By K.C. JohnsonMultiple news outlets are reporting that LeBron James is leaning toward joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form the new Big Three in South Florida with the Heat.
Newsday first reported the decision, which James officially will unveil in a TV special Thursday night.
An NBA team executive told the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel on Thursday afternoon, "All of our contacts from CAA say he is coming to you guys."
CAA is Creative Artists Agency, which represents not only James but also the Heat's Dwyane Wade and free-agent forward Chris Bosh, who plans to sign with Miami.
Further evidence comes from Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, who reports that James has told people in his inner circle that he will sign with the Heat.
As of late Wednesday, the Bulls had not been notified by anyone in
James' camp as to his decision. Some members of James' inner circle
reportedly are trying to convince him to remain in Cleveland. Should
James have a late change of heart, he still could stay with the Cavs
or go with a team such as the Bulls, Knicks or Nets.
On his Twitter account, James posted Thursday that fans can submit questions about his decision to the tag "#lebrondecision" and he will answer them on his show (8 p.m., ESPN). CNBC reported that, contrary to an earlier ESPN report, James will not reveal his decision within the first 15 minutes of the show.
James showed at his basketball camp Thursday and then left in mid-afternoon, hours before his scheduled announcment.
James arrived with former teammate Damon Jones wearing a T-shirt and shorts and took a seat to watch high school stars play at Cleveland State University. He stayed a little more than an hour before heading off in a white Bentley, destination unknown. He did not speak to a reporter, but said "thank you" to some coaches in the stands he knew and who wished him luck.
Rumors have been flying in advance of James' announcement. According to an Us Magazine report, James is planning a big party this weekend in Miami, renting six cabanas at the W Hotel South Beach.
As the wait continues for a decision from James, the Heat moved forward with plans to create as much salary-cap space as possible by engaging in sign-and-trade talks.
According to the Miami Herald, one such trade would be a four-team deal, in which the Heat would send forward Michael Beasley to Charlotte. Houston and Toronto are also involved, with the Raptors being used to essentially allow Bosh to get a six-year, $125 maximum deal from the Heat.
There are also reports that Miami has offered swingman Mike Miller a five-year contract for about $30 million.
Should James spurn the Bulls, who once were viewed as the front-runners to land him, management will immediately turn to acquiring outside shooting to complement their signing of power forward Carlos Boozer.
Mike Miller, Kyle Korver and restricted free agents Anthony Morrow and J.J. Redick are potential targets. The Bulls already have held discussions with agents for Miller and Korver, though Miller also has drawn interest from the Lakers and Knicks.
"Kyle can shoot the heck out of the ball," Boozer said Thursday of his former Jazz teammate on the "Waddle & Silvy Show" on WMVP-AM 1000. "He's 6-7, 6-8 and can really shoot the ball. In practice, he doesn't miss many shots. In games, when he's on, he's as good as anybody.
"I also like Mike Miller a lot. I think he's a very versatile 2-3 guy and he has the same size. He dribbles the ball well and moves around. He's a play-maker."
Boozer said he's putting his faith in the hands of Bulls general manager Gar Forman and vice-president of basketball John Paxson.
"Gar and Pax know what they're doing," Boozer told WMVP. "They're going to put together the best pieces for our team to be successful."
The Bulls have no shooting guard on their roster. Their draft-night salary dump of Kirk Hinrich, whose trade to the Wizards becomes official Thursday, put them all in for the Wade and James sweepstakes.
Wade announced he's signing with the Heat on Wednesday. Soon, the entire NBA universe will know for sure if James is joining him.
On his Twitter account, James posted Thursday that fans can submit questions about his decision to the tag "#lebrondecision" and he will answer them on his show (8 p.m., ESPN). CNBC reported that, contrary to an earlier ESPN report, James will not reveal his decision within the first 15 minutes of the show.
James showed at his basketball camp Thursday and then left in mid-afternoon, hours before his scheduled announcment.
James arrived with former teammate Damon Jones wearing a T-shirt and shorts and took a seat to watch high school stars play at Cleveland State University. He stayed a little more than an hour before heading off in a white Bentley, destination unknown. He did not speak to a reporter, but said "thank you" to some coaches in the stands he knew and who wished him luck.
Rumors have been flying in advance of James' announcement. According to an Us Magazine report, James is planning a big party this weekend in Miami, renting six cabanas at the W Hotel South Beach.
As the wait continues for a decision from James, the Heat moved forward with plans to create as much salary-cap space as possible by engaging in sign-and-trade talks.
According to the Miami Herald, one such trade would be a four-team deal, in which the Heat would send forward Michael Beasley to Charlotte. Houston and Toronto are also involved, with the Raptors being used to essentially allow Bosh to get a six-year, $125 maximum deal from the Heat.
There are also reports that Miami has offered swingman Mike Miller a five-year contract for about $30 million.
Should James spurn the Bulls, who once were viewed as the front-runners to land him, management will immediately turn to acquiring outside shooting to complement their signing of power forward Carlos Boozer.
Mike Miller, Kyle Korver and restricted free agents Anthony Morrow and J.J. Redick are potential targets. The Bulls already have held discussions with agents for Miller and Korver, though Miller also has drawn interest from the Lakers and Knicks.
"Kyle can shoot the heck out of the ball," Boozer said Thursday of his former Jazz teammate on the "Waddle & Silvy Show" on WMVP-AM 1000. "He's 6-7, 6-8 and can really shoot the ball. In practice, he doesn't miss many shots. In games, when he's on, he's as good as anybody.
"I also like Mike Miller a lot. I think he's a very versatile 2-3 guy and he has the same size. He dribbles the ball well and moves around. He's a play-maker."
Boozer said he's putting his faith in the hands of Bulls general manager Gar Forman and vice-president of basketball John Paxson.
"Gar and Pax know what they're doing," Boozer told WMVP. "They're going to put together the best pieces for our team to be successful."
The Bulls have no shooting guard on their roster. Their draft-night salary dump of Kirk Hinrich, whose trade to the Wizards becomes official Thursday, put them all in for the Wade and James sweepstakes.
Wade announced he's signing with the Heat on Wednesday. Soon, the entire NBA universe will know for sure if James is joining him.
Contributing: Tribune News Services
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh
they will either be champions in the next year or two or the laughing stock of the NBA !!!
Best of luck to all 3, as far as LeBron James i honestly think he made a bad Decision.. i honestly think Chicago would've been a better fit for him, not just cause im a bulls fan, but because he could've really proved him self here in chicago.. oh well,, best of luck to him..
lets move on..
LeBron is Never going to be the greatest, he's dwades boy, not the man. It's notnhis team. Lost lots of respect
C'mon mods. My harmless post gets deleted, but the post about touching small children stays??
WTF is wrong with this picture??
I enjoy consuming rucksacks full of phalluses.
Time for the old cliche - there is no "I" in team.
There is however, "me".
This will blow up in their faces within a year if he does go to Miami and lets us not forget that between the three of them there are 21 NBA seasons, and ONE ring.
this is written BEFORE I heard anything.
Only a Bulls fan will type something pretending to be me. Man up and take your losses next year just the Cubs fans do.
If LeBron goes to Miami, all it tells me is he lacks confidence and real talent to be a leader. That would be such a huge cop-out, just like sissy Bosh. It's pure desperation to try to form an all-star team. MJ did it with nobodys and cast-offs. He was a leader and he was the ultimate competitor. LeBron isn't even close. Kobe can compete, but he never could lead, that's why he needed sidekicks. LeBron is scared to play in Chicago because he can never be that kind of leader or champion. He'll take the seemingly easy way out and try to get titles by cheating and stacking the deck. If he goes to NY, fine, OK. That would still be a challenge to win. But Miami, that would be the ultimate joke, on him.
the good news about him going to miami is that now we can fill our time with more important things than watching the Bulls finish 41-41 forever more.
If Bulls pick up Brewer, Reddick, shaq, and another role player like fisher Miami would have to come thru chicago!
Add Ronnie Brewer, JJ Reddick, and Shaq. Ronnie Brewer is a excellent defender, and a slasher. JJ is a great 3 point shooter ala Paxson, Shaq still have 2 good seasons coming off the bench. All that for under 15 million!
Dan, Miami will have a bench after signing 3 elite players with D-Wade, Bosh, & LBJ. It just doesn't make sense to start doing now before they are signed. The Heat can still attract some veteran players that want to win a championship just like they did in '06 after bring in Shaq. Besides, I'd rather be a Miami fan celebrating another championship every so often than to be a Chicago fan waiting a century for one like the White Sox did.
No, the Lakers have more depth and have a bench, unlike Miami. Besides, all you miami fans are just a bunch of bandwagoners. Good luck with the Lakers.
The Heat WILL beat the Kobe and Pau. They will completely dominate the paint and open up shot for everyone else. Swoooosh! Lebron dunks it again!
The Heat aren't going to beat Kobe and Pau. 'Nuff said.
The Heat will without a doubt win the championship next season.
"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry"
Small, crafty, cowering, timorous little beast,
O, what a panic is in your little breast!
You need not start away so hasty
With hurrying scamper!
I would be loath to run and chase you,
With murdering plough-staff.
I'm truly sorry man's dominion
Has broken Nature's social union,
And justifies that ill opinion
Which makes thee startle
At me, thy poor, earth born companion
And fellow mortal!
I doubt not, sometimes, but you may steal;
What then? Poor little beast, you must live!
An odd ear in twenty-four sheaves
Is a small request;
I will get a blessing with what is left,
And never miss it.
Your small house, too, in ruin!
Its feeble walls the winds are scattering!
And nothing now, to build a new one,
Of coarse grass green!
And bleak December's winds coming,
Both bitter and keen!
You saw the fields laid bare and wasted,
And weary winter coming fast,
And cozy here, beneath the blast,
You thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel plough past
Out through your cell.
That small bit heap of leaves and stubble,
Has cost you many a weary nibble!
Now you are turned out, for all your trouble,
Without house or holding,
To endure the winter's sleety dribble,
And hoar-frost cold.
But little Mouse, you are not alone,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often askew,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!
Still you are blest, compared with me!
The present only touches you:
But oh! I backward cast my eye,
On prospects dreary!
And forward, though I cannot see,
I guess and fear!
"ChuckM on July 8, 2010 5:23 PM
Contrast this circus over "The Decision" that LeBlond is orchestrating with the announcement that happened when MJ returned to the Bulls. A simple two word fax from his agent: "I'm back". LeBlond will NEVER supplant MJ - no class."
Excellent point.
I guess you can blame this stupid state and the way they over tax all of us. Can you imagine what this guy would cough up to line the pockets of these sleazy Illinois and Chicago thug politicians? Look at the money issue and Ill-a-noise seems like a bad business decision all around. The only reason we attract businesses is all the tax breaks we give them to locate here. For the rest of us..it's like trying to get water from a rock.. and then giving it to some lazy, unemployed POS
this only means that he is NOT going to Miami. I don't think he would allow it to leak through himself. He is just letting the rumors play out. I am a source of common sense, and I say he is going to NY or CHI. You can discount my info however, because it is just common sense, not contrived,twisted rumors from a media member looking for attention.
Thank you 'come on people'
JSeVille- suck a big fat D. All i'm sayin is that miami is going to be a team of ball hogs. no chemistry
If Lebron goes to Miami, and it is still considered Wade's team, does he now get called "Prince" (maybe not, already taken) or "Queen"???
Ha, Ha (just trying to infuse some faint humor)!
Who CARES???
1. why all the love for JJ Reddick? He cannot play. i'd take Kirk Hinrich anyday over him, and he sucked too...we ain't gonna miss him
2. skip Kyle Korver as well....all he does is hang out at the arc and gets beat badly on the other end.
3. Mike Miller would not be a bad pick up, he can shoot and slice to the lane when needed, but the real option is....
4. Sign Anthony Marrow....sign him NOW, the kid is a killer around the perimeter and beyond the arc and he plays D. very underrated and would thrive here in Chicago.
who is labrone james?
ok,what are all signs point to Miami?i haven't seen one thing that says he is going to Miami?what are the signs?please tell us what the signs are?
Nobody knows where he is going.not even maverick Carter knows where he is going.he is keeping it a mystery so there is no leak.
Contrast this circus over "The Decision" that LeBlond is orchestrating with the announcement that happened when MJ returned to the Bulls. A simple two word fax from his agent: "I'm back". LeBlond will NEVER supplant MJ - no class.
Sign:
Brad Miller BU Center
JJ Reddick: Shooting Guard Coming into his own.
Nate Robinson: BU PG with high energy.
Kyle Korver: Needed 2nd SG.
LeBron James grew up loving #23. Would Jordan pick Miami & lose his status as the Alpha dog of his team? NO. If LeBron goes to Miami he better realize that's now & always will be Dwyane Wade's team. They dont win, everyone will ask why. They do, it'll be "of course they won". The Bulls are ready for him to lead. He's the Alpha dog here & he'll win here. A lot. Is he scared of the big #23 statue at the United Center?
He's doing the smart thing in going to Miami, he'll win there and further his vast fortune. If you think about it, there was never really a good reason for him to come to Chicago from the start.
Okay, so LBJ goes to Miami. They'll have to install extra mirrors so he can adequately indulge his narcissism. Of course, there's always the slender possibility he'd stay in Cleveland, "Queen of The Rust Belt." This, in my opinion, is a more completely PERFECT match. In Cleveland, there's nobody with whom he'd have to share the stage.
Now they are reporting LeBron's going to stay in Cleveland,
NBA fanhouse and 2 ESPN analysts Rich Bucher and JA Adande are saying hes not going to Miami
Like to see that fall through after all those Miami season tickets sold today
HAHAHA what a circus
It's amazing how Lebron has mesmerized the media with his worldwide news conference. "Such a role model, etc." according to ESPN and Fox Sports fondling all over his omipotence. Conveniently left out of his character are little tid bits like not taking the game off when his girl friend was giving birth to his child. Oh, OK, she knew he'd be there when it counted.
Actually JSeVille, what's stupid are posts like yours that just bash people without giving a valid point other than "you're stupid". Sorry not everyone is up to your apparent NBA expertise.
Why does BLAME have to be placed on anyone in this situation?
1. Bulls' management did an excellent job of clearing cap space while still preserving an extremely talented young core. Pretty much every NBA expert says the Bulls represent the best opportunity for LeBron to win now because of the talent they already have. The Bulls' brass then aggressively pursued the "Big 3" in this free agency class, and after it became apparent they weren't getting Wade or Bosh, they immediately got the next best Big in Boozer, while still being able to offer 1 max contract. What more can you ask of them?
2. Why are Wade, Bosh, and LeBron to blame? Up until a week ago, everyone believed Wade was staying in Miami. Well, he is. He simply made a choice to stay with the only team he knows. Bosh has long wanted to play with either Wade or LeBron - now he is, and he'll probably get a 6 year contract out of it. And if LeBron wants to play in Miami too, that's his business.
I personally think LBJ should stay in Cleveland if he truly wants to become a basketball God (taking a team from the basement to winning a championship on your OWN is the ultimate test), but who am I to judge if he chooses to play with 2 of the best players in the world in Miami, the limelight of NY, or the best chance to win in Chi-city.
Why would anyone think LeBron James would consider coming to Chicago with a brand-new coach, a dysfunctional front office and an unjelled team?
Or, Frank, maybe the three players wanted to play together. You give an either/or situation when there were other possibilities. It was assumed right away that Wade and Bosh were going to Miami. Maybe Wade considered because of his family to come to Chicago (cynical people think it was for his reality show ratings) but to assume that Wade was going to sign with the Bulls without meeting with the only team he has played for and who he has a good relationship is a bit ridiculus. As I said about LeBron earlier, the Bulls assumed LeBron wanted to be the Alpha male on a team that was ready to contend with him. He apparently wants to play with friends instead. I wanted the Bulls to sign either James or Wade and I am frustrated they didn't, but unless the Bulls just showed pictures of a naked Jerry Krauss during their meetings, I really don't think you can blame GarPax for this one.
pat on July 8, 2010 4:13 PM
It's clear that he realized he can't win on his own so he needs other "superstars" to do it for him but miami will not win the championship anyways. no bench.
------------------------------------------
Its amazing that there are people this stupid in the world.
There goes the NBA.....
this team will be the most hated, I can't wait for the Bulls to play them, ill be praying for a win..
Lebron is too big of a bitch to win on his own in Chicago behind MJ. It's clear that he realized he can't win on his own so he needs other "superstars" to do it for him but miami will not win the championship anyways. no bench.
Please Lebron go to Miami. I can't wait until these 3 egomaniacs try to kill each other on the court because they're not getting their touches. Bosh is the biggest clown of them all. He wants to go where he'll be the man and not play center. Hey Chris, you'll also have to man the mop to cleanup LBJ and D's sweat.
The people posting that the fans shouldn't blame the franchise for not landing an elite free-agent need to pick what side they're on: Jerry Krause's, "Organizations win Championships", or "Players win Championships".
If you're on the "Organizations Win Championships" side, then the Bulls needed to do everything in their power to land some elite free-agents. If that meant getting Wade and Bosh to commit to the Bulls during their second meeting Friday night, and missing out on LeBron, so be it. That would have been a bold move, and would have made the team an INSTANT contender for the 2010 title. If they waited on the guy with the high-school-buddies-as-advisers and lose out on everyone, then they deserve your wrath and scorn.
If you're on the "Players Win Championship" side, then the elite free-agents looked at the players on the roster and decided they weren't as good as everyone thinks.
Since everyone in sports media has agreed that the Bulls had the best roster of all the teams with cap space, I think we can clearly state that the talented, young core of Bulls players WASN'T the problem.
That leaves the Organization.
Let that sink in for a while before you start hurling obscenities at Wade, Bosh, and Lebron...
Direct your wrath where it belongs - at this poorly run franchise!
All 3 will be fighting for the ball and the spotlight in the half filled stadium. In 2 years, at least one of them will be whining to get out because he does not get enough respect.
I would love to see the Bulls try to sign Anthony Morrow as their starting 2 guard. He's a restricted free agent, but he can shoot lights out. Best 3 pt. % in the league. He's 6'5, young and athletic. He's not a great defensive player, but maybe Thibidou's system can help him out. I don't think Golden State would match a large offer.
Why does it seem that LeBron is in FACT, leaning toward towards the Heat? He hasn't even SAID anything! We don't know what he's gonna do.
Here would be my question if he goes to the Heat: umm Lebron, why did you carry on this whole charade when you've known for weeks where you were going? Anyone think he'll read that one tonight?
Gotta love the fools that wanted this jerk to play in Chicago. He's a loser. But hey, we get Carlos Boozer. Whoopee! "Garth" Foreman is really makin' some moves. 'Da Bulls might make it to .500 this year. How exciting!
At least LBJ will have his kids with him in Miami. Can't say the same thing for 'home town' boy D-Wade. Of course he will have his BOYZZ with him in South Beach. That has proved to be far more important!
Screw LeBron. His choke against the Celtics and now this hour long self-flagellation session on national TV should be a clue to keep him as far away as possible. The next MJ? Try the next AI.
Best case scenario: he chooses Chicago and they have to interrupt his little ego stroke to announce that Chicago has withdrawn its offer and has no need for an egocentric loser.
The "3" going to Miami huh?? LMFAO!!!
Glad I am out of that mess!!
Two weeks of this non-stop circus will end tonight with LBJ going to Miami apparently. With this poor choice, the new branding of LBJ begins.
He will no longer be referred to as "King" James but rather, "Court Jester" James. A bit longer but very fitting for a guy that is playing second fiddle to D-Wade for no apparent reason.
LeBron can't pull rings in no matter where he is. He can't blame the other Cavs for stinking his dam self. Hate to say it as I am not a fan of Kobe, but at least he proved to me this year he can bring it along.
If James goes to Miami...and that was my prediction from the start after we found out Bosh was going there...you can't blame him. Why would you want to spend half the season in frigidly cold Chicago when you could go to sunny South Florida...buy a palace in paradise somewhere and possibly be part of a championship organization? And that's a big if....Someone is going to have to change their style of play because they all can't have teh ball at teh same time.. Don't fault Paxon or the Bulls organization...they made a pitch and maybe it was not what LeBron was looking for...As for Dwayne Wade...Maybe he wants to stay down there for reasons of loyalty. If he bolts up here for money everyone says he's greedy so c'mon the Man wants to stay where he started...
Time will tell what will pan out...but I'm am not in the least surprised by this if it indeed comes to fruition...
"hoj on July 8, 2010 11:51 AM
poppa, ok, garnett, pierce, allen, that's three. do you consider sam cassell a HOFer? rondo isn't a HOF'er yet either. and even if they were, that makes 5. james posey isn't a hof'er so i don't know where you get 7 from.
anyways,
here's how i picture the heat in 2 years.
remember that scene in superman 2 where the 3 supervillians are sitting in the white house, bored to death because they easilly rampaged through the US and it was no challenge? yeah, that's how i envision bosh, wade and lebron after 2 years of this crap. and there is no son of jor-el to inspire a challenge to these cretins. there is a lex luthor though, his name is world wide wes. could you imagine lebrzod telling wwwest, "why do you say these things when you know i will kill you for it?" anyways, that's what i think"
Take a look at the Bill Russel teams of the 60's.
Jeez
What a crock.
No big time players want to come here. They must know Jerry too well and how he treats players.
Dwayne Wade? What a joke. He call Chicago his home town and says he loves us, yet comes here for 2 mtgs to pull more $ and goes to the Heat anyway.
LeBron? Not impressed with our sales pitch. The mngment tells him he can follow MJ's footsteps? Bad idea.
K.C. Johnson? Still reporting that it's between Cleveland and Chicago? You don't report information just to get readers to read your uninformed information dude. At least the arrogant Stephen Smith is accurate. You're just a home-reporter with about as much authority as a jr. high student reporter.
The Bulls are headed toward more mediocrity.
BBKingBlues on July 8, 2010 2:13 PM
Chicago for the glory, or New York for the money.
---------------------------
You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. My guess is that you are trying to regurgitate someone else's thought without understanding their foundation for it.
Either way, big time clown alert on you.
--->BBKingBlues: Jusit in case, you were on a different planet when LBJ applied for a number change in th NBA, Jordan's number had been retired both in Chicago, & in Miami, that's why he's using #6.
Chicago for the glory, or New York for the money. The only 2 viable options. The cavs have no core, James stats go down in Miami. He makes more money in Chicago, and alot more money in NY. I think he is going to NY, which as a Bulls fan I am not dissapointed or mad. Then the top heavy league has 5 real contenders in the East. I still hope it is Chicago, of course there is the issue with his jersey number. How do you unretire Mike's #23?
I'm surprised that LeBron went along with all this. I'm sure his people are behind all of this months-long b.s.
I hope LeBron announces his RETIREMENT from basketball tonight!
This has really flown out of control. I can't believe there is an actual LOGO for this guy. The NBA should never have allowed this idiocy to be played out like this. What an insult to all sports.
Jim on July 8, 2010 12:52 PM
Who cares? It's not like the NBA is a legitimate competitive sport anyway. Watch college basketball if you want to watch the sport be played. Watch NBA if you want to see WWE-style entertainment. The NBA is nothing but a joke. Cheating refs, "player signing special episodes," no real defense... This "sport" has completely lost its way.
I'll be watching pro football and hockey, and real basketball -- college basketball.
------------------------------------------------------------
Jim, excellent post.
We were fools to ever believe ANY top-tier NBA star would ever choose to play for this organization!
I began as highly skeptical, never truly believing the 3 divas would come due to the perception of the "breakup" of the 98 Bulls. But with all those "in the know" saying that Chicago was the "best place to win" I thought, "...maybe I'm being too harsh on Bulls mgmt..."
It's been proven that I should have kept my original thoughts the whole time! Unless the final diva decides to come (DOUBTFUL!) the Bulls win never again be viewed as a top flight destination or organization!
All the future potential they had after that 98 team - not even talking championships but LONG-TERM DYNASTY - and for whatever reason it was squandered. Now the Bulls ownership/mgmt has only themselves to blame for where they are presently.
Bulls fans can enjoy some good seasons in the future, but forget any championships apart from top 3 NBA talent!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!! Don't you think these guys ego's have been stroked enough in the last 3 weeks? How long does it really take for someone to say where he is going? Is a one hour special really needed? The guy is a basketball player, not someone who is going to make everyone's life better.
This is what I say about LeBron... if he goes to Miami it isn't to win in 2011... they will have the best starting 3... but not much else. Going to NY... what a joke, Amare and James won't be enough. Chicago, makes the most sense to win next year, best starting 5. Or, just stay in Cleveland where his heart is. If he's smart, it's only between two cities: Chicago and Cleveland.
I beleive LBJ is going to Miami. Wouldn't it be great if the teams involve in courting the King and maybe one or two others; conspired against Miami the way these three conspired against the league. Lets say Toronto and Clevand each do a sign and trade with Miami, and strip Miami of all the second round picks Mia. got this year. Between to two teams they take Chalmers and Beasley, and Miami's first and second picks over the next three or four years. Then another team trades a top shooting guard to Chicago (maybe Atlanta does a sign and trade with Joe Johnson) just to get at Miami and start to rebuild. This would make Chicago the top contender for the next four to six years, and the big three in Miami wouldn't get their rings.
http://espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3474
This dude should be our starting SG if Lebron doesn't come. The numbers don't lie.
I believe you have your facts wrong. Stephen A. Smith was the first to report that the Big 3 were signing in Miami as much as I hate to admit it. Reminds me of picking sides on a team when I was a kid and my team not knowing what the hell they were doing. Lopsided team won until they were split up. No one in the East has a chance. Hope the Lakers kick the hell out of them.
If Lebron doesn't come the Bulls need to execute a very effective plan B. If you think about it Bulls didn't make an offer to Gordon because they were hoping to get Wade(Lebron was considered untouchable). That was the Bulls gamble but a lot of good can still come out of this. With 18-20M in cap space the Bulls can really do some damage and make a deep bench.
I'm on the growing boat that the Bulls need to chase Morrow. Being 23 and selected to the rookie game and putting up the numbers and efficiency he has been putting up is quite a feat for someone that wasn't drafted. This guy seems to be defying all the odds and winning... that is the type of player we need starting at the 2. The Bulls don't just need to plug a hole with the next vet available, they need to plan for the future so this team can bloom into a mature team that can pound the Heat, Magic, and Lakers regardless of their line-up in the end. Bulls need to add Morrow and 2 other players that are notable, and their bench will be solid enough to counteract any "super" team. I'd like to see them bring Morrow, Korver, and either Barnes or Brewer for defense on athletic guards and wings. Lebron would have a hard time against Deng and Brewer. This is no time to be cheap and let the Warriors match Morrow. Make him an offer they won't match, its how you steal players.
Anybody else put off by LeBron's prime-time "Announcement Special?" Who the hell does he think he is? He's not coming to Chicago, anyway, or Miami, for that matter. Only New York offers him a media platform of the proper breadth and magnitude. And for that, all us Chicagoans can be grateful. He doesn't belong here.
If he chooses Miami, you have to question whether he truly wants to win. After those three, which are formative, what will they be able to get? Basketball is 48 minutes. Are they going to play them all that time? It would make more sense for LBJ to go to Chicago. If he did that he would be winning a championship right away and for a long time considering the youth of Rose and Noah and their better supporting cast. But then again is LBJ really all that smart.
If its about family, the right choice is to stay in Cleveland-- obviously.
If its about building a bigger brand, NY seems most logical.
If its about winning championships AND building a bigger brand, the Bulls should be the clear option for him if he is getting the best advice. Sorry Heat fans, but Lebron with the current Bulls' roster (including Boozer) is superior to Miami thrice with a ton of scrubs.
This seems pretty obvious to everybody who is not in Lebron's circle.
I'm still sticking with my plan, that is LeBron goes to Miami, the Bulls should swing a trade to acquire Michael Beasley from the Heat for Loul Deng, and a posible first round draft pick from next year's draft. I truly believe that Beasley will be a great player in this league, and will be a solid one, two punch for the Bulls. This will also give the Bulls both the first, and second draft picks from the 2008 and will make this team a lot better with the aqcuisition of Carlos Boozer. This team can also sign a player like Mike Miller, Brandon Haywood, and sign Brad Miller to a one year deal to give the Bulls stability in the scoring department.
Don't get too comfortable, Miami Mike. Your team doesn't have enough basketballs to go around. You'll make the playoffs. I'll give you that much. What you won't accomplish is taking the title anytime soon. Like I said, not enough basketballs!!!
Lebron your handlers led you down the wrong path. The backlash is coming. You deserve it!!!
if miami has $30mm in cap space and they pay wade $16mm + bosh between $11-16mm, how are they going to have money left over to pay lebron too, even if they trade beasley?
even if they can, lebron + d-rose + joakim + boozer has as much chance of multiple championships as lebron + wade + bosh, so as far as opportunity to win multiple championships, chicago is not inferior to miami.
re: growing the global lebron brand, chicago is a significantly bigger market than miami. plus, lebron won't have to share the spotlight in chicago as he clearly would in miami with wade & bosh. lebron would be The Man in chicago, bar none.
plus, 3 big stars on one team doesn't guarantee a championship. without rajon rondo, there's NO WAY the celtics would've won. and look, a team with only 2 major stars (kobe and gasol) beat the mighty celtics and their 4 major stars this year.
so if lebron was smart, he'd come to chicago.
If LJ commits to Miami, he is basically saying that he needs DWade to finish for him at crunch time. He is acknowledging that he can't do it or can't shoulder that pressure. He might as well carry his bag for him.
I've lost all interest in this guy. He acts like he's bigger than the game and the media is totally feeding his ego with this stupid press conference. Kobe's always been a better player and we didn't have some sort of special news conference when he was considering leaving LA. Get over yourself L-BJ.
Who cares? It's not like the NBA is a legitimate competitive sport anyway. Watch college basketball if you want to watch the sport be played. Watch NBA if you want to see WWE-style entertainment. The NBA is nothing but a joke. Cheating refs, "player signing special episodes," no real defense... This "sport" has completely lost its way.
I'll be watching pro football and hockey, and real basketball -- college basketball.
Someone ought to let LeBron know that when you self-proclaim that you're the King, you're actually a dictator. What I "witness" in LeBron is that he seems to be a complete jerk—and that will hold true even if he decides on the Bulls. But I sincerely hope he doesn't. He isn't deserving of playing for as classy an operation as the Bulls. I'd rather gather 2 or 3 other valued pieces, play this next season out and see what other parts we can add after that. LeBron can't save himself now even if he goes back to Cleveland. And don't get me started about Wade. As for Bosh, he's just a dumb guy and I harbor no opinion of consequence on him.
Um, hoj, you do realize that the Celtics won other titles other than 2008? I'm pretty sure the person who said the Celtics had 7 hall of famers on a championship team was referring to the 1960s. Believe it or not, basketball has been around for awhile!
Anyone who wants reddick has to be NBA dumb.... look at his stats... for a guy playing as many minutes as he did... he produced nothing.... his 3pt % is low... he doesn't defend, rebound or dish the ball out.... why this guy is being talked about at all is beyond me
TOM IN baseball, a hot pitcher can beat a murderer's row and typically the yankee's lose to a team with a hot staff. also in baseball, you don't have to guard anybody. who's going to guard these guys, who you going to double team. how are they going to share the ball is a fair question, how are the bulls going to defend them is a better one. even tommy t will have trouble drawing up a defense for all three. shoot, they can resurrect steve kerr and get aaron grey. here, steve, if you ever get the ball, shoot it. here aaron, stand here and don't let anyoen get to the basket.
it's a friggin joke trying to defend these guys.
Chicago,
Forget about LeBron! He doesn't want to play here anyway. All he is after is more publicity for LeBron!
We will have a great team with Carlos Booser. It was exciting for a while to dream about him coming here, but lets be real. He will never match up to Jordan's legacy and he knows it. He is afraid to come to Chicago! Let him go back to Cleveland where he belongs.
We have a great young team, we have plenty of time to get some more talented players that want to be here.
First, their is no such thing as an "instant dynasty" as one post suggests if the Heat have Wade, Bosch and James. Prove it on the court, over time, then we will see. Look at the NY Yankees, they go out and sign all the best free agents. Over the past ten years, they have one championship, and they were beat by the Florida Marlins, who had less than 30% of their payroll. Sure, different sports, but it shows that buying the best talent does not equate to championships, let alone dynasty!
Mike Miller all day...that will be a solid squad, man...Miller is 6'8, athletic and 40%+ from downtown...rookie of the year, sixth man of the year, a hustler...a steadier and larger version of Kirk with boozer and noah down low, rose, taj...that's a solid team, man, perhaps more fluid than the big three and a hand full of busters...ike Miller all day...that will be a solid squad, man...Miller is 6'8, athletic and 40%+ from downtown...rookie of the year, sixth man of the year, a hustler...a steadier and larger version of Kirk with boozer and noah down low, rose, taj...that's a solid team, man, perhaps more fluid than the big three and a hand full of busters...
poppa, ok, garnett, pierce, allen, that's three. do you consider sam cassell a HOFer? rondo isn't a HOF'er yet either. and even if they were, that makes 5. james posey isn't a hof'er so i don't know where you get 7 from.
anyways,
here's how i picture the heat in 2 years.
remember that scene in superman 2 where the 3 supervillians are sitting in the white house, bored to death because they easilly rampaged through the US and it was no challenge? yeah, that's how i envision bosh, wade and lebron after 2 years of this crap. and there is no son of jor-el to inspire a challenge to these cretins. there is a lex luthor though, his name is world wide wes. could you imagine lebrzod telling wwwest, "why do you say these things when you know i will kill you for it?" anyways, that's what i think
M. Kenney on July 8, 2010 11:42 AM
Why all the hubub? LBJ has not proven himself. Far from it. He can't seem to win a championship. On the contrary he seems to choke in the playoffs. So who wants him?
-----------------------------------
So, you think that anyone who has never won a championship is not worth having?
Does anyone around here think it's possible to write a dumber post than this idiot just did? It's hard to imagine but I'm sure we'll find out.
I won't believe any of these rumors. Yesterday he was going to the Nicks. Today it's the Heat. Why would ESPN leak the Heat info themselves if they really want people to watch the circus act tonight? Latest rumor is that LeBron's tax bills are being moved to an accountant in Chicago. I can't wait until this is over.
Why all the hubub? LBJ has not proven himself. Far from it. He can't seem to win a championship. On the contrary he seems to choke in the playoffs. So who wants him?
So much Heat hating going on.... All this chatter about they can't win, they have no team, this and that... You know you don't want to see the Heat with its "ego" "self-centered" "traitors" in the playoffs for the next 5 years, be honest with yourselves.
I would think a city like Chicago would understand to, considering you guys dominated basketball in the 90s. Don't be such haters. But I guess when you're that good the hating is expected.
"Dave on July 8, 2010 11:22 AM
If James signs with Heat, the Heat will have an instant dynasty. Never have three better players been assembled on one team. People question the surrounding talent without remembering that Boston gutted its team when they acquired Garnett and Allen and still put together a surrounding cast that enabled the team to immediately win a title."
You obviously do not know basketball history. The Celtics had 7 hall of famers on one team.
Bulls need to be signing guys right now. LBJ is not coming here. I hate how these punks have wasted all of our time because - they really should be signing with Chicago and management had to stop and entertain those possibilities. They won't sign and wasted our time building the team. Bulls should have asked for a verbal commitment from LBJ. He would have refused and I would have closed the door on him. This is terrible. Cleveland is in a good place because they don't have any free agent money and all they have to do is sit back and wait. Miami already has two-thirds of the real free agents. Its Chicago that is left with a consolation prize from DUKE of all places. That school is like a Ford factory. Players held together with duct tape!
If James signs with Heat, the Heat will have an instant dynasty. Never have three better players been assembled on one team. People question the surrounding talent without remembering that Boston gutted its team when they acquired Garnett and Allen and still put together a surrounding cast that enabled the team to immediately win a title.
Look on July 8, 2010 11:11 AM
It looks like this is all coming down to character. We know where Bosh is. He came into this saying that he was a "centerpiece" and accepted a role as a sidekick. Wade knew he had to recruit somebody since he was only able to win when he had a functional Shaq.
Now it is up to LeBron. Is he willing to work at building a dynasty with a young nucleus in Chicago or take the easy road with the Heat.
------------------------
What an incredibly stupid post.
It really sucks how all this is playing out but the Bulls made their pitch to LeBron now he can take it or leave it. Do you want to win or be a sideshow freak along with Wade and Bosh.
The story I heard, and what most insiders are saying, is that James is going to the Knicks. James just might be able to improve the Knicks enough to where the team is mediocre.
It looks like this is all coming down to character. We know where Bosh is. He came into this saying that he was a "centerpiece" and accepted a role as a sidekick. Wade knew he had to recruit somebody since he was only able to win when he had a functional Shaq.
Now it is up to LeBron. Is he willing to work at building a dynasty with a young nucleus in Chicago or take the easy road with the Heat.
I said this last year and I'll say it again. The Bulls should have gone after Joe Johnson and David Lee. Had they done that, they would have had a championship caliber team. Instead, they allowed themselves to be played by the 3 stooges. They bought in to the 3 ring circus. They got what they deserve, and for that, Pax and Gar should both be on the street looking for work. Between the 2 of them, they couldn't convince Ernie Banks to come to Chicago, and he is considered Mr. Chicago. It's time all of you get real, and appreciate who we have here already. That would be DROSE! THE MOST EXCITING PLAYER IN THE NBA, BAR NONE. He knows how to play with one basketball on the floor at one time. What are those 3 clowns going to do with just one basketball and 3 inflated egos. I'm willing to bet they don't even win a championship next year. They only have 5 regular players and 3 2nd round picks from this years draft on their team with no money left to spend, unless Toronto is dumb enough to do a sign and trade. How long will it take before Miami implodes with their new circus act? Miami better build a new arena, because the one they have now won't hold the size of their new circus clowns egos. GO BULLS!!!!!!!!!
If LeBron wants to go to a team and win championships then come play for the Bulls. If you want to be an egomaniac and fight with other egomaniacs (Wade and Bosh) then go play for Miami. We'll find out soon enough what matters to LeBron, winning or the almighty dollar. He needs his own 1 hour special to announce where he wants to play then he is proving everything is all about him. Selfish media hog. If he plays for Miami I hope the 3 egomaniacs rip that team apart, the Bulls will be winning while Wade, Bosh and James destroy the Heat trying to grab the spotlight from each other. They can say they're all good friends but the back stabbing will start very soon.
This will ruin the NBA. Not at first, but eventually, the nba will get very boring. at first,a ratings boom as if everyone stays healthy, miami vs la in the finals is ESPN's wet dream. Wade Bron and Bosh vs Kobe, Gasol,and Phil Jackson will get huge ratings. but what happens if the heat have records like 76-6 or 78-4? they go through the playoffs 16-1? the eastern conference playoffs are officially a joke if all this is true. the finals will do good, but the whole journey will be sad and sorry. We should know, when we went 72-10, it was cool, but it was a joke. we won that finals series 4-2 because we took two games off, sat ron harper and basically laughed off those two games in seattle, came back to chicago and won by 19 points in a laugher. it was cool, it was yeah chicago, but let's face it, it was boring. nobody could say the uc was hot during the 95-96 and 96-97 seasons because winnign the title was inevitable. if i am david stern i am saying, wake me next june. what a joke!!!
START SPREADING THE NEWS I'M LEAVING TODAY, I WANT TO BE A PART OF IT NEW YORK NEW YORK. THESE LITTLE TOWN BLUES ARE ALL MELTING AWAY, I AM ABOUT TO MAKE A BRAND NEW START OF IT IN OLD NEW YORK. IF I CAN MAKE IT THERE, I'M GONNA MAKE IT ANYWHERE. COME ON COME THRU NEW YORK NEW YORK!!!
BAM BAM BADDA BUMP
BAM BAM BADDA BUMP
Let's be honest here. This stupid TV special is about money, correct? ESPN is the one really pushing the "sources say he's going to Miami" agenda so why would they undercut their own primetime network slot that should net them millions? For suspense and surprise obviously. I won't say he's coming here because I honestly believe it's a crapshoot now that the media has really run with it but do you see them all playing together in Miami? No way. And if they really want to, the NBA will be beyond boring to watch. The novelty of superstars all playing together will fade fast.
I would guess that even if LeBron does sign with Miami, they have to win every year.
It's likely that they win at least one title and then if they do, all three of those guys are going to want to be on different teams eventually and "Prove" they can be "the man".
Kobe had to get rid of Shaq to remake his legacy, although he needed Pao to do it.
A 3-5 year deal for Lebron, Bosh, Wade puts Drose at 7 years in the league.
Irony...
Seriously. It's all so up in the air. I'm just going to sit tight and watch the live stream while I do my work:
http://www.msg.com/our-teams/knicks/press-conference-live-stream-1.45975
Sorry if this was posted already - everytime I hit submit it sends me to preview so I'm trying to submit again...
It really looks like LeBron is going to Miami. For those who are blaming Bulls management, I really don't know what else they could have done. The Bulls really were not considered serious contenders for LeBron until the Cavs were upset by the Celtics. Then the Bulls became perceived front runners because of their talented roster with Rose and Noah and the fact that LeBron had to win titles soon. So what has changed? If anything, you can make the argument that the roster is even better now with Boozer.
So... guess what? The criteria for LeBron picking a team was completely different than what we thought. The Bulls approached it from LeBron being the Alpha male on a very talented team. LeBron (if he really does go to Miami) wanted to play with his friends. Disappointing? Yes, but something you really could not blame GarPax for.
Who Cares...It's all Thugs anyway...
Mattchew, looks like you got a little off course in your rant. Remind me what the two reasons were again?
If you stop your rant long enough and work on that short-term memory bit, you might recall that neither Wade nor LBJ were odds-on favorites to come to Chicago until the Booyah network began to spin 500 different stories to become a sports version of TMZ. If James comes here, great. If not, I am happy at the effort that Bulls management actually made this time around to make their pitch.
__________________________________________
"Mattchew on July 8, 2010 9:48 AM
This whole thing is screwed up for 2 reasons. Our pitch to Lebron sucked it was all about Jordan and living up to his legacy. Leo Burnett puts out 7 empty ring boxes like he has to do that to be respected in Chicago. They should have said we want to start the Lebron era and have Rose there to pitch him. Tell him what a championship means to this city show him the celebrations we had for the Hawks, Sox and Bulls. Also D Wade is a snake he never intended to come here he knows he wouldn't fit well with Rose but he came in anyway and sat in our meeting with Bosh only to sway him to Miami with warm weather and no State Taxes. In the end these guys all took the money over the better situation in Chicago. But Pax and Forman have to be held responsible on their inability to close the deal. We missed out on Kobe, Gasol and Garnett and all those guys have gone on to win championships. Then we gave up all our assets that are hot commodities right now with so many teams with cap room and nowhere to go with it. We could have gotten something for Hinrich. That pick could have been used on James Anderson. Tyrus Thomas is in demand too. John Salmons re-upped in Milwaukee making them a better team. Why did we never even get a meeting with Amare? Pax screwed this up on so many levels that its really a shame give Pax the AX!"
Bulls fans should feel very fortunate that the team was able to come away with a 2nd tier F.A. in Carlos Boozer. I really thought the Bulls would come up totally empty on any F.A.'s of value. Although Boozer shouldn't be classified as any sort of savior, considering he's on the backside of his career and spends a large amount of time injured, he definitely is help and should improve the Bulls a couple of games worth anyway. I think we as fans should realize by now, just how important a team's owner and upper mngt. can be, and that unfortunately is one gigantic strike against this franchise.
If Lebron goes to Miami then he has surrounded himself with complete fools who advise him. That's about the worst thing he can do. All his career averages will go down playing with Bosh and Wade. Also any championships he wins will not be because of Lebron in most people's minds, it will be because he colluded to play with his buddies on a all star team.
Chicago is without a True Massive Superstar on any team. He could of had this city to himself because the Cub's/Sox have no real superstar, the hawks have lots of good players, but no worldwide star, and since Cutler sucks and Urlacher has a horrible personality, that pretty much leaves no one.
the bulls will be better.boozer one low post scoring and rebounding and about 19million in cape space remaining go bulls.
Its good to hear someone finally mention Anthony Morrows name. He led the league in 3pt% as a rookie which is pretty impressive. He could be a Ray Allen type for us he is only 24 and could improve his D under Tom T. Once Lebron makes his announcement that he's goin to Miami Lee is going to Golden State in a big money deal. Once that happens give Morrow a front loaded offer sheet that will be hard for GS to match. Then sign a SG for our bench that is a good defender like Raja Bell or Quentin Richardson. I would sign Jon Scheyer as an undrafted free agent also. Then we can get Tony Allen as a combo guard giving us adequete depth at guard. Omar Asik should be good to go I wouldn't mind us gettin another big body at backup center maybe Magliore. It sucks this is what were left with but a top 8 of Rose, Noah, Boozer, Deng, Gibson, Morrow, Raja Bell and Asik is a pretty deep team and if we can play defense like we did under Skiles or better we might just knock off Miami again.
All of this points to Chicago. Lebron made some tax papers transfers to Chicago. If he intents to sign with Miami then the tax papers should of been transfered to Miami, NY or kept in Cleveland. Come on people! Think with your little brain!
Does it make sense for the Bulls to pick up Michael Beasley if the Heat signs Lebron?
This whole thing is screwed up for 2 reasons. Our pitch to Lebron sucked it was all about Jordan and living up to his legacy. Leo Burnett puts out 7 empty ring boxes like he has to do that to be respected in Chicago. They should have said we want to start the Lebron era and have Rose there to pitch him. Tell him what a championship means to this city show him the celebrations we had for the Hawks, Sox and Bulls. Also D Wade is a snake he never intended to come here he knows he wouldn't fit well with Rose but he came in anyway and sat in our meeting with Bosh only to sway him to Miami with warm weather and no State Taxes. In the end these guys all took the money over the better situation in Chicago. But Pax and Forman have to be held responsible on their inability to close the deal. We missed out on Kobe, Gasol and Garnett and all those guys have gone on to win championships. Then we gave up all our assets that are hot commodities right now with so many teams with cap room and nowhere to go with it. We could have gotten something for Hinrich. That pick could have been used on James Anderson. Tyrus Thomas is in demand too. John Salmons re-upped in Milwaukee making them a better team. Why did we never even get a meeting with Amare? Pax screwed this up on so many levels that its really a shame give Pax the AX!
I find this really funny, LeBron wants to make a big production of making his decision on a primetime special but the "sources" leak who they feel he will play for, they stole all of his thunder, great job ESPN, absolutely brilliant, hardly anyone will watch that special now, unless these sources are wrong and LeBron ends up picking the Bulls or the Knicks.
Available shooting guards should include Ron Brewer, Wes Matthews, JJ Reddick along with Anthony Morrow, Kyle Korver and Mike Miller. Hopefully, somebody from that pack can help the Bulls. Free agency has screwed the Bulls again of drafting a shooting guard all because the 3 spoiled bitches want to play together in Miami.
This whole free agency period is ridiculous.
This would have never happened with Magic, Jordan, Bird or Barkley. Sign a friggin' contract and move on.
Many thought "the big three" couldn't do it in Boston, but at least that team had a nucleus.
Who is going to flesh out Miami's roster? There is also no guarantee Wade stays healthy.
Allot can happen.
Remember, MJ was the 3rd pick in the draft.
Just think, IF LeBron leaves for Miami, this opens up the Central for the Bulls to be Division Champs for years and a first round series at home.
05/10--"Sources say that LeBron is leaning towards coming back to Cleveland"
Early 06/10--"Chicago appears to be a front-runner. Sources who live down the street from a guy that saw LeBron once in high school say that it is a done deal."
Middle 06/10--"LeBron wets his pants today, and used a towel with a New York Yankees logo to wipe. All indications are he is going to be a Knick"
Late-Middle 06/10--"A guy who fantasizes about LeBron is reporting that, in his dream, LeBron went to Miami for a dinner with P-Diddy. He is definitely joining the HEat."
In all honesty, these "sources" have been wrong for weeks now. Why would they be right today? It will be New York or Chicago.
Look, for those blaming the "Organization" or Reindsdorf/Pax or whatever.
It took the Celtics 20 YEARS to get back to the NBA FINALS and they did EVERYTHING the right way, if you look at signing over-the-hill players to extended contracts and not alienating any of their former players or coaches.
Like JWill, the Celtics lost not one player to untimely death but TWO.
The important lesson is that no one WANTED To go to Boston. It was a cold weather city and as I have said repeatedly todays NBA players are soft and want to be in a warm weather city.
Most big player aquisitions are players going to or staying in warm weather cities.
Combine that with the FACT that Wade, Bosh AND LeBron are friends and have been discussing playing together.
Stern is basically letting a giant case of collusion and tampering go on right in front of his fact mainly because it's player initiated. Wade has been discussing this with Bosh and LeBron probably for years and he went and told Pat Riley "Just make the cap room" and I will get those two here and he did.
Kirk Hinrich was not going to get you into the second round and Salmons wasn't going to get you to the ECF.
If anyone said at the end of last season you'll have Boozer at PF, I think most of us would be happy. But all the media speculation has led everyone to think these guys would come here.
Yes, IF Miami was an inept franchise, MAYBE Wade would have left and come here. But Pat Riley is shrewd.
Now worries. Players don't win championships management does.
Pax and Forman should really be fired for totally screwing this up but it won't happen. All the hype that Bulls would get all 3 (Wade, Bosh, and James) and now it's going to end up they get none of the 3. Boozer is a good signing but I feel like he was a consolation prize, they needed to sign someone so they didn't come away with nothing yesterday. It really is a shame the Bulls can't pick up a top level free agent. The Bulls will be shut out but so will alot of other teams and Cleveland will end up losing their star so I feel sorry for them and not the Bulls. So when all of this is said and done the Bulls can go and sign who they feel helps the team, all the pressure of getting Wade, Bosh and James will be gone. Now just make us a better team.
Enough of the numnuts blaming the organization - they went all in and did everything they had to. No one can force someone to come here; it's naive to think that doing X,Y, and Z right automatically means Free Agents A and B will automatically come.
If anyone is to blame, its Dwayne Wade for orchestrating all this behind the scenes.
In the end, the hire of Thibodeau might be the best thing to happen for the Bulls, even if it was only to try to land LeBron - the Bulls will be playing tough defense, and really are only 1 more player away from being a true contender. They need to pursue Carmello hard next offseason.
I am wondering what the possibility would be for the bulls to aquire Monta Ellis?
¨...¨, hope you´re right
I'm really happy all of this bs is almost over. 3 egomaniacs playing for the Heat and all 3 want to be number 1 and all 3 want the spotlight so good luck with that Miami you'll need it. Kobe and Shaq could never get along and I see the same thing happening here, Wade, Bosh and LeBron can say they're good friends all they want but neither want to take a back seat to anyone else. They say all 3 can play together so now prove it.
So Jameson...With that logic, every General Manager in the league should be fired as well?
The Bulls management got totally played on this one!! Pax, I love you man, but you gotta go.
This isn't a surprising move, but I'm not sure this makes the Heat a title contender. They need the bodies to bang inside, and there aren't that many quality big men available at the league minimum.
To be honest, I thought the best spot for Lebron, from a basketball perspective, was New Jersey. Brook Lopez is a big, physical quality center. Favors gives them an explosive 4. Harris is a solid point who can also play off the ball (much better than Rose can). Lee's a solid wing. Guys like Terrence Williams and Damion James gives them depth, and they would've had the money to add another max player, say a power forward.
For the Bulls, I think they might be better off shopping the trade market. The Boozer signing was a nice pickup, giving them a low post threat, a pick and pop player, and a much more physical presence. What they need is a slasher that can shoot. Not the easiest thing to find out there, and I don't see any of the FA's being good enough. With the cap space, they should see if there's something out in the trade market. They need finishers.
Glad it got leaked out that sources are saying LeBron is most likely headed to Miami, now I don't have to watch this ridiculous hour long special. Great job ESPN building this up then spilling the beans before he announces.
espn leaking lebron to miami to promote their special, shameful
I can't see James going to Miami unless the league allows three basketballs on the court during the game.
I am not worried about losing Captain Kirk. I feel he was paid to much for a defensive "shooting" guard, who couldn't shoot.
I do agree with some who say we should have gotten something in return.
LeBron is admitting he can't win a championship without a lot of all-star help.
Ray Allen resigned with Boston for 2 years. He's off the list now.
ty, Ray Allen signed a two-year, $20 million contract with Boston yesterday.
Signing Boozer made the Bulls a perennial #3 seed out of the East for the next 5 years.
Congratulations on getting the consolation prize, Jerry, Pax, and Gar! It must make you proud to know that no elite free agents want to play for your poorly run franchise...
Rose needs to develope a long-term relationship with another guard. Therefore the Bulls should go all-out to sign 6' 5" Anthony Morrow. He is only 23. He averages about 13 points a game. He led the league in 3-point percentage, two years ago, as a rookie. He is a restricted free agent, so the Warriors could match any offer that the Bulls submit. If Morrow doesn't work out, then Korver, or Miller should get a look. The Bulls need a back-up to Rose; Jordan Farmar looks good. Bringing back Shannon Brown may not be so bad, either. A back-up center is also needed: Kwame Brown is a big-time underachiever, but he's cheap.
In think this is a much wiser move than Bosh. Bosh would love to play for the Bulls, but he want's to play here with Lebron. Which tells us more than anything, that LBJ is not coming here to the fact that Bosh went south to Miami with Wade. This 3 should persue acting rather than being real ball players. Big credit to my Bulls cause they tried their best. I thought Kirk would be a Bull for life, but then we have to loose him for this 3 Dud's acting as if they don't know what they are doing. But we must move on. We got Boozer, now it's time to get a SG that can spread the floor and I think this Bulls team would be top 3 to 5 in the east. With Rose, Noah, Deng, Boozer and Taj, I just can't see how you could go wrong with that. Go Bulls! Chicago sports fan for life...
Lets go for Ray Allen if we dont get Lebrong ( which we arent )
I don't mind what the Bulls tried to do, just wish we had that first round pick this year and used it on James Anderson - an NBA-ready shooting guard. It'd feel better continuing to build a young team via the draft. I can live without Captain Kirk. Just hate now having to over-pay for mid-level talent. Also, I wish we resigned Warrick. Good value there.
Since he moved his circus act from Cleveland to the NYC area, I doubt he's staying in Cleveland.
Just hope the Bulls get better.
Don't worry Bulls fans, you won't be disappointed by time the day ends. Trust me.
Ill respect a stay in Cleveland. I'd respect a move to NY even. If he goes to Miami. Ohhhhh...do it. Go. Tarnish your potential.