ESPN proposes Lebron/Blazers trade

[e_blazer]

There is no way to 100% guarantee that LeBron would re-sign with Portland.

He would still have the option of signing straight up with NY in 2010.

Actually, I don't think that's true if the Blazers waited until next summer to make a trade. LeBron signed his contract in July of 2006. He could sign a contract extension in July of 2009 as part of a sign and trade with the Blazers.

 

[Minstrel]

Besides, if LeBron doesn't stay in Cleveland, he's proven himself to be just another whiney selfish "superstar" who'se ego is bigger than his game.

So you feel anyone in the US who switches employers is a whiny, selfish egotist? Or is it only athletes who are not allowed to make use of capitalism and go to the highest bidder?

If he really gave a shit about winning over everything else, he'd restructure his contract and take less money from the Cavs so THEY could be a free agency player and get pieces to win championships around James. But you don't hear that from him, do you?

Do you instruct your employer to cut your pay so that your company can succeed more? Are you a team player, or just in it for yourself?

 

[crowTrobot]

Actually, I don't think that's true if the Blazers waited until next summer to make a trade. LeBron signed his contract in July of 2006. He could sign a contract extension in July of 2009 as part of a sign and trade with the Blazers.

well he could sign a 3 or 4 year extension right now if he wanted to. the point was hasn't and probably won't. he's gonna end up where HE wants to be in 2010, and neither the cavs nor anyone else including us have any real say in the matter.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

Larry Bird was cocky and let everybody know it.

Jordan was an asshole to many of his teammates, was insanely competitive and a gambler.

Barkley was a gambler and didn't play defense, costing his team's rings.

Kobe was accused of rape and is cocky and a Jordan wannabe and has had run ins with players and coaches through his career. He played up the Free Agency bit with LA like few have.

Yep, that LeBron, he is a one-of-a-kind, never before seen, cocky and flawed SuperStar. We need to stay away from that and get us a perfect SuperStar.

Just expressing how I feel about the guy, sorry don't like it or disagree with it. Also thanks for the history lesson on all the superstars, I didn't say I liked any of those guys either so not sure what your point is. Again I have all the respect in the world for Lebrons game. I just don't like his antics with the press lately. I think it's bs that he is talking up his free agency when it's a YEAR AND HALF away. I think it shows a complete disrespect for his current team and fans. He can be a fan of whatever team he wants I don't care doesn't bother me one bit. Do I think it was kind of an asshole move to put a NY hat on during a playoff game against the Indians maybe a little, kind of shows he could give a shit about Cleveland.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

Yeah, that's a real negative on him. Get back to me on the last NBA player you heard of who cut his own salary significantly during the prime of his career so the team could spend more on the supporting cast.

It's happened in other sports, but your point is taken. The NBA is full of me-first selfish assholes who could give two shits about the cities they represent and the fans that buy their merch, watch their games (and support the advertisers of such broadcasts), and pay high ticket prices to pay their ungodly salaries.

 

[e_blazer]

well he could sign a 3 or 4 year extension right now if he wanted to. the point was hasn't and probably won't. he's gonna end up where HE wants to be in 2010, and neither the cavs nor anyone else including us have any real say in the matter.

No he can't sign an extension until the third anniversary of the signing of his last contract. That's not until next July. Obviously, he's not planning on signing an extension with the Cavs because they don't have enough talent and they're a small market city. Would he sign an extension to play with the Blazers in a small market if he thought that they had enough talent to put him in the MJ category of six championships? I guess only he knows the answer to that.

 

[Masbee]

Actually, I don't think that's true if the Blazers waited until next summer to make a trade. LeBron signed his contract in July of 2006. He could sign a contract extension in July of 2009 as part of a sign and trade with the Blazers.

And I am only responding to the hypothetical in the original thread post.

Since it said nothing about the trade occuring this summer, nor about an extension, no extension is presumed in my response.

As others have done, you are free to say, "no, I won't do the deal as proposed, unless there is an extension", or "no, I won't do the deal with Roy, but would do it with X player", etc.

I choose to say the deal - as proposed - is completely unacceptable.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

I think it's bs that he is talking up his free agency when it's a YEAR AND HALF away. I think it shows a complete disrespect for his current team and fans. He can be a fan of whatever team he wants I don't care doesn't bother me one bit. Do I think it was kind of an asshole move to put a NY hat on during a playoff game against the Indians maybe a little, kind of shows he could give a shit about Cleveland.

No, it points to the fact that's been mentioned: player loyalty to a team, a city, and it's fans is a myth that's been debunked time and time again ever since the beginning of the free-agent era, and especially since the 1980s. Magic and Bird only stayed in their respective cities because the owners practically handed them the checkbook to the franchise, although being already in big-market areas didn't hurt. There are rare exceptions, like Stockton and Malone in Utah, (and Tim Duncan, as mentioned later in this thread) but they are the absolute rarity.

LeBron shouldn't have to hide his feelings. He should have gone out in that press conference yesterday and said "HELL YEAH I'M GONNA BE A KNICK IN 2010! BANK ON IT! NEW YORK CITY, BAYBEE!". Should the Cleveland fans be upset? Why? They know that superstars don't stay in Cleveland. Or Denver. Or Portland. As a matter of fact, I give perhaps 25% odds that the Blazers will be able to keep Oden, Roy, Aldridge, and Rudy together for any amount of time once their original contracts end. There's more money elsewhere, more exposure, more ego opportunities for athletes that have been told since they were little that they were special, that they were above the system, above right/wrong and loyalty. It's all about the Cash. The endorsements. The SportsCenter highlights. The sooner that NBA fans (and pro sports fans in general) get it through their emotional, thick skulls that Seinfeld was right... we are all rooting for laundry, and the players that wear that laundry are just hired guns who are only loyal as long as you, as Rasheed Wallace perfectly put it, "CTC", the better.

 

[e_blazer]

And I am only responding to the hypothetical in the original thread post.

Since it said nothing about the trade occuring this summer, nor about an extension, no extension is presumed in my response.

As others have done, you are free to say, "no, I won't do the deal as proposed, unless there is an extension", or "no, I won't do the deal with Roy, but would do it with X player", etc.

I choose to say the deal - as proposed - is completely unacceptable.

And I agree with you.

I'm just trying to point out that this idea MAY have some merit next summer.

 

[illmatic99]

Yeah, that's a real negative on him. Get back to me on the last NBA player you heard of who cut his own salary significantly during the prime of his career so the team could spend more on the supporting cast.

Timmy, of course.

The extension, reported to be worth $40 million, also would afford the team with a substantial salary cap cushion with which to woo free agents after the 2010 season. The deal is expected to be finalized later this week.

Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, Duncan — a 10-time All-Star — could have commanded a two-year extension worth a maximum $51 million. Duncan has agreed to take $11 million less, freeing up money for the Spurs to rebuild around him after the 2009-10 season, when his current deal was set to expire.

Link: http://slamonline.com/online/nba/2007/10/tim-duncan-spur-for-life/

I'd argue that Duncan will still be in his prime (albeit the tail end) by the end of the 09-10 season.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

No, it points to the fact that's been mentioned: player loyalty to a team, a city, and it's fans is a myth that's been debunked time and time again ever since the beginning of the free-agent era, and especially since the 1980s. Magic and Bird only stayed in their respective cities because the owners practically handed them the checkbook to the franchise, although being already in big-market areas didn't hurt. There are rare exceptions, like Stockton and Malone in Utah, but that's the absolute rarity.

LeBron shouldn't have to hide his feelings. He should have gone out in that press conference yesterday and said "HELL YEAH I'M GONNA BE A KNICK IN 2010! BANK ON IT! NEW YORK CITY, BAYBEE!". Should the Cleveland fans be upset? Why? They know that superstars don't stay in Cleveland. Or Denver. Or Portland. As a matter of fact, I give perhaps 25% odds that the Blazers will be able to keep Oden, Roy, Aldridge, and Rudy together for any amount of time once their original contracts end. There's more money elsewhere, more exposure, more ego opportunities for athletes that have been told since they were little that they were special, that they were above the system, above right/wrong and loyalty. It's all about the Cash. The endorsements. The SportsCenter highlights. The sooner that NBA fans (and pro sports fans in general) get it through their emotional, thick skulls that Seinfeld was right... we are all rooting for laundry, and the players that wear that laundry are just hired guns who are only loyal as long as you, as Rasheed Wallace perfectly put it, "CTC", the better.

I love the line we are just rooting for Laundry classic. I'm not saying Lebron or whatever superstar shouldn't go out and get what ever money they can. My point is the way you handle it, coming out a year and half early and talking about leaving your current team is classless. Made me a loose a lot of respect for Lebron. Would I root for him on my team yes. Do I have to like the guy no, I'd also root for our team even if we sign Kobe this offseason. BTW we have the richest owner in sports, Paul Allen can choose and will likely choose to keep all of the key guys together.

 

[WarriorFan]

It's happened in other sports, but your point is taken. The NBA is full of me-first selfish assholes who could give two shits about the cities they represent and the fans that buy their merch, watch their games (and support the advertisers of such broadcasts), and pay high ticket prices to pay their ungodly salaries.

Didn't Duncan take less to continue winning championships in San Antonio?


EDIT: sorry, I didn't realize Duncan was just mentioned

 

[Blaze01]

I am beginning to think that LeBron is Pritchard's target...

If POR lets Blake, Outlaw, Segio, Frye & Diogu go...or deals them for expiring contract or picks...they would have approximately $36.5 in contracts

however they would have the contracts of Roy, Aldridge & Pryzbilla as cap holds. correct? Unless, like Webster, they were re-signed previously to this date....

The salary cap would probably be around $60 million?

IF...big if...Pritchard was able to re-sign Roy & Aldridge to deals starting around $10 million/year? That would be another $7 million? Leaving $16.5 million to offer to a guy like Lebron?

I know all prognosticators say LeBron is going to NY...but I guess it comes down to what is more important? His Legacy in basketball or being in the "epicenter" of sports\entertainment?

Even if NY could sign Lebron and let's say Bosh...That doesn't guarantee them a title...not even by a longshot....

But the chance to go to a team that has Roy, Aldridge, Oden & Rudy? That has the potential to be a dyanasty, does it not? And he is right in Nike's backyard for advertising\entertainemt recognition and 1-1/2 hours away from the "Epicenter of the left coast" Los Angeles.....

I know the guy wants to be rich, famous and expand into other avenues like music and movies, etc...but at the end of the day...His true greatness....legacy...will be determined on how many NBA titles he wins...Nothing else matters...and I think that in the end, that is what his decison will be based on.....

Now if NY can somehow lure LeBron, Bosh & Wade to NY...then yeah, that could make some serious sense...but I don't see that as the "lock" that some people do...

I guess time will tell...but I think Pritchard going after LeBron makes a TON of sense for both parties....

 

[MAS RipCity]

NBA players make way too much money, actors too. I really wish fireman, policeman, were able to be paid more favorably.

 

[Tortimer]

I am beginning to think that LeBron is Pritchard's target...

If POR lets Blake, Outlaw, Segio, Frye & Diogu go...or deals them for expiring contract or picks...they would have approximately $36.5 in contracts

however they would have the contracts of Roy, Aldridge & Pryzbilla as cap holds. correct? Unless, like Webster, they were re-signed previously to this date....

The salary cap would probably be around $60 million?

IF...big if...Pritchard was able to re-sign Roy & Aldridge to deals starting around $10 million/year? That would be another $7 million? Leaving $16.5 million to offer to a guy like Lebron?

I know all prognosticators say LeBron is going to NY...but I guess it comes down to what is more important? His Legacy in basketball or being in the "epicenter" of sports\entertainment?

Even if NY could sign Lebron and let's say Bosh...That doesn't guarantee them a title...not even by a longshot....

But the chance to go to a team that has Roy, Aldridge, Oden & Rudy? That has the potential to be a dyanasty, does it not? And he is right in Nike's backyard for advertising\entertainemt recognition and 1-1/2 hours away from the "Epicenter of the left coast" Los Angeles.....

I know the guy wants to be rich, famous and expand into other avenues like music and movies, etc...but at the end of the day...His true greatness....legacy...will be determined on how many NBA titles he wins...Nothing else matters...and I think that in the end, that is what his decison will be based on.....

Now if NY can somehow lure LeBron, Bosh & Wade to NY...then yeah, that could make some serious sense...but I don't see that as the "lock" that some people do...

I guess time will tell...but I think Pritchard going after LeBron makes a TON of sense for both parties....

A couple things about going after LeBron. 16.5 milliuon isn't going to be enough to sign him. He is going to want the max (20-25 million) and if he was going to sign a lower contract it wouldn't be with a small market team like Portland. The other thing Roy isn't going to sign for 10 million and I doubt even LMA would. I think Roy and probably LMA would want around 15 million each maybe a little less for LMA if he doesn't start to play better this year.

 

[e_blazer]

LeBron isn't a free agent until the summer of 2010. The Blazers have cap space in the summer of 2009, but won't have any in 2010 (barring something crazy happening). The only shot at James would be a trade before he becomes a free agent, and I can only see that happening if he were to agree to an extension next summer. Not very likely.

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

Yeah, but Roy and LMA aren't selfish like LBJ. They'll sign for the Vets minimum.

 

[crowTrobot]

i think he has to wait until 2010 to get the true NBA max anyway, since that's his 7th year. would cost him millions to sign an extension earlier than that.

 

[C_note]

If I was GM, I wouldn't give up that much AND Roy. LMA, Outlaw, Rudy, LaFrentz, 1st rounders....maybe 1 or two other players CLE wants.

That would be the biggest blockbuster in history. All of the key players involved, at or below their primes. Doesn't happen too often.

 

[GoBlazersGo]

Yeah, but Roy and LMA aren't selfish like LBJ. They'll sign for the Vets minimum.

Your next contribution to the Blazers board will also be your first! Move along, troll...

 

[Minstrel]

LeBron isn't a free agent until the summer of 2010. The Blazers have cap space in the summer of 2009, but won't have any in 2010 (barring something crazy happening).

They can engineer cap space for 2010, by letting LaFrentz, Frye, Outlaw, Diogu and Blake walk as free agents and not signing new players to deals extending past 2010 (they can still extend Aldridge and Roy). I wouldn't term that "crazy," but it's pretty unlikely.

 

[e_blazer]

Holy crap! If I'm reading this right, then there could be more to this idea than I thought previously. From Larry Coon's NBA FAQ page:

A contract for four or more seasons can be renegotiated after the third anniversary of its signing, extension, or renegotiation that increased any season's salary by more than 8%. Contracts for fewer than four seasons cannot be renegotiated. A contract cannot be renegotiated between March 1 and June 30 of any year. Only teams under the cap can renegotiate a contract, and the salary in the then-current season can be increased only to the extent that the team has room under the cap.

Which would seem to mean that, assuming LeBron wanted to be in Portland (and that's a big IF), the Blazers could trade for him and, since they'll have big cap space available, would be in a position to offer him a brand new maximum contract. Since 2009 would be his seventh year in the league, the Blazers could pay him something in excess of $16.5 million (30% of the NBA salary cap, whatever that's set at next year). That's close to a million more than he'd make under his current contract with the Cavs in the 2009-2010 season.

 

[Natebishop3]

Any kind of trade for LeBron would pretty much decimate our roster. Reminds me of the Kiki trade back in the day. Yes, LeBron is probably the best player in the NBA, but if you have to blow up your team to get him, it's not worth it. If we could, however, get LeBron without dealing Roy, Aldridge, or Oden... you definitely do it. I just don't think that would happen.

Well....

Let me think about this.... If we dealt Aldridge, Outlaw, Bayless, and Rudy, plus Diogu for salary reasons.... that's a TON of talent. How much cap space would we still have this summer? I'm wondering, if we traded for LeBron would we still have enough cap space this summer to sign Boozer? We should still have most of our cap space, so we could potentially sign one or two really good players this summer.

Blake/Sergio
Roy/Webster
LeBron/Batum
Boozer/Frye
Oden/Przybilla

Interesting.... I'm still not sure. That's a lot of young talent to get rid of.

 

[Masbee]

No, it points to the fact that's been mentioned: player loyalty to a team, a city, and it's fans is a myth that's been debunked time and time again ever since the beginning of the free-agent era, and especially since the 1980s. Magic and Bird only stayed in their respective cities because the owners practically handed them the checkbook to the franchise, although being already in big-market areas didn't hurt. There are rare exceptions, like Stockton and Malone in Utah, (and Tim Duncan, as mentioned later in this thread) but they are the absolute rarity.

And yet, Saint Duncan was within a hairsbreath of signing with Orlando, was recruited and wooed by Orlando, and Duncan allowed all that b.s. to go on, until at the last possible moment he changed his mind after David Robinson flew to him and made a personal plea for him to stay.

 

[Natebishop3]

And yet, Saint Duncan was within a hairsbreath of signing with Orlando, was recruited and wooed by Orlando, and Duncan allowed all that b.s. to go on, until at the last possible moment he changed his mind after David Robinson flew to him and made a personal plea for him to stay.

And he's lucky he stayed... It would have been Duncan and Grant Hill, but Hill never played a full season with the Magic and he has never been the same player since his last season with Detroit.

 

[crowTrobot]

Which would seem to mean that, assuming LeBron wanted to be in Portland (and that's a big IF), the Blazers could trade for him and, since they'll have big cap space available, would be in a position to offer him a brand new maximum contract. Since 2009 would be his seventh year in the league, the Blazers could pay him something in excess of $16.5 million (30% of the NBA salary cap, whatever that's set at next year). That's close to a million more than he'd make under his current contract with the Cavs in the 2009-2010 season.

don't you have to complete 7 years to get 30%, so lebron wouldn't get it until his 8th year in 2010/2011? i thought that's why all the top young players are signing extensions with an opt-out *after* their 7th year in the league.

 

[graybeard]

Any kind of trade for LeBron would pretty much decimate our roster. Reminds me of the Kiki trade back in the day. Yes, LeBron is probably the best player in the NBA, but if you have to blow up your team to get him, it's not worth it. If we could, however, get LeBron without dealing Roy, Aldridge, or Oden... you definitely do it. I just don't think that would happen.

Well....

Let me think about this.... If we dealt Aldridge, Outlaw, Bayless, and Rudy, plus Diogu for salary reasons.... that's a TON of talent. How much cap space would we still have this summer? I'm wondering, if we traded for LeBron would we still have enough cap space this summer to sign Boozer? We should still have most of our cap space, so we could potentially sign one or two really good players this summer.

Blake/Sergio
Roy/Webster
LeBron/Batum
Boozer/Frye
Oden/Przybilla

Interesting.... I'm still not sure. That's a lot of young talent to get rid of.

Damn! I think that might be playoff team.

 

[e_blazer]

don't you have to complete 7 years to get 30%, so lebron wouldn't get it until his 8th year in 2010/2011? i thought that's why all the top young players are signing extensions with an opt-out *after* their 7th year in the league.

Hmmm, good question. It isn't clear from the FAQ page since it says that a player is credited with a year in the NBA for every season in which he is on a team's active or inactive roster for at least one day during the regular season. So, does that mean that the contract amount could be set at the seven year figure of 30% of the cap if the new deal were signed after the start of the 2009 season? I'd bet that you're right though, in which case James would be ahead to wait until 2010 to sign a new deal. Anybody want to give Tom Penn an e-mail asking for clarification?

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

There is virtually no chance of this happening but it's fun to think about.

I would go against the grain and start LeBron at PF (he's 6'9" 274 lbs, mind you) and Batum at the three.

It's nice to dream, eh?

 

[Sedatedfork]

Your next contribution to the Blazers board will also be your first! Move along, troll...

I thought it was funny.