Both as in Love and LeBron? That is true. But I don't think they even want Love back at what it would cost them. I do think they are begging LeBron not to opt out tho. That helps them the most.
http://www.csnwashington.com/basket.../talk/report-lebron-james-opting-out-contract Remember, it's just the media reporting this. Lol
For LeBron? He isn't leaving that city again period. He is retiring there. I think they think higher of Tristan Thompson than Love so they don't see him as a scrub at all. Love didn't even play most of the playoffs and they were 2 wins away from a title. Add one more vet guy that LeBron likes (mabye Mo Williams) and ya I think that can get it done in the East at least.
They would have to re-sign Thompson and any other of their own FAs for a combined total of less than $12 mil to be able to give max to LeBron.
I'm not living the pipe dream that we can obtain him, but LBJ opting out would absolutely fuck the Cavs. So Love opts out... Cleveland can still resign him because they have his bird rights. If LBJ also opts out, then they can't sign both. It's that simple. I personally think LBJ will retire a Cav because he's already won his rings and wants to repair what was broken. Opting out would mean I was wrong about him and he doesn't want to stay in Cleveland.
I don't even think they want Love back personally (and I think the feeling is mutual as well). They would rather spend the money on Tristan Thompson imo. Opting out does not mean he doesn't want to stay though. IF he does opt out then you will see that he still stays.
They would have to re-sign Thompson and any other of their own FAs for a combined total of less than $12 mil to be able to give max to LeBron.
Then trading away the rookie of the year was an absolute waste. They won't have cap space to bring anyone else there, so Cleveland got that much weaker
That was a mistake regardless. They knew that at about the All-Star game. Can't go back in time now though.
But regardless if it was a mistake or not, you want to resign him and trade him. I doubt he does a sign and trade. Who knows, maybe the next year things click and Love is back to the powerhouse type player he once was? Whatever the case, it's better to bring everyone back, take a little salary hit, use Love in a trade if he doesn't work out again. I'm sure love can net you some solid players next season.
They will probably make a play but they don't see him as deserving a super-star contract imo and of course Love is going to want to break the bank. He isn't coming back... I bet he goes to Lakers (if LMA comes back) or here if LMA doesn't.
I give 0.01% odds that LBJ leaves the Cavs this season. However, if they continue to come up short I can see him leaving again - competitive players want to WIN.
Ya, if they don't win next year I could see him contemplating leaving at least. He is staying put this summer though.
No one besides LeBron would even consider leaving MIA for CLE if they had the choice to stay. That says a lot right there.
And that's why I want to field a competitive team but have flexibility for next summer. If CJ and Meyers continue their improvement, and we spend the time necessary to develop Vonleh, then I have to think that's a better core than CLE minus LBJ. And with climate change we now have better weather than the rest of the league!
