18 teams remain in LeBron sweepstakes

[bbwchingy0007]

Research and projections done by The Plain Dealer reveal that currently there are 18 teams in position to offer James, or just about anyone else for that matter, a maximum contract in July 2010. It is a fluid list that could change dramatically and will likely shrink because teams will be drafting and signing players to new contracts between now and then.

The Nets and Pistons are two teams that have made moves to clear salary-cap space for 2010, which is shaping up to be the most prolific free-agent season in NBA history. James, as it is well-known, is the centerpiece of that market.

Which is why likely this week and probably for the next two seasons, James will constantly be asked about his future. Especially when visiting places that have made it a priority to clear that valuable cap space.

"Every day it seems like [the media] has me going someplace else," James said two weeks ago when the Pistons traded Chauncey Billups, significantly clearing their books for 2010. "I'm very happy here, I have said that over and over."

James made his strongest comments yet on the speculation at a rally encouraging people to register to vote last month when he said: "I love you Cleveland . . . I love Ohio and I'm not going anywhere."

James' current contract

NBA maximum for players with less than seven years service:
# 2008-09: $14,410,581
# 2009-10: $15,779,912
# 2010-11, player option: $17,149,243

James' future contract

Projected NBA maximum for players with 7-9 years service, based on a projected salary cap of $64 million; current salary cap is $58.8 million.
# Projected amount of salary cap space needed in 2010: $17.6 million.
# Amount the Cavs can re-sign James for: six years, $133.7 million.
# Amount of annual raise Cavs can give James: $1.85 million.
# Amount another NBA team can sign James for: five years, $102.3 million.
# Amount of annual raise another NBA team can give James: $1.4 million.

Teams in the running

Teams currently in position to have at least $18.6 million in cap space in 2010:
Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, L.A. Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

Source

 

[bbwchingy0007]

I just don't understand why everyone thinks that LeBron is going to New Jersey. First off, they don't look like they can offer him a genuine shot at a Championship right off the bat in 2010. Second, this whole Jay-Z thing is ridiculous - doesn't he own like 2.5% of the Nets? That's like nothing. Third, he wants to emulate Jordan, who was basically a one-team guy, why lose that to play for the Nets and possibly risk a shot at a Championship in Cleveland. Fourth, Cleveland is without a major sports title for what 44 years now? Winning a title in Cleveland would put LeBron on a whole new level in Cleveland - a level which would be very difficult to parallel in any other market in the NBA. With globalised marketing nowadays, being in a big market is less important. The ability to say you overcame the curse for a city that has had a lot of major sports teams over the past 44 years? That is something that would truly be seen as a great achievement. Fifth, the Cavs are the only team capable of signing LeBron plus another star in the 2010 offseason. No other team (as far as I am aware) can sign LeBron and another superstar (actually, looking at the list the Raptors might). That is something the Nets can't offer.

Anyone care to put out the counter-argument?

 

[xflavioVC15x]

Notice Knicks are not in there

 

[nets1]

counter argument: money

the endorsements he'd get in a global market like NY could be 5 or 6 times the money he makes in cleveland. Now we all know nba players never go after the more money right... He could make 23 million in cleveland plus endorcements of 50 million or so. In this area he could make 22 million salary with like 300 million in endorsements. Money........

 

[Claud]

The money he would get if he played in NY or L.A would be a lot more than CLE.
Money talks in the NBA.
If he plays for the Nets, you can add to that that his revenue in China would probably double thanks to Yi.

 

[bbwchingy0007]

He'll make a hell of a lot wherever he plays, but the thing that will really get him the exposure he needs to make him a global icon is a Championship, and if the Nets can't offer him that, I can't see him going there. All I'm saying is that the Cavs are showing right now that they can offer him a shot at the Championship and I truly believe that he wants that over money.

 

[Claud]

He'll make a hell of a lot wherever he plays, but the thing that will really get him the exposure he needs to make him a global icon is a Championship, and if the Nets can't offer him that, I can't see him going there. All I'm saying is that the Cavs are showing right now that they can offer him a shot at the Championship and I truly believe that he wants that over money.

He said he wanted to become the first Billionare bball player. If he played for the Nets.. He would get the endorsements you get for playing in NY plus you can add to that China which is a HUGE market.

Also he would become more of a global icon if he played for us in Brooklyn that is.

 

[nets1]

plus jay z would give him some sort of recording deal as well, and jay z has the distribution already set up now for that. He would be super rich.

 

[GMJ]

I think few fans think that Lebron would go to New Jersey. Additionally, the % stake that Jay-Z has in the Nets is moot compared to whether or not he is financially attached to the team, period.

The Nets are attractive because of the refined talent they'll have in 2010, and the urban-marketing-orgasm that is Lebron-Jay-Z-Brooklyn. However, if the Nets are garbage in two years, and the team looks like it's not going to Brooklyn, I think the Lebron rumors should be put to rest.

but until then

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

How are the Nets, talent wise, not better than the Cavs (without LeBron) in 2010

 

[King John da FiF]

You fools need to get off Lebron's D!ck and let him stay in Cleveland.

 

[BrooklynBound]

You fools need to get off Lebron's D!ck and let him stay in Cleveland.

Let him? We're stopping LeBron from playing in CLE? Damn, we're dicks.

 

[ly_yng]

There are 18 teams remaining. Only one will be standing by the end.

Only one of the suitors is actually his current wife...

 

[bbwchingy0007]

How are the Nets, talent wise, not better than the Cavs (without LeBron) in 2010

Wally's expiring contract should add another star to the Cavs if Ferry plays the game correctly. The Cavs will then have Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, Hickson plus a star player aside from LeBron (al assuming no other deals made). Plus they will have the cap space for another star, potentially formulating their own big three.

 

[Netted]

Wally's expiring contract should add another star to the Cavs if Ferry plays the game correctly. The Cavs will then have Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, Hickson plus a star player aside from LeBron (al assuming no other deals made). Plus they will have the cap space for another star, potentially formulating their own big three.

Not sure Wally can add another "star". They'll still be over the cap next season without him and I don't think Wally will warrant a S&T offer that will get them a star back to Cleveland.

 

[Petey]

Wally's expiring contract should add another star to the Cavs if Ferry plays the game correctly. The Cavs will then have Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, Hickson plus a star player aside from LeBron (al assuming no other deals made). Plus they will have the cap space for another star, potentially formulating their own big three.

Don't think Wally will be moved to improve the team now, in order to keep LBJ?

-Petey

 

[bbwchingy0007]

That's what I mean, they'll trade Wally and his expiring deal to another team, a lot like how (I think) the Lakers got Gasol. There have been loads of late season deals for players with expiring contracts, and I see no reason why the Cavs won't do the same.

 

[Mr. J]

Notice Knicks are not in there

The article names teams that will be $17M under the cap in 2010.

It does not factor in that most of those teams will have half of their roster.

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

Wally's expiring contract should add another star to the Cavs if Ferry plays the game correctly. The Cavs will then have Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, Hickson plus a star player aside from LeBron (al assuming no other deals made). Plus they will have the cap space for another star, potentially formulating their own big three.

Are you really comparing Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, and Hickson to Devin, Vince Carter, Lopez, and Yi?

 

[nets1]

Are you really comparing Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, and Hickson to Devin, Vince Carter, Lopez, and Yi?

well if you compare them to the nets after tonight, it should be an easy decision for LBJ.

 

[kobimel]

well if you compare them to the nets after tonight, it should be an easy decision for LBJ.

LeBron's contract doesn't expire tomorrow, it expires in 2 years. By then, Lopez, Harris and Yi will probably be better than Boobie, West and Varejao. As for the rest of the the supporting casts on both teams, a lot can happen in 2 years.

 

[Astral]

well if you compare them to the nets after tonight, it should be an easy decision for LBJ.

.... subtract LBJ from the Cavs and any Net player from NJ, then re-run the game in your head. After Cavs get spanked 114-87, it is an easy decision.

 

[nets1]

the nets couldn't even score 87 tonight, i didn't see LBJ blocking everybody's shot. I know its early but i hope we don't get LBJ. He could have bad knees by then as well.