<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Larry Hughes proudly held up his Cleveland Cavaliers No. 32 jersey and didn't hold back yesterday when he explained his reasons for leaving a playoff team in Washington to join forces with LeBron James. At a news conference in Cleveland, Hughes, in his gravelly monotone, sounded upset that the Wizards would allow someone they deemed "the top priority" of the offseason to walk away. "I didn't feel like I was their free agent," Hughes told reporters in Cleveland. "I had to go looking around for offers. I didn't feel like I should be in that situation. So, I was able to move on with no problem." After averaging career highs of 22 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and a league-leading 2.89 steals last season, Hughes signed a five-year deal worth about $60 million with the Cavaliers. The deal could reach about $70 million with incentives, and will earn Hughes $10.3 million in his first season. A source speaking on condition of anonymity said Hughes told those close to him that he would leave if the Wizards didn't present an offer comparable to the six-year, $65 million contract Gilbert Arenas signed as a free agent in 2003. When the Wizards made an initial offer of six years, $54 million, Hughes was believed to be upset and began looking elsewhere. The Cavaliers quickly swooped in, sending Coach Mike Brown to Hughes's home in St. Louis for a sit-down lunch with Hughes and his family. Hughes had made up his mind that he would sign with the Cavaliers before the Wizards made a final offer of $72 million over six years. "This is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up," said Hughes, adding that James had been recruiting him throughout the regular season. "Coming from the situation I was in, I just felt like this is better for me." When told of Hughes's comments, Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said: "We made Larry a significant offer, but he elected to sign with another team. We wish him the best. We're moving forward and we're excited about the players we added to our team."</div> Source One thing is certain, the Wizards upgraded the level of class in the organization this off-season. Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels have a far better attitude and were appreciative of the opportunities to play with their former teams. Larry Hughes is coming off a career year thanks to the system the Wizards ran, highlighting his skills. The team also made it to the second round of the playoffs. Larry do you really expect it to get much better in Cleveland?
Larry isn't going to get any better. He isn't a star player, he'll never be an allstar. He's too selfish for that to happen, I don't think he'll be able to coincide LeBron, Z, and Marshall. Hughes loves the ball at the end of the game and forces things, something that hurt the Wizards in the playoffs against Miami. Hughes is also very injury prone, expect him to miss around 20 games this year. Let Hughes talk all he wants, he isn't a class guy. Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels together are just as good as Hughes, so we fixed that up. We also got more depth to the bench with Chucky Atkins. There is nothing to worry about, let Hughes run his mouth.
Not to mention his is going to be playing second fiddle to LeBron and maybe even Big Z. Chucky Atkins even showed more respect then him but if thats how he actually felt, you can't really say much except good luck in Cleveland.
Larry Hughes is very talented, but I wanted him to stay with the Wizards, that would have been a good rivalry between the Bulls and Wizards, but now..Hughes is going to help the Cavs a lot and you guys shouldn't diss him so much, he proved himself and is going to continue to play well. He is injury prone, but is worth the risk..
Hughes just had a very nice breakout season and he`s making himself sound like a big superstar or something, he had a nice run with the Wizards but it was his choice to sign with the Cavs. Let him talk whatever he wants, nothings going to change.
