LeBron may be eyeing New York....

[kingjames23]

from yahoo sports........


LeBron James showed up in New York on Monday, part of a USA Basketball media function, and continued to bat his eyes at the city in the run up to his potential free agency in 2010.

When asked to name his favorite city he said: “New York.”

Favorite borough?

“Brooklyn,” James said. “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.”

Brooklyn is where the New Jersey Nets are expected to move to in 2010 (at least if community groups don’t blow it). The franchise is owned, in part, by James’ friend Jay-Z, and should be stock full of young, complementary talent and a King’s ransom in salary cap room.


James knows all of this. His answers weren’t by accident or without meaning, no more than was wearing a New York baseball cap from an Indians-Yankees playoff game last fall just an expression of pinstriped-fandom.

This was just the latest, albeit most obvious, shot across the Cavaliers’ bow. James didn’t list Cleveland as one of his five favorite cities, although hometown Akron came in fifth behind Washington, Dallas and Los Angeles.

To say there is concern along the Cuyahoga River is to understate things. To say there is pressure on Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert doesn’t begin to describe it.

Five years into James’ career and the franchise has yet to instill confidence in the 23-year-old that it knows what it’s doing. Forget his polite talk about the front office. It’s not James’ job to assemble the roster or publicly second guess new teammates (he’s a relentless cheerleader).

If James truly believed the Cavs were on the brink of winning a bunch of titles, he wouldn’t have a wandering eye.

LeBron doesn’t need New York to cash in as a media superstar or a marketing sensation – he’s making hundreds of millions in endorsements in Northeast Ohio. This is a different era and as big and bold as New York is, it isn’t the only place anymore. The guy signed a $105 million Nike deal out of an Akron high school, after all.

James does need New York, or the fear of New York, to motivate Gilbert and Ferry to surround him with a supporting cast capable of winning a championship.

If they can’t do that in the next two years, then he may need New York to fulfill his dream of a title.

Thus far the Cavs have looked like the same old bumbling franchise that had the enormous fortune of winning the 2003 lottery when an otherworldly talent from just down the road happened to be available.

Gilbert is from Michigan and was a huge fan and corporate partner of the Detroit Pistons. Since purchasing the Cavs in 2005, he’s brought all of the Pistons’ pregame pyrotechnics and goofy game presentations only with none of the franchise’s savvy personnel decisions.

The Cavs have misspent cap space, made short-sighted trades and botched draft picks. Every step forward has been met with a step backward.

The LeBrons simply don’t offer enough support to LeBron – witness the Celtics seven games of near triple teaming James. That Cleveland made the NBA Finals in 2007, where it was summarily swept by San Antonio, was as much about a Pistons gag job as anything.

Even with LeBron, this just isn’t a good enough team to win a title. And due to past moves, it doesn’t have any easy options to change that. The Nets, meanwhile, are making every move with James in mind.

“You look at NBA teams that have won championships and they’ve been team oriented,” James said last week at USA Basketball camp. “You look at Boston and San Antonio and the Bulls teams that have won; these are all team-oriented teams.

“An individual can take over a game but at the end of the day you can only be successful if you have a great team.”

No executive in sports has more pressure on them than Danny Ferry. A lot of coaches and general managers can get fired. A lot of them can fail to live up to expectations.

Only Ferry can fumble away the franchise and crush the city. If James throws up his hands in two years and heads off to the greener pastures of New York’s concrete jungle, Gilbert may find his franchise as foreclosed as some of his subprime loans.

Cleveland hasn’t seen a major professional championship since the 1964 Browns. The light at the end of the tunnel has been James, the local kid who, eventually you’d think, will win one.

It’s not just that Cleveland has lost; it’s that local teams have lost in dramatic, gut wrenching fashion. The Drive, the Shot, the 1997 World Series.

A LeBron defection might be the worst. Having him in Brooklyn to serve as a centerpiece of an urban renewal, to bring entertainment-seeking Manhattanites across the bridge, to eclipse the Dolans’ pathetic Knicks, might be the most painful loss of all.

It’d be a complete shutting of the door of possibility, a day to be cursed and mourned for eternity. There’d be no next year.

LeBron knows all of this. He knew it when he wore that Yankees cap last October. He knew it when he listed his favorite cities. He knew it when he brings the Knicks into it by saying how he loves Madison Square Garden (even without the pregame flame throwers).

He’s a smart, savvy guy.

He knows it’s a long time until 2010. He knows – witness the Celtics and Lakers – that everything can change in a single season.

He also knows that it better happen soon, before it becomes too late for the Cavs to fix their roster, before all this talk becomes a decision that needs to be made.

from another article on Yahoo Sports

NEW YORK – Finally, the New Jersey Nets started down the perilous path of shedding salary, clearing cap space and trying to transform themselves into a competitive commodity for that hell-bent run at LeBron James in the summer of 2010. Richard Jefferson goes, the roster turns over and the post-Jason Kidd transformation takes its most dramatic change.

The Nets need a perfect storm to make this happen once James can opt out of his Cleveland Cavaliers contract and make himself the most desirable free agent in NBA history. The Nets are counting on part-owner Jay-Z’s personal crusade to recruit his close friend to Brooklyn, but there’s nothing to discuss until the Nets remake themselves for the long run.


Richard Jefferson leaves for Milwaukee with three years and $42.4 million left on his contract, and Nets president Rod Thorn and GM Kiki Vandeweghe made a dramatic draft-day transformation that included the Bucks’ 7-footer Yi Jianlian, and two No. 1 picks on Thursday night – Stanford’s Brook Lopez and California’s Ryan Anderson. They would’ve been satisfied with this change, but a player who they had considered picking at No. 21 – Memphis’ Chris Douglas-Roberts – dropped to them early in the second round.

New Jersey had hoped that West Virginia’s Joe Alexander would drop to them at No. 10, but Milwaukee grabbed him and Lopez was the 7-foot forward they were grateful to still find on the board. Anderson is a 6-foot-10 shooter, and yes, Jianlian is still a mystery to most in the NBA. He suffered with injuries and the cultural transition as the sixth pick a year ago, but he also showed flashes and possibilities that make him far from a lost cause.

“A big future,” Thorn gushed of Yi, but no one should kid themselves. For the Nets, Yi is as much a business as a basketball decision. Ownership believes the immense Asian-American community in metropolitan New York will fill seats for the lame-duck Nets in the ghostly Meadowlands Arena.

Still, this was a step closer to the chase for LeBron James. The Knicks are determined to be a part of that recruitment, but they have a long way to go to shed the contracts needed to get under the cap. The Nets had two first-round picks this year, and two again in 2009, because of the fabulous Kidd trade that fleeced the Dallas Mavericks.

They’ll have Devin Harris running the floor with young, athletic teammates, with Vince Carter the odd fit in this refurbishing. The Nets are destined for the lottery again, but they have two more years to develop this cast, reconstruct credibility and pray that Cleveland GM Danny Ferry never finds James a running mate. In 2010, it is believed that James will work hard to convince his Team USA teammate, Chris Bosh, and perhaps Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire, to come play with him.

James will have to make a hard choice on his hometown Cavs and the global marketing stage that New York could bring him. James was lukewarm on the mid-season trade for Ben Wallace and Delonte West, and colleagues of Ferry believed that his mission on Thursday night was to draft a player who could make the most immediate impact. This turned out to be a Nets target, N.C. State’s 6-9 freshman J.J. Hickson, at No. 19, but the Cavs’ race against time moved into a different gear on draft day.

J.J. is a good prospect, but he’s no Jay-Z in LeBron’s life. The Nets just got younger and leaner, and make no mistake: Even as long shots go, they crept a little closer to King James on Thursday night.

[kingjames23]

it looks like Cleveland needs to "pull a Pau." or sign some other heavy hitters if they want to keep Lebron past 2010. perhaps Lebron learned a lesson from Kobe here. if you are the franchise, you get what you want... or you leave. and like that situation, perhaps the CAVS front office will come to their senses.

imagine James in NY or NJ.... if he could give either team a bit of chemistry they would be contenders.

hopefully the CAVS pull a Pau though.... i would rather see Bron stay and get his way. but the question is, who?

[airBerlin]

I'd rather just get rid of him now, I don't care for him.

[BIG GREEN]

^^^ EPIC FAIL.

anyway...I knew lebron's mind was on new york ever since he had that game this season where the crowd was behind him. I would prefer him here so I can get to see him play more often but let's hope for the cav's sake they can put the pieces together before that happens.

[airBerlin]

^^^ LULULUL... You're an idiot.

Cleveland would have a much better run in the playoffs if they were to trade him now. His value is practically at it's peak and we could get atleast two solid players for him. If Cleveland would just make the right trades, we could be stacked.

[Oskar]

Nah man.. LeBron is a really good player and he has good players around him too. He would soon get his ring in Cleveland, and for some reason I think, in NY he could average a triple-double, he's not too far off.

[Indy]

^^^ LULULUL... You're an idiot.

Cleveland would have a much better run in the playoffs if they were to trade him now. His value is practically at it's peak and we could get atleast two solid players for him. If Cleveland would just make the right trades, we could be stacked.

Hahahaha. This has to be another joke account.

[BIG GREEN]

Yep...another retard graces our forums.

[rdelizo35]

I doubt Cleveland would have made the Finals against the Spurs that year without LeBron.

[kingjames23]

that goes without saying. that wasnt even in question.

[Lamrock]

I really thought airBerlin was the lone highlight of the 08 NLSC class. Guess I was wrong.

Yeah, LeBron might be eyeing the Brooklyn Nets, but barring a trade (for who, VC, Yi???), this is still pretty far away. I have a gut feeling that he stays though.

[kingjames23]

cleveland is not goint to trade LeBron. he may decide to leave in 2010 when his contract is up. NY and NJ are jockeying for position to snatch him up. therefore, CLE needs to put some serious pieces on the table to keep LeBron at home. ala Pau to Lakers trade.

[Indy]

This is not news by the way. It means nothing and shows how idiotic our media is that this is actually a story.

[Andrew]

I'd rather just get rid of him now, I don't care for him.

Cleveland would have a much better run in the playoffs if they were to trade him now. His value is practically at it's peak and we could get atleast two solid players for him. If Cleveland would just make the right trades, we could be stacked.

Two solid players for someone shaping up to be remembered as one of the best players of his era? I think Cleveland would be resigning itself to mediocrity at best if they made such a deal. However, on the off-chance you're Danny Ferry, the Bulls have a couple of solid players I'm sure they'd be willing to trade for LeBron.

As for the rumours, they're obviously not going away anytime soon but his friendship with Jay-Z and his fondness for New York, those might not be the deciding factors depending on what shape the Cavs are in a couple of years, as well as the Knicks and Nets for that matter. Let's not forget that LeBron has strong ties to Ohio, too.

[kinokong]

they bulls would probably have to give up ben gordon, derrick rose and maybe tyrus thomas to get lebron but im pretty sure that the bulls would agree to this trade. a once in a lifetime player is available, you just trade for him and worry about putting the right parts together after. its kinda what nj and ny are doing right now. but im suprised lebron doesn't like chicago. a big market, and a chance to build his own great legacy.

[airBerlin]

Not even going to bother arguining. When LeBron James leaves and Cleveland drops to the same position they were 10 years ago... Then I'll bring back this thread and say "I told you so".

[Wacky Bibe]

jay z: nigga com' join us in brookly'..we'll do the shit dude..we'll win the blingbling f u come here dude..you come here wearing da 2-3 like jordan dude..roc a fella..high praises..i'm da king..you come you see and conquer dude..( )

lebron:can't wait for 2010 dude..i'm wid u..dude..much love..let's do da shit..brooklyn dude..one love..im da second coming..i not jordan dude..im the first y'all..biatch..much love..high praises..roc-a-fella..h to the izzo dude..

[jonthefon]

It's highly unlikely that the Cavs will trade LeBron: if so, they'd be demanding two high-quality players and draft picks galore, or one of those KG packages only better (young talents, expiring contracts, picks).

Anyone think LeBron will get an A-Rod style of deal if he does hit free agency?

[Andrew]

Not even going to bother arguining. When LeBron James leaves and Cleveland drops to the same position they were 10 years ago... Then I'll bring back this thread and say "I told you so".

Fair enough, but if they don't will you bring back the thread to say "I was wrong"?

There are certainly enough factors to suggest that LeBron going to the Knicks or Nets is at the very least a possibility, with his decision not to sign for six years, his friendship with Jay-Z and his apparent fondness for New York but it also seems if he wanted out of Cleveland, he'd have taken the qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent. There's too much that could potentially happen for him to plan to leave for the Knicks or Nets in 2010.

But even if you were to trade him before that could possibly happen, you'd be demanding as much as possible, much more than two solid players. You'd want an All-Star coming the other way along with a solid role player or two, plus picks. You don't give up a player like LeBron for just "solid".

[airBerlin]

Fair enough, but if they don't will you bring back the thread to say "I was wrong"?

If you'd like.

But even if you were to trade him before that could possibly happen, you'd be demanding as much as possible, much more than two solid players. You'd want an All-Star coming the other way along with a solid role player or two, plus picks. You don't give up a player like LeBron for just "solid".

Well, it sounds like we have different views on what "solid" means.

[BIG GREEN]

jay z: nigga com' join us in brookly'..we'll do the shit dude..we'll win the blingbling f u come here dude..you come here wearing da 2-3 like jordan dude..roc a fella..high praises..i'm da king..you come you see and conquer dude..( )

lebron:can't wait for 2010 dude..i'm wid u..dude..much love..let's do da shit..brooklyn dude..one love..im da second coming..i not jordan dude..im the first y'all..biatch..much love..high praises..roc-a-fella..h to the izzo dude..

"We'll do the shit dude"? Nice...a pinoy's quite hilarious and accurate interpretation of ebonics. I wonder how that conversation would go if they were both pinoys struggling with the english language...

[Andrew]

Well, it sounds like we have different views on what "solid" means.

Perhaps. To me, a "solid" player is considerably below the calibre of a player like LeBron; a key role player rather rather than a special talent.

[airBerlin]

Well, the only way LeBron is going to stay is if we get more players. I don't see Cleveland picking anyone up, therefore I don't see him staying either. So if he's not going to be here in 2010, why not trade him now?

[rdelizo35]

If I had LeBron James on my team, I'd do everything in my power to keep him. Cavs are plain dumb if they lose LeBron.

[airBerlin]

Cav's are lucky they got him to resign the last time.