Wade and Bosh in Miami

[GoldenWarrior]

If the big 3 do all land in Miami, wouldn't the rest of the roster have to be league minimum players to stay under the cap?

3 All-Stars with the rest of the roster filled out with crap doesn't seem like a good idea.

I believe you are correct

[HoopsMalone]

\Delusional Chicago fans who think they're the center of the world.  Rose is very attractive because he is a stud and is young (although I wouldn't put him anywhere near the top 10 players in the NBA right now).  But Noah, really, isn't good enough to draw top free agents in.  He works really hard and he'll get you double doubles night in and night out, but it's not like a younger Shaq.  He'll get you 11 and 11.  What top free agent is going to be salivating over that?

Bulls gutted their team and still made the playoffs.  11 and 11 at a young age with good productivity twice in the playoffs.  Noah is a nice piece to have.  No one goes just because of Noah, but I am glad the Bulls did not trade Noah for Bosh.  Boozer and Noah is a better frontline than Bosh and minimum level player.  Bulls are not delusional, they showed how good their team is on the floor.  Bulls got to second place with 2 MVP candidates.  Things are looking good. 

[RawdogDX]

Riley will still be able to get some role players to come in: Haslem; possibly Ray Allen or even Iverson, etc. They could also go after Raymon Felton. Likely Beasley will be off-loaded.

Miami also drafted three solid rookies in 2nd round.

No one wants Beasley, If they could have traded him they would have done it by now.

When you are counting on 2nd round picks to contribute you probably won't be competing for a title this year.  

[HoopsMalone]

If the big 3 do all land in Miami, wouldn't the rest of the roster have to be league minimum players to stay under the cap?

3 All-Stars with the rest of the roster filled out with crap doesn't seem like a good idea.

Agreed.  I don't think they beat the Lakers with that team, mostly because Bosh is not that good.  With Darko getting $20 million, good players are not going to take no money to go there.  People always think it is going to happen, but why don't minimum players just sign with the Lakers every year?  

You can't have three guys play 40+ minutes/game and expect multiple titles.  Every team will also do everything in their power to foul Bosh out of every game.  

The Big Three in Miami win 1 title tops in Miami.  They may not even be able to beat Orlando though, let alone the Lakers.

Luckily for Heat, LBJ is probably staying in Cleveland so that the Heat actually sign a team.

[DJO's Pump Fake]

If all three get to Miami I can guarantee you people will be taking pay cuts and minimum deals to play alongside them.

[GoldenWarrior]

Bulls got to second place with 2 MVP candidates. 

MVP candidates of what?  Neither Rose nor Noah were MVP candidates this past season.

On another note: I think this just goes along with what people were saying all along, basically CHI was the one team that could afford to "strike out" on the big name FA's because they have taken time and built a strong team "organically" (through the draft, not tons of FA signings and trades).  In reality though, it does suck for CHI to have missed out because they would've been better than anything they are going to get now, but it doesn't mean they are in a bad spot.

[HoopsMalone]

MVP candidates of what?  Neither Rose nor Noah were MVP candidates this past season.

I meant Chi appears it was second place for James and Wade in free agent sweepstakes.

[reinko]

MVP candidates of what?  Neither Rose nor Noah were MVP candidates this past season.

On another note: I think this just goes along with what people were saying all along, basically CHI was the one team that could afford to "strike out" on the big name FA's because they have taken time and built a strong team "organically" (through the draft, not tons of FA signings and trades).  In reality though, it does suck for CHI to have missed out because they would've been better than anything they are going to get now, but it doesn't mean they are in a bad spot.

And if by organically, you mean the blind stupid luck and 1.7% chance they had at getting the #1 pick in 2008.

[RJax55]

On another note: I think this just goes along with what people were saying all along, basically CHI was the one team that could afford to "strike out" on the big name FA's because they have taken time and built a strong team "organically" (through the draft, not tons of FA signings and trades).  In reality though, it does suck for CHI to have missed out because they would've been better than anything they are going to get now, but it doesn't mean they are in a bad spot.

As Bulls fan, I agree with you. Does it suck to miss out on Wade, LBJ and Bosh, yes, but its not a death blow (see the Knicks). The team's biggest need is still PF, which they can still make a significant improvement at with either Boozer or David Lee.

[GoldenWarrior]

I meant Chi appears it was second place for James and Wade in free agent sweepstakes.

Oh, ok I totally didn't follow that one obviously.

Does anyone else think that Cleveland is out of the running kind of?  I mean I've just been thinking about it and really would there be this much hype and this hour long build up event to him revealing where he's playing for it to just be "I'm staying in Cleveland," I mean I'm hoping that's what he says, but let's be honest that's a bit anti-climatic and just doesn't seem likely that they would go through this much hassle if that's the case... just my opinion

[HoopsMalone]

If all three get to Miami I can guarantee you people will be taking pay cuts and minimum deals to play alongside them.

Why doesn't that ever happen?  People who have already had big contracts and are now worth $8-$10 million might take the mid-level at $5ish million, but players are not going to take $1 million.  Otherwise, people would do it every year, but it does not happen.    

The Bulls did not win championships playing John Salley, Robert Parrish, and James the Buddah Edwards.  Those are the types of players the Heat might get if they sign all three, but that is not the path to a title.

Heat would be better developing Beasley, signing Felton at PG and signing Brendan Haywood at C.  Then they would at least have 6 true NBA players with Felton, Wade, Beasley, Bosh, and Haywood starting and Chalmers off the bench.  Use the midlevel on Mike Miller or someone like that and you have a team.  That is a smarter move than trading Beasley and Chalmers, signing James and finding guys way over the hill to play with them.

[oldwarrior81]

If the big 3 do all land in Miami, wouldn't the rest of the roster have to be league minimum players to stay under the cap?

3 All-Stars with the rest of the roster filled out with crap doesn't seem like a good idea.

Each team is allowed to sign one mid-level exemption at the average NBA salary. Whether they're over the cap or not.  That's the contract the Bucks gave Gooden.  With the first season just under $6 million.

There also is a lower exemption under $2 million which is allowed once every two years.

The $54-58 million is the NBA "soft" cap.  Miami is still allowed to resign any of their free agents that played with them last season.  Udonis Haslem comes to mind.   Just like the Bucks, if willing, could sign Ridnour and go higher over the soft cap.

If desperate to move Beasley's $5 million contract (if he isn't traded for Bosh) I'm guessing some team would take him for a draft pick.  Why wouldn't a Minnesota/New Jersey offer a second rounder for the overall #2 from two years ago?  That frees up a bit more to sign another veteran.

Plus I think they would be able to add a couple big body old vets (like a Juwan Howard, Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Theo Ratliff) that would be willing to play for the veteran minimum for a chance to play on this team.  They all played for the minimum last season.

[GoldenWarrior]

And if by organically, you mean the blind stupid luck and 1.7% chance they had at getting the #1 pick in 2008.

Ridiculous luck with Rose... of course, that was insane and it still kinda makes me wonder about the legitimacy of some of these types of things (even LBJ to CLE... a feel good story of hometown kid, granted we were tied with DEN for highest % to get him, but still)

But they still have done a really nice job in the draft... Rose, Noah, Deng, Gordon (though not there any more), etc.

Better than anything my Cavs have to show for themselves through these past few drafts that's for sure!

[RJax55]

Oh, ok I totally didn't follow that one obviously.

Does anyone else think that Cleveland is out of the running kind of?  I mean I've just been thinking about it and really would there be this much hype and this hour long build up event to him revealing where he's playing for it to just be "I'm staying in Cleveland,"

No, I see it as the opposite. I doubt that he goes on ESPN to announce he's abandoning Cleveland. It could make him look really bad. He is resigning with the Cavs.

[TallTitan34]

If all three get to Miami I can guarantee you people will be taking pay cuts and minimum deals to play alongside them.

Even if guys were to take pay cuts, no way do they take the league minimum.

The best thing for the Heat is LBJ to stay away so they can fill the rest of their roster.

[GoldenWarrior]

Why doesn't that ever happen?  People who have already had big contracts and are now worth $8-$10 million might take the mid-level at $5ish million, but players are not going to take $1 million.  Otherwise, people would do it every year, but it does not happen.    

Only thing I can think of (and I don't remember the exact specifics and numbers of it - so maybe someone else can help out here??), but didn't Karl Malone, Gary Payton and I wanna say maybe one or two other long term vets sign on with the Lakers for one year simply for a Championship with Kobe and Shaq still??  Anyone know specifics?  Other than though (if that is even an example) I can't think of another circumstance where that's happened.

[LON]

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/07/07/espns-own-are-trying-too-hard-to-overhype-lebron-announcement/#comments

As if you needed more reasons to hate ESPN.  This one just about takes the cake...

I guess since Lebron never got to do a press conference to announce his college choice he'll just do it for the aptly named (from theBigLead) Lebronageddon sweepstakes.

[reinko]

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/07/07/espns-own-are-trying-too-hard-to-overhype-lebron-announcement/#comments

As if you needed more reasons to hate ESPN.  This one just about takes the cake...

I guess since Lebron never got to do a press conference to announce his college choice he'll just do it for the aptly named (from theBigLead) Lebronageddon sweepstakes.

I appreciated this sentence from Deadspin:

An ESPN reporter has been unable to confirm with ESPN that James will announce his decision on ESPN, but sources within ESPN have told the ESPN reporter that ESPN is in discussions with James.

[HoopsMalone]

Only thing I can think of (and I don't remember the exact specifics and numbers of it - so maybe someone else can help out here??), but didn't Karl Malone, Gary Payton and I wanna say maybe one or two other long term vets sign on with the Lakers for one year simply for a Championship with Kobe and Shaq still??  Anyone know specifics?  Other than though (if that is even an example) I can't think of another circumstance where that's happened.

Payton got the mid-level at around $5 million and Malone took the veteran exception for $1.8 million.  Neither took the veteran minimum of about $1 million.

But both were overpaid and Malone could not hold up.  The Lakers had a lot of other other players too, and Kobe and Shaq back then are better than Wade and Bosh now, especially because Shaq in the day was sooo much better than Bosh is.  

[brewcity77]

Maybe it's just me, but I think the Bulls are best off holding back in regards to free agents if they can't get LeBron. David Lee? I don't trust a guy who's a product of the D'Antoni system. I mean come on, is Steve Nash really a 2-time MVP? Everyone blows up in that system. Hell, Noah would probably put up 20 and 15 in New York. I love his effort, but he's not that good.

I guess I could see Boozer, but when they already have Taj Gibson, who will likely improve as the years go by, I don't see why they should go out of their way. Maybe it's homerish of me, but I really think the two best moves they could make right now are to pursue Wesley Matthews and try to trade for Carmelo. With Durant signing an extension, the only superstar coming up soon will be 'Melo. The Bulls clearly need a 3, and could probably fit a trade together that included Deng, Johnson, and some exceptions. Then throw what money you have at Matthews. You need two stars and reliable role-players. I think that a starting five of Rose, Matthews, 'Melo, Gibson, and Noah would have plenty of upside, and it would leave them with a bit of freedom to actually build a bit of a bench.

[ErickJD08]

Sorry... I am kinda Anti-Wade.  Sure, its great what he did for MU but he has been a huge jerk (keeping it clean) in this FA season.  He totally did not want to go to any team.  He just used this FA to make a documentary and to spy on other team's pitches.  From the interview, talking about "it's not about the money." and "Chicago is my home" is a load of crap.  Chicago was ready to work any deal out that Miami could have done.  

I hope Wade and those other players lose and implode on each other.  Wade is attracted to sleezeballs.  First Crean and now Riley.  He sucks.

[LON]

I appreciated this sentence from Deadspin:

An ESPN reporter has been unable to confirm with ESPN that James will announce his decision on ESPN, but sources within ESPN have told the ESPN reporter that ESPN is in discussions with James.

Ha!  That's just great.

[Aughnanure]

Sorry... I am kinda Anti-Wade.  Sure, its great what he did for MU but he has been a huge jerk (keeping it clean) in this FA season.  He totally did not want to go to any team.  He just used this FA to make a documentary and to spy on other team's pitches.  From the interview, talking about "it's not about the money." and "Chicago is my home" is a load of crap.  Chicago was ready to work any deal out that Miami could have done.  

I hope Wade and those other players lose and implode on each other.  Wade is attracted to sleezeballs.  First Crean and now Riley.  He sucks.

Wow, overreact much? Im sorry you are so hurt by Wade's decision to not go play for YOUR favorite team. In Chicago he will always be second to Jordan, in Miami he is the King and forever will be. When he retires, every future Miami star will be "the next DWade?" He will mean as much to that city and team as he does to Marquette. That impact cannot be understated both economically and personally.

Wade sucks? No, you dont get away with that...we owe everything that the Marquette basketball program is right now to Dwyane Wade. Next time you have a thought...let it go.

[DJO's Pump Fake]

Wow, overreact much? Im sorry you are so hurt by Wade's decision to not go play for YOUR favorite team. In Chicago he will always be second to Jordan, in Miami he is the King and forever will be. When he retires, every future Miami star will be "the next DWade?" He will mean as much to that city and team as he does to Marquette. That impact cannot be understated both economically and personally.

Wade sucks? No, you dont get away with that...we owe everything that the Marquette basketball program is right now to Dwyane Wade. Next time you have a thought...let it go.

+1000000

You sound like a cry baby Ericka

[MUEng92]

My favorite line of the day by a writer on CBS Sports.com.  "LeFavre James"  That sums it up, with a side of humor.  I was on the fence whether I liked Lebron or not.  Based on this one hour, primetime one man lovefest, he pushed me off the fence.  Way off the fence.  I think this firmly positions him in my mind, in second place behind Kobe as far as who I don't want to win anything. (Of course, you saw how much good that does this year!).  LeBron will have to break the law in some way to overtake Kobe.