He may very well come back to Cleveland. Wouldn't really surprise me. But Wade, Bosh and Haslem opting out really sent the message that they would get the gang back together. If not, those three probably got a bit snowballed by LeBron. It will work out for Bosh (i.e. takes max with Cleveland), but not sue what it would mean to Wade. I think Haslem gets that money whether he's on the roster or a member of their front office.

Not sure Heat fans would lose it like Cavs fans will. Heat have had tremendous success over the last 10-15 years. Cleveland on the other hand.....

There would be a lot of bandwagon Heat fans across the country not sure what to do with their Heat gear though.

Itd be mean but id laugh harder at Cavs fans than I did after Orlando beat their bitch asses down in the ECF and everyone BUT them knew Lebron was as good as gone. But dont get too upset if it doesnt happen Cavs fans. You have a good young team in a weak conference even if he spurns you. Again.

Yup. Cleveland will melt down if he doesn't go back. Heat fans will just become Cavs fans if he goes back.

Relax, Francis. I have never said LeBron is coming to Cleveland. I ripped on you because you outright 100% confidently said he was not at all interested in Cleveland. And I believe the way this has dragged out, if it isn't Cleveland, then he should have at least shooshed some of the rumors long ago.

I never said he's going to Cleveland and have said all thread along it's a mystery.

So youre sayin theres a laugh rainbow at the end of this tunnel for me no matter what? Praise Allah

Mystery? Maybe but Im guessing Cavs hardcore. Too easy to see into the mind of a whore like Lebron. All whores eventually go home. Thats a quote by John T. Whogivesa****

I thought there was no way LeBron was leaving when he made an ESPN show out of his decision the first time... so I'm not sure what to expect this time.

I definitely do believe there are a lot of people within his circle who want him to come home though. There's just too much smoke there coming from way too many directions. Will it be enough to sway him?

The rumors are inevitable, nothing he could do about it. And if he's not entirely sure about his decision, how could he "shoosh" the rumors? He's doing what he should do in his position ---- wait patiently for a few things to shake out before making a final decision. He's in a position of power while an unrestricted FA, I don't blame him for taking great care before making a decision.

I just wish these bitches would make up their minds. I really don't see a end in sight.

.

I get LeBron taking a bit longer....they had the Finals and there are a lot of moving parts with his decision. Melo had no playoffs, so he's had an abundant amount of time to think about his decision. He had to know the Bulls would come after him, and a very real possibility the Lakers would come calling. In addition, he's had ample opportunity to talk to Phil about the Knicks. He should have come to a decision at this point.

Seems like he wants to see where Lebron goes and if he can get in on it.

Word on Melo is this decision is harder than he thought. One report says that it's likely he's trying to get out of NY hence the time this is all taking otherwise he'd take the cash and go back simple as cake. Another says Phil Jackson is only willing to deal with the Bulls (if it came down to a sign and trade) for obvious reasons.

It's possible. I think it's more like down to Knicks (money, trust in Phil), Chicago (winning), or Lakers (money + trust that LA brings more players). It's a tough choice for a guy with a family that likes NYC. Tough to leave millions on the table if you choose Chicago or LA.

Whatever makes Pau choose the Thunder is what I'm rooting for:)

I think Pau stays in a big city though. Oh well, we should get a couple of pieces and it shouldn't be hard to improve on Thabo, Fisher and Butler. Already better off before even signing anyone.

They wouldn't need to do a S and T if he goes to LA.

the extra year on Melo's means jack shit, because in 4 years he's going to opt out. Its just a matter of where he wants to play. The money shoudl not be a factor one bit.

Charlotte Observer reporting Gordon Hayward has agreed to major offer sheet from the Hornets. I'd guess Utah will match, but interesting fit in Charlotte.

Or in 3 years he's in the middle of a D. Wade decline and the extra year is huge, as he'd never get that much as a free agent. That fifth year in New York would be his age 35 season....of course that fifth year on the contract at max money matters.

if he's still playing at a high level, he will get another 2-3 year extension that brings good money. Also, his wife is from L.A used to do radio in Los Angeles. There's alot of plus's for L.A as well. Not to mention Kobe is one of his best friends.

Yes, there are other reasons to go to LA....I obviously kept my list short. There are other reasons to stay in NY or go to Chicago as well. IF he's still playing at a high level, sure, he could make yet more money. I'm sure Wade was thinking the same thing two years ago when he was 30.

I am talking about Chiefscountry's point that he's insistent that Lebron never had any interest in Cleveland. If he never had any interest, then it was a dick move to drag them into the negotiation and let rumors stir up given what happened the first time.

And yes, with every passing day, I'm sure he knows that he's building up more and more fan anticipation from Cleveland. I don't think he's handled it badly. But it's something to keep in mind. I think Cleveland has always had a more than legitimate shot at winning. I'm not going to pretend to predict where he's going to go.

4 year, $63M max offer to Hayward. Charlotte had to come strong if they really wanted him, but Utah will likely match. Should they? Is he really a max guy? If they're confident Utah will match, it's a nice PR move for Charlotte ---- "hey fans, look, we're trying to get better"

Leverage, whether he was really interested in coming home or not

When your brand is more expensive than your contract, your reputation is more important than your contract. I am sure he, his agent, Nike, and all other sponsors don't want this to turn into the Decision 2.0.

I highly doubt Lebron would use Cleveland as leverage after what happened last time. I am guessing he's seriously thinking about Cleveland and if he's taken it this far, they're still at least in the mix. Again, not going to pretend to know which way he's actually leaning.

He's not "using" them necessarily....he's simply not saying anything at all and people are trying to draw their own conclusions. When I say leverage, I mean why would he publicly exclude any team at this point? Hold your cards close. If Cleveland feels as if they're being led on, it's their own hope that driving that perception/emotion.

I tend to agree that they're the next option if things don't work out in Miami. But that was a logical conclusion that's been neither confirmed nor denied by LeBron.

There's no way Utah should match that contract.

His agent talked to Lebron. Lebron is planning a visit to Cleveland. That is as public as you can get that both the agent and Lebron are expressing interest. They could both easily say no. There have been lots of teams they have taken off his short list.

I don't think Lebron is using Cleveland. I think he has legitimate interest. Again, I am not saying he's decided on Miami or Cleveland. I am saying that he wouldn't dangle Cleveland out there unless there was an actual strong interest. We are not just talking about Lebron. We are talking about Nike, who had to spend a gazillion dollar campaign just to fix Lebron's image. And Lebron's agent. They all know there is nothing to be gained by teasing a city like Cleveland after what happened the first time. Again, the reputational damage is not worth the extra few million dollars you might squeeze out of a contract because of leverage.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jazz prepared for possibility of max sheet for Hayward and remain unwavering about revelation it's coming: They plan to match and keep him.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/486744764675420161">July 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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First, LeBron was an egomaniac for leaving Cleveland to try to win. Now he'd be one for returning to a young Cleveland team? No matter what he does, it will be spun the wrong way. The guy just can't win. LMAO

LeBron is likely the first major domino. But with him going to the WC final Sunday, it may still be a while yet.

Neither LeBron nor Melo should sign contracts longer than 2yrs or at least without an opt-out in 2 years. When the new NBA TV contract gets set and the cap goes up by a lot of $$ both will want to be free agents so they can ca$h in again.

I don't know - I think we find out by the end of the week. He's meeting with Riley today. I'm assuming Riley will get an answer one way or the other and then will proceed to fill out the Heat roster. Players can sign starting tomorrow.

Today Adidas is going to sign Wiggins close to a $100 million dollar shoe contract.

Also the Heat are officially worried. For the meeting today along with Riley being present, Arison, Spoelstra and Wade are also going to be there to put the full court pressure on Lebron.

One last thing, these guys need to shit or get off the pot. DHoward was bitched at last year for taking too long and he signed on July 5th. This is getting ridiculous just make a ****ing decision.

LeBron snubbing those four would be funny. And really, considering the best Riley could do was add McRoberts/Granger to a team that already wasn't good enough (and that LeBron had to carry completely), I can't come up with too many good reasons why he shouldn't.

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine 2 minutes ago
Three-team trade will see Nets acquire Jarrett Jack and Sergey Karasev from Cleveland. Boston gets Thornton, Zeller and a first

The team was good enough in 2013. That's like saying the 2013 Spurs weren't good enough to win it this year because they lost in 2013. (Yes I realize Miami got destroyed by SAS this year).

I don't think they're done with just McRoberts and Granger, however. I think McRob is an upgrade over Battier who just wasn't good this past season. McRoberts is much, much younger, is bigger, and is a better rebounder & passer than Battier. I don't expect anything out of Granger.

Miami still has S&T possibilities with Chalmers & Cole, still have their TE, and could still possibly sign others depending upon the contracts of Bron/Bosh/Wade.

The meeting today could be a matter of presenting the plan, agreeing to play Bron for less mpg and Spo presenting that plan, and Arison agreeing to spend $$ to improve the team.

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat 1 minute ago
With ESPN-reported trade of Jarrett Jack and opening of space, and Cavs giving up first-rounder, space now there for LeBron in Cleveland.

PLZ LET THIS HAPPEN TODAY! HOLY **** IT WOULD MAKE MY WEEK.

MUCH FB TROLL POSSIBLE

I remember Chicago trading Hinrich in 2010 to clear space..

Is it starting to get real for you yet?
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That trade is big. Giving up Jack is not a big deal, Kerasev may turn into something and may not. Zeller is a nice backup big and also giving up a 1st rounder hurts. Cavs don't do that deal unless they feel very good with their position. Now, it LeBron stays in Cleveland.....it hurts the Cavs team and not just their feelings.

Nice deal for Ainge and the Celtics. Nets get their Livingston replacement in Jack and pick up a Russian for their trouble.

I'm suprised RustShack isn't on here celebrating LeBron's impending arrival in Cleveland.

Lots of butthurt in this thread. LMAO

I think it is obvious now that Miami's moves the other day weren't coordinated with Lebron and neither is the Cavs. They are just hoping these moves push him to their side.

Also Boston is going to parlay that 1st and more assests into trying to get Love.

Agree - Cleveland clearing space, Miami having all big 3 opt out - things will pay off for one of the teams. Cleveland's recent trade is good for the team whether they get Bron or not.

Without LeBron, I disagree. They free up some space, but Cleveland isn't exactly a destination of choice for big free agents. LeBron is unique to them because of the draw of home. They were already thin up front and have now traded away Zeller and a #1 pick.

Zeller is ok. Jack's contract was awful. The pick is the biggest asset they gave up.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BOS wants Kevin Love, but could find itself in a dogfight with Cleveland, who still have a chip BOS can&#39;t match: No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins.</p>&mdash; Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisMannixSI/statuses/486889539667910656">July 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>For Cavaliers, there are no assurances on LeBron James -- and Plan B remains free agent Trevor Ariza into part of space, sources tell Yahoo.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/486891568985825280">July 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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That's a helluva drop off to Plan B

@AlexKennedyNBA 1m
If Miami can send Mario Chalmers sign-and-trade package to/through Charlotte for Josh McRoberts, Heat would still have their MLE to spend.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Among GM&#39;s, there&#39;s still belief LeBron James walks into Pat Riley meeting, lays out his 1-2 year max contract proposal and stays w/ Heat.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/486896437457080321">July 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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.

Being reported Cavs are now pursuing Mike Miller. That should make Lebron happy :)

Reportedly Ray Allen & James Jones too. This is a joke.

Miami Heat North. Seriously though Ray already says he is going where Lebron goes so that isn't a surprise

Heh, kinda like the Heat's 3peat talk.

Or any Spurs 2peat talk

I'm not acting like a repeat is pretty much guaranteed. The Miami assholes were acting like a 3Peat was a given when the season started and throughout the season.

Broussard just makes shit up as he goes

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Knicks in 3rd place in the LeBron sweepstakes!!! RT <a href="https://twitter.com/j_griff">@j_griff</a>: You&#39;re kidding me, right? <a href="http://t.co/9mQaWHEKOT">pic.twitter.com/9mQaWHEKOT</a></p>&mdash; Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) <a href="https://twitter.com/TommyBeer/statuses/486901924697243648">July 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Lots of sources floating around, but if Woj reports it's good info.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>LeBron James reached out to two vet free agents last week about joining him, IF he left Miami, sources tell Yahoo. Mike Miller was one.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/486907431134724096">July 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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what's he making up? At this point, I wouldn't doubt those percentages.
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YES. it'shappening.gif

Now that's the first legit thing I'd buy that LeBron is thinking about it. The Heat have to be nervous. Letting Miller go might come back to bite them. LeBron will be able to get his way all the time in Cleveland.

I saw this morning a report that stated the reason why Melo was waiting was to convince Lebron to come to NY. That made me chuckle a little

Cleveland receives: TPE, draft rights to Ilkan Karaman 6'9" combo forward from Turkey, two other international players and a second round pick from Boston.

Boston receives: Marcus Thornton, Tyler Zeller and a '16 top ten protected pick from Cleveland.

Brooklyn receives: Jarrett Jack & Sergey Karasev.

The implication that the Knicks were ever considered.

actually I think that's their current chances

Broussard isnt saying they were considered. ESPN likely just threw the Knicks and Lakers on that graphic for TV ratings.
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how could he not even consider the lakers or the knicks?

its the ****ing lakers and knicks

Lakers is pretty simple - Kobe is a douche and Jim Buss is a horrible owner. If Dr. Buss was alive the Lakers would be a player in all this.

Knicks are just a dumpster fire.

I guarantee they were considered, he might have come to the same conclusion as you, but they were part of the thought process...

Check out @sheridanhoops's Tweet: https://twitter.com/sheridanhoops/st...22406129594368
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Contrary to what I posted looks like just Lebron, his agent and Riley are meeting

Yup. Same guy who claims a source who says 90% chance LeBron goes to Cleveland.

Chris Sheridan just launched a website, he is just trying to get traffic.

He is not some small time writer. He worked for the AP and ESPN for 25 years. I am sure he has legit sources. Not to say he's right here. But to dismiss him as some random blog writer is false. He left ESPN for getting shit for accurately predicting melos trade to the Knicks.

Ouch. Mass bandwagon hopping will be in order soon.

Can't wait to watch all the Heat fans drop their jerseys and pick up a slick Cavs one.

Heat fans are getting desperate.

And I want to see Nick Wright's reaction if LeBron leaves. He's been so smug about this whole thing, even saying he'll deactivate his twitter if LeBron leaves, it will be glorious to see how he tries to back his way out of it.