he is used to having the ball most of the time, which would mess things up

You are allowed to go over the cap to re-up your own players. Reinsdorf indicated to LBJ that he would do that during their "pitch" to him.

True... But only up to a certain percentage, and then only a certain % of what they are currently making. and there is no guarentte that they will accept it when they could get more elsewhere. Plus the salary cap is going down next year, and who knows what will happen after the owners lock the players out. Since the last lock out proved that most players actually live paycheck to paycheck..

The one thing I haven't heard written about is when players are thinking of taking less, is that they are also going to lose out on money next year,

I honestly think LBJ stays in Cleveland and I've never heard of any bad blood with him and Boozer after he went back on his verbal commitment when Cleveland let him out of his contract, I think him leaving hurt them more than people realize, since then they were always playing catch up attempting to get an inside presence. But maybe this is a good sign that LBJ is going to Chicago.

That's a great point about Boozer backing out of his Verbal agreement w/ Cleveland. I haven't heard of any bad blood either but I remember it being pretty bogus at the time.

I also agree with you about Labron. I think he is gonna go back to Cleveland. But if you put yourself in his shoes, things just got a little interesting.

I actually like Boozer and LBJ both going to the bulls as a team. , <but i'm pulling for him staying in cleveland> I think that would be a better overall team, included wade/bosh in miami with whomever they get ..

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 12:44 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 4:30 PM

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 4:26 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 3:59 PM Boozer agrees to 5 year, $80 mil deal with the Bulls. Still have money to sign a max free agent.

But then they won't have anything for Noah and Rose when it's their time, for Bosh and Wade, Florida has no state income tax so lessens the bite of taking less a bit,, and then there is south beach.

I think this is a good deal for the Bulls though. I think just Bosh would be good for the bulls,, not sold on wade since he is used to having the ball most of the time, which would mess things up

You are allowed to go over the cap to re-up your own players. Reinsdorf indicated to LBJ that he would do that during their "pitch" to him.

True... But only up to a certain percentage, and then only a certain % of what they are currently making. and there is no guarentte that they will accept it when they could get more elsewhere. Plus the salary cap is going down next year, and who knows what will happen after the owners lock the players out. Since the last lock out proved that most players actually live paycheck to paycheck..

The one thing I haven't heard written about is when players are thinking of taking less, is that they are also going to lose out on money next year,

I honestly think LBJ stays in Cleveland and I've never heard of any bad blood with him and Boozer after he went back on his verbal commitment when Cleveland let him out of his contract, I think him leaving hurt them more than people realize, since then they were always playing catch up attempting to get an inside presence. But maybe this is a good sign that LBJ is going to Chicago.

Do you know what those percentages are? Didn't at one point, the knicks have a payroll over $115M...when the salary cap was right around $55M?

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Melbourne

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

tri808 - 2010-07-08 2:52 PM

Gaarryy - 2010-07-07 12:44 PM

jeebus2 - 2010-07-07 4:30 PM Do you know what those percentages are? Didn't at one point, the knicks have a payroll over $115M...when the salary cap was right around $55M?

Isn't the percentage only used to work out when the luxury tax kicks in?

Been interesting watching the free agency NBA vs NHL at present and the big difference in pays for the top tier players in each sport

Edited by cottoneyes 2010-07-07 10:07 PM

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the colony texas

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Do you know what those percentages are? Didn't at one point, the knicks have a payroll over $115M...when the salary cap was right around $55M?

I used to but then the luxury tax kicks in for everything over that, mean when you are over the cap, you are paying a fine, which they call a tax in addition to the money you are already paying out..
One great thing about the Knicks overpaying is we got the Allen Houston rule out of it,, you can waive a player and prorate the salary over a longer time, maybe 20 years and it doesn't count against you.

another big story you don't hear talked about in this feel good summer of Lebron. is that the NBA and the NFL might both be locked out by the owners in 2011,,

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5761

Bartlett, TN

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Personally I think having a one hour TV special is ridiculous! It's basketball! You (LBJ) are already the most recognized player on the planet, making more money than anyone should for playing a game and now you want your own primetime special? Is this ego driven or what??

Not to mention their are zero titles attached to his name and in my opinion, he gave up in the conference finals this year against Boston. Thoise last three minutes of the game were shocking to me, to see him not go all out and try to get the win.

Again my opinion, but I will not be watching the special tongiht. I was very interested in the free agent period before, but this has gone overboard for me now.

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Expert

1603

Westchester, NY

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

IMO Lebron is handling this terribly.

*IF* he announces he is leaving the Cavs, he will be despised in Cleveland. That's a given.

He is now in the Knicks backyard making the announcement. If he goes to Miami or Chicago then he will also be despised in NY. NYers will take this as a slap in the face.

I imagine Bulls fans will also be peeved if he goes to Miami.

So, while signing with the Miami "dream team" might seem to be the easy way out for him,, he is risking not only his "legacy" (If they win it will be "Lebron could never be a leader and win on his own. He needed help.") but he is also alienating his home town along with 2 of the biggest markets (NY/Chi) in the country.

The only way he will end up looking OK after all this will be to stay with the Cavs (loyalty) or come to the Knicks (prove you're great by rebuilding a winner on the biggest stage on the world),

Edited by Fatdoggy 2010-07-08 10:42 AM

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8540

the colony texas

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Fatdoggy - 2010-07-08 10:40 AM

IMO Lebron is handling this terribly.

*IF* he announces he is leaving the Cavs, he will be despised in Cleveland. That's a given.

He is now in the Knicks backyard making the announcement. If he goes to Miami or Chicago then he will also be despised in NY. NYers will take this as a slap in the face.

I imagine Bulls fans will also be peeved if he goes to Miami.

So, while signing with the Miami "dream team" might seem to be the easy way out for him,, he is risking not only his "legacy" (If they win it will be "Lebron could never be a leader and win on his own. He needed help.") but he is also alienating his home town along with 2 of the biggest markets (NY/Chi) in the country.

The only way he will end up looking OK after all this will be to stay with the Cavs (loyalty) or come to the Knicks (prove you're great by rebuilding a winner on the biggest stage on the world),

Isn't the espn headquarters or the charity that the money this whole overblown process is going to HQ in Conn??

I wish he would now stay in Cleveland to play against the Heat.. Vowing to destroy them and this coup.. that would be cool.. <not happening probably> I doubt that Chicago will be Alienated, especially given the remarks back and forth with the bulls players in the playoffs.
and NY. well... they never had a chance.. It's not all about NY.. even with the East coast reporting bias.

I totally agree with him going to Miami lessens anything he wins. I was living in Cleveland when Modell pulled the Browns out.. that was pure hated on the man, the years of work he put into different charities was gone in seconds.

what are they going to fill the other 58 min worth of programming with... after he says where he is going>>>???

??

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Fatdoggy - 2010-07-08 10:40 AM

IMO Lebron is handling this terribly.

*IF* he announces he is leaving the Cavs, he will be despised in Cleveland. That's a given.

He is now in the Knicks backyard making the announcement. If he goes to Miami or Chicago then he will also be despised in NY. NYers will take this as a slap in the face.

I imagine Bulls fans will also be peeved if he goes to Miami.

So, while signing with the Miami "dream team" might seem to be the easy way out for him,, he is risking not only his "legacy" (If they win it will be "Lebron could never be a leader and win on his own. He needed help.") but he is also alienating his home town along with 2 of the biggest markets (NY/Chi) in the country.

The only way he will end up looking OK after all this will be to stay with the Cavs (loyalty) or come to the Knicks (prove you're great by rebuilding a winner on the biggest stage on the world),

While these would both be ways he could come out of this on top, I don't think they are the only way. I would throw Chicago in there as well... Heck, might as well throw NJ & LAC in there as well, but I think we could pretty much all agree he isn't going to the Clippers.

Basically, anywhere he goes with the exception of the Heat, the team would be his. Bulls and Nets have good pieces in place. I just don't see him going to New York, unless there is some unknown agreement with Melo to play there next year. Yeah he would be on top of the world if he took the Knicks to the Finals and won (side note: I will never be able to like the Knicks... I grew up in the 90's and despised John Starks and Patrick Ewing) but that would be a huge leap of faith.

Unfortunately, it seems as if he is headed to Miami. We will all see after this stupid show on ESPN tonight.

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5761

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

So everyone is going to watch tonight?

They say he will announce in the first 10 minutes.

I'm not going to watch out of spite! Think it is a stupid egotistical thing for him to do.

Makes me appreciate Durant signing without the town parade and all...

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1603

Westchester, NY

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Gaarryy - 2010-07-08 11:55 AM

Fatdoggy - 2010-07-08 10:40 AM

IMO Lebron is handling this terribly.

*IF* he announces he is leaving the Cavs, he will be despised in Cleveland. That's a given.

He is now in the Knicks backyard making the announcement. If he goes to Miami or Chicago then he will also be despised in NY. NYers will take this as a slap in the face.

I imagine Bulls fans will also be peeved if he goes to Miami.

So, while signing with the Miami "dream team" might seem to be the easy way out for him,, he is risking not only his "legacy" (If they win it will be "Lebron could never be a leader and win on his own. He needed help.") but he is also alienating his home town along with 2 of the biggest markets (NY/Chi) in the country.

The only way he will end up looking OK after all this will be to stay with the Cavs (loyalty) or come to the Knicks (prove you're great by rebuilding a winner on the biggest stage on the world),

Isn't the espn headquarters or the charity that the money this whole overblown process is going to HQ in Conn??

He could make the announcement and handle the charity bit ANYWHERE. He is showing up in the same town the Knicks practice facility is located, wearing a NY Yankee cap. NY fans never thought his coming to the Knicks was a reality, but he is either giving signs it is possible or he is being a TEASE.

FWIW, Carmelo Anthony has stated numerous times he wants to come to NY, either now via trade or next year when he is a free agent. Lebron is attending Carmelo's wedding in NY this weekend.

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302

Oak Park, IL

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

If you have the time to read this Bill Simmons article you really should. I think he nails this whole situation on the head!

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100708

Edited by jeebus2 2010-07-08 6:37 PM

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Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

Congrats to Miami

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the colony texas

Subject: RE: NBA Free Agency

jeebus2 - 2010-07-08 6:36 PM If you have the time to read this Bill Simmons article you really should. I think he nails this whole situation on the head!

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100708

good read....

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