Could Cleveland's loss be Chicago's gain?
Last night, LeBron James suffered one of the most stunning playoff eliminations in NBA postseason history. The best team in the league — starring the best player on the planet — didn’t make it out of the second round…didn’t even make it to a seventh game. LeBron’s future in Cleveland has never looked more bleak.
All season, I have been steadfast in my belief that LeBron won’t come to Chicago. That, in fact, he would never want to. As much as James admires Michael Jordan, I can’t imagine him coming to the Windy City and playing in MJ’s giant shadow. I mean, LeBron could still conceivably eclipse Jordan’s accomplishments somewhere else, but he would have to win at least six or seven titles with the Bulls to measure up to Mike’s legacy. I don’t see that happening.
And yet…ESPN’s Chad Ford has heard differently:
“Within minutes of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ elimination at the hands of the Celtics, the speculation about LeBron James’ next destination resumed in full force. In the space of five minutes I heard from three NBA GMs via text, e-mail and phone. All three said that based on the information they have, they believe LeBron will leave the Cavs. More surprisingly, all of them said they believe the destination will be the Chicago Bulls. Two said they believe that John Calipari will be the Bulls’ new head coach.”
Ford then received the following information from one GM over the phone: “I think the Bulls are really going to go for it. Look for them to offer the Cavs Luol Deng in a sign-and-trade for LeBron. That will allow them to retain most of their cap space. Then they’ll go after Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh as well.”
Talk about dream scenarios. That would be like winning the lottery on the same day you inherited a gold mine that was sitting on top of a diamond mine that had a huge oil reserve underneath it. Can you imagine a lineup that included LeBron, Wade, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah? Seriously, I just got chills.
But as fun as it is to dream, there are other teams — the Cavaliers, Clippers, Heat and Knicks just to name a few — that all have just as good a shot at James as the Bulls do. And July is still a month and a half away. Literally anything could happen.
Still, when I woke up yesterday, I would have rated Chicago’s chances of landing Lebron at about zero percent. Now? I think there’s a chance.
Are you Retarded? Avery Johnson is saying he is gonna end up in New Jersey! Avery Johnson is up for the coaching job in New Jersey! Why would he say anything good about him coming to the Bulls to play with rose. He is also the only one who says he thinks that would be a mismatch besides of course you. So I guess we will find out in July. I said i hope we get him but if we don’t then that’s life and I hope we at least make moves to better our team. But not trying is just stupid.
I agree and that is why I am hoping they make the moves I said hopefully. Better then nothing…
and Idk about what you said about Avery Johnson b-cuz I heard something different (just saying) anyways
Go BULLS!!!
That right, keep your mouth shut MAx lol jk =P
As fun as this has been my wife just yelled at me to go to sleep and to quit talking shit on the internet. She knows me to well. Thanks for the Debate Skip Bayless you sound just as stupid as him sometimes…lol j/k
While I respect your opinion Rudy Gay is NOT the answer. His numbers are not that different from Deng’s. In fact, Luol and Gay shoot damn near the same % and Luol actually is better on the boards. While Gay plays with Gasol and Randolph, Deng plays with Gibson and Noah.
Keep in mind Gay is also looking for a max type deal. While I like Deng I feel he’s about $2Mil a year overpaid for production. You folks want to replace Deng with Gay and pay him more? No disrespect meant here but no thanks and I’m glad you’re not the Bulls GM.
As far as David Lee, he’s looking for a deal at about $12mil a year. Considering he put up his numbers on an incredibly bad team I’m once again less than enthused. I’m not saying he’s not a baller. I like him. But he’s an $8mil a year type player. Not $12mil/yr.
A sign and trade for Lebron/Deng makes sense that Cleveland doesn’t walk away with nothing and replaces Lebron with a DECENT, not great player. This allows Lebron to sign the max deal with larger raises AND allows him to sign for that additional year. However it takes 2 to Tango and Cleveland would have to be ok with this.
Also, Cleveland is NOT dead in the water. They do have assets they can either try to sign and trade (Shaq) or players that they can try to trade to improve their ballclub. I doubt they are resigned to their fate to just let Lebron go.
I keep saying it, the Bulls are NOT that far away. Even if they don’t sign Lebron they can go after someone who shoots a high % from 3 like Kyle Korver to spread the floor and take advantage when DRose blows by people. Add Korver and a low post player like Boozer or Bosh that can pick and roll with DRose(don’t like Amare…9 boards/gm, c’mon) and Rose/Noah/Gibsons continued development and they are a top 4 seed easy next year. And a true Championship contender the year after.
@ Reggie-
Funny you say I have nothing worth hearing – Worked for you! At least someone can read through my posts, look back at all of your past posts and someone ‘ZINGS’ you every time. I don’t think anyone has ever responded to what you say, just laugh at your terrible grammar. I think I will have another beer too! PIECE!
What a tool!
I could see LeBron insisting on a sign and trade, Cleveland is his “hometown team” and no one wants to be despised in their hometown.Therefore, Deng to Cleveland for Lebron with an exchange of 1st round picks. That would leave the Bulls with a core of LeBron, Rose, Noah, Gibson, Hinrich and Johnson. The temptation would be to go after Wade or Bosh. That would have to be short term thinking, because both Rose and Noah will need contracts in the next couple of years. LeBron very likely will only want to sign a 3-4 year deal. The Bulls will need to find a 3 pt threat 2 guard, and PF depth. Filling those slots would possibly push either/both Gibson and Hinrich to the bench. A back-up center will be needed who can log 15-25 minutes. Bring back Miller (10-15 mpg), Warrick, Murray and Acie Law. Maybe Hinrich could be traded for a big SG, but he would have to be a starter or near starter caliber. Of course this assumes that the Bulls sign LeBron. Let’s face it, both LeBron and Bosh could end up in Miami with Reilly coaching (scary thought). Then the Bulls need to get a big SG, C and PF thru the draft and FA and look at a 2-3 year plan.
Good points Bobbipbob! With the pending summer, I just hope they don’t mess things up for Rose and Noah getting extensions in the near future. I hope/think Lebron will give the Cavs another three years to get a ring – one way or the other, he will split Cleveland in 2013, if not this year. I really would love to see Miller back, and I think he wants to stay in Chi. Hinrich would be a great backup for the 2nd unit, but he has great value to a few teams that might be up for a trade. I just hope Miami doesn’t make any bigtime moves that make a better team, especially with the Bulls in a better position (without Wade) this offseason.
Thank you for that smart comment Boppinbob, (my respects to you)
that is exactly what I meant throughout my comments but, in a different way with me including Rudy Gay as an upgrade SF over Deng. (Since he is more of a 3’s point treat and scorer.)
As for my SG, I would go after: Morrow, Kyle Korver, Kelenna Azubuike or Rasual Butler since they all can hit high percent 3’s point shot when they need them in late games to space the floor.
As for our PF upgrade a would sign David Lee b-cuz he plays just like NOah. (being a hustler type of player with the right attitude!)
With my 1st round top draft pick I would sign a big guy (Center) in cast Brad Miller does not come back.
Not only that but, by me signing all these 4-5 guy the Bulls will still have enough money to give upgraded CONTRACT TO: NOAH AND ROSE and MAX! you of all people should know that by know since you were talking all that trash about me not knowing anything about cap space…
Fans like me, boppinbob, bullsfan76, lopez and others are more smart realistic fans that think about cap space with players contracts.
By doing the math and making sure all the money adds up right with players and by coming up with some more ideas to improve all of our postion: which is: SG, SF, PF & C NOT just for the SF position and ending up with trash players: Aaron Gray and players like that MAX…
For example look at the: Lakers, Orlando and Boston. Do they have 2-3 great players only? no they don’t they also have more good players in cast their 2-3 star players are not doing their jobs…
in late games.
You do realize that BoppinBobs scenario included Lebron coming to the Bulls and us trading deng to the Cavs and giving us cap space to sign multiple players right…? That is basically what I have said all along. You started saying how I want wade, bosh, boozer and Johnson. You basically just proved my point of what a Jackass you are and how ignorant you come off. Relax Mental Midget…relax. I know we need to sign Noah and Rose long term. But when there time comes we have the most money to offer them. The Structure is set up so that teams can retain there stars. Your points are always ignorant and you should just stop making them
@ Aaron I think your point makes sense but I don’t really see where Cleveland has a lot to work with in bringing in new people. Shaq is not on anybodys wish list and I don’t think teams that want a shot at Lebron are going to be eager to help the Cavs get pieces to help them keep him? Jamison is overpaid and who can you see them trading him for that is going to WOW LBJ.I think if he stays in Cleveland it’s because his heart is there and if that’s the case so be it. I say then go after pieces and build around Rose but they better be strong pieces, because Rose wants to win multiple titles and if the Bulls don’t offer him that then we will be in the same spot Cleveland is in a few years. We need consistent outside shooting and more offense in the paint for sure but they better be able to play team defense and rebound down low.
dj i have to agree with max you are an idiot you backtrack all the time u make no sense why would the grizzles trade gay a younger cheaper player for a over paid deng dude go away next your going to say trade deng for durrant you are an idiot
u think all gms are as dumb as u
In the very real possibility that LeBron decides to stay home, then the Bulls do need to bring in talent to insure that Rose gets his opportunity. I do not think that the Bulls need to mortgage the future for marginal to good talent. The Bulls need to draft well and make judicious trades. If they do not get Lebron, then they need to bring in an upgrade at back-up center, a big shooting guard to challenge Hinrich and a PF that can push Gibson to continue to improve. Try to keep Miller as a 3rd center and mentor for the big men. Try to resign Warrick and Murray as viable playable depth on the bench and keep Acie Law as a developmental project with Johnson. I do not know who the Bulls should sign, but my criteria would be the ability to play team/help defense 1st, tendency to move without the ball, some appropriate offensive capability for the position. The Bulls need a 2 guard and a PF that can challenge for starting time and result in quality players 7-8 deep and then need Warrick and Murray to contribute and give time for Johnson and law to develop. We as fans need to have patience to let this team grow. Remember it was MJ’s 7th season that brought the Bulls 1st championship. Without LeBron the Bulls could win a championship before Rose reaches his 7th season. With LeBron it could happen sooner.
I am not looking for a quick fix. I am hoping that management will build a team that will be able to be kept together and can become a dynasty like the Jordan Bulls. That means building through the draft (Rose, Noah, Gibson, Hinrich, Johnson, and Deng) Technically Deng was acquired via trade with Phoenix. Making judicious trades for depth and role players. Using FA to build a team does not lend itself to building a dynasty unless you are picking up role players or the final piece of the puzzle. Even getting LeBron the Bulls will need to bring in quality role players that can contribute, not just fill out the roster.
I agree with Max, Aaron, BoppinBob, and Mike…I don’t agree with DJ and his 15 other names, lol
hahaha, look who is talking Max-Mike-Trm3 basically the same person lol and I am the one that can’t read. Please read my friend Boppinbob comment: on the latest one he posted up. He said: “In the very real possibility that LeBron decides to stay HOME.” (meaning he stays with Cleveland) THank you boppinbob! so what are you talking about Max, he is not on your side! Both of us would love to have LB here but, we both know it is not going to happen.
Another thing Max Boppinbob hit on one of my other points, here read it: “Even getting LeBron the Bulls will need to bring in quality role players that can contribute, not just fill out the roster.” In other words they are not a championship team just by only adding LB. Which is exactly what I been telling your dumb ass. So how is my idea a bad 1 when both of our ideas won’t make the Bulls a championship team yet?
In other words Max to help you understand my comment lol, if the Bulls are leading with my ideas by adding multiple talented semi-star players to our roster like: Rudy Gay, David Lee, Morrow, Acie Law, Brad Miller and others like that, the Bulls will as good as the Atlanta Hawks. And if the Bulls lead with your idea by signing: LB, Aaron Gray, Joe Alexander, Chris Richard, Devin Brown and other players like that, the Bulls will be just as good as the Utah Jazz. lol mean they are not a championship yet!
meaning they are not a championship team yet!*
Did you graduate High School? You obviously can’t read dude. I have never said sign Lebron and then were good. I know that you need to fill out the rest of the roster with quality talent. All I have said is if we have a chance to sign him then try for it. You really do not have a clue how the NBA works. No other free agents or trades will be made until Lebron decides what to do. He is the first Domino to fall.Every Team that has Cap Space wants him, After he signs then every team will start with the back up plan. You make these comments and pat yourself on the back but dude you just don’t know what your talking about. Why would you want a team as good as the Atlanta Hawks? They played with no heart and got dominated. Why play if your not gonna try to win it all. And you have never said you wanted Lebron. You said don’t even try for him. Yeah because the Bulls should sign Lee and trade for Gay before Lebron signs with anyone. You really are a Mental Midget
OK??? their you go again, trying to put word now in my mouth, 1st of all my smart friend. I like Lebron but, I just know it is not going to happen. The reason why I say hopefully we don’t try to sign him and focuses all of our energy on him is b-cuz we mate miss our chance to sign Rudy Gay before Memphis offers him a contract!
Another thing smart guy, if we sign LB we can not sign quality talented player with him, since we are give him most of our money with Rose and NOah dumb ass! (and I am the one that does not know anything about cap space.) That is why the Bulls will have no choice but, to sign players like: Aaron Gray, Joe Alexander, Chris Richard, Devin Brown and D-league player to fill our roster. (which they suck)
With my idea we will have enough money to sign 3-4 quality talented to our roster with Acie Law, Brad Miller and with enough money to resign Rose and NOah back with happy contracts.
quality talented players*
You keep repeating the same thing after I have broken down how the salary cap works twice to you. Even if we sign Lebron to a Max deal we still can sign Both Noah and Rose to long term deals. The Salary Cap is structured to allow teams to free up more money to sign their Stars. The reason why Cleveland has a extra 30 million more to throw at Lebron than anyone else does. Do you honestly get that? You have no comeback for me that has any logic. You just come off as ignorant.
Ignorant??? do you even know how much money LB wants? when I have also explain it to you thousands of times! you still don’t understand what I am saying to u. What I am saying is that, I know we can resign Rose and Noah back with LB BUT, we are not going to have enough money to sign players like: David Lee, Morrow or other talented players like that to our roster. That is why we will have no choice but to sign players like: Aaron Gray, Joe Alexander, Chris Richard, Devin Brown and D-league player to fill our roster. Which part of that comment did you not understand???
Your the one that has no comeback by not answer my question. By changing the subject all the time.
Plus with that roster, we are not a championship team yet, we will be as good as the Utah Jazz.
Dude you have no point. Your just talking to talk. Morrow is a restricted free agent and he can’t play defense. If Lebron comes then Deng is getting traded. That will happen. That frees up a lot of money to sign quality players. Hinrich is a trade piece as well. You don’t know anything about how the business works and you don’t want to learn. Hinrich and Deng have Jumbo contracts. With them gone that frees up A LOT of money!! Plus teams want Hinrich and Deng. It’s not like they are offering up Acie Law and Flip Murray. So yes I would sign Lebron and make moves to acquire the pieces you need. That is the job of the GM after all.
I have no point? what are you talking about???
1st of all, who is going to take Deng and Hinrich big contract??? I will tell you who nobody if they know the Bulls have LB dumb ass. If I am the GM’s from other teams and I know the bulls got LB and they ask me if I am interested in Deng or Hinrich I will tell them to f*** off lol
So then why did teams make trades with the Cav’s the last few years? Your logic is once again stupid. Teams wont stop making good basketball decisions because the bulls have Lebron.
Back then Lebron was not that huge and now he is dumb ass and those players where free-agents that the Cav’s got another thing remember the Cav’s started out with having LB 1st then Jamieson and other players. Basically he was the center piece just like D. Rose is with Chicago.
Back Then Lebron was not that Huge????? Are you serious? He has been the most hyped player of all time since he was a Junior in High School. I take it back. That is the stupidest thing you have ever said. You really are stupid DJ. Nothing you say has any validity to it. Nothing!!!
Another thing the Bulls can only get Lebron James if the do a sign and trade deal with the Cav’s. So trading either Deng or Hinrich 1st if out of the question b-cuz 1 of them won’t be their.
If that the cast how come he has no won a championship ring yet? since he is so big like you say he is??? You see, you still try to only answer question that you only have an answer to.
The only way he can come is in a sign and trade? He can sign wherever he wants. And if they did a sign and trade with deng the bulls get more cap space to sign more players. You really should stop DJ your just showing more and more how little you know about the NBA.
they*
wow you sound more ignorant every time. Enough said.
YOUR THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO STOP! YOU ACTUALLY THINK LB IS GOING TO LEAVE CLEVELAND WITH NOTHING JUST FOR DENG??? THAT IS NOT HOW THE NBA BUSINESS WORKS OUTESPECIALLY WHEN HE IS A TOP TOP TOP SUPER STAR FRANCHISE PLAYER FOR CLEVELAND. REMEMBER EVERYONE HAS TO BE HAPPY. MEAN CLEVELAND, CHICAGO AND LEBRON IN OFFER TO MAKE A SIGN AND TRADE DEAL AND WITH IDEA BY JUST ONLY GIVING DENG FOR LEBRON IS NOT MAKING CLEVELAND HAPPY
with your idea*
that why this trade is not going to happen, all parties have to be happy in a sign and trade deal that is how this organization works
The only funny thing about this is that you really think you know what you are talking about. The only funny thing.
Most sign and trades involve three teams. My point all along is that the Bulls should try to sign him. I’m sticking to that. You have only showed that your ignorant and you would be happy with having a average team. You go on being stupid and I’m gonna sit and wait to see how the summer unfolds.
Dear LeBron,
Please come to Chicago, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will be, by far the best teammates you’ve ever had. If you really care about winning (which you say you do) you will come here. Yes, New York has the bright lights and broadway, but Chicago is a great and (cleaner) city, and provides you with a roster that will win championships for years to come. You may be afraid that MJ’s shadow will not serve you well. All I have to say is that Larry Bird played in Bill Russell’s shadow and so on. I know its not the same thing, but if you come to Chicago, you WILL win multiple championships, and have a statue opposite of Michael Jordan’s, What else would be better?
DJ, LeBron can leave Cleveland with nothing. If there is a sign and trade it will be because LeBron wants it that way. Cleveland has nothing to say about it. If LeBron decides to leave Cleveland, it will be because he does not think he will win a championship there. He will not look for a max contract, he will go with a 3-4 year contract (I think he will do this even if he stays in Cleveland). If Cleveland balks at the sign and trade then LeBron just leaves.
Your the one that is Ignorant and won’t come to reasons. Like I said if we just sign LB we are and average team. We also need quality talented players with ROse and him. It won’t work trust me. Cleveland still has the upper hand to his rights and to resign him.
an*
with money money and to add other more quality player to make him happier.
more*
I agree Boppinbob but, I just don’t see him leaving Cleveland, I am just giving this hard headed fans MAX lots of examples of why LB won’t come to Chicago.