I just don't understand why everyone thinks that LeBron is going to New Jersey. First off, they don't look like they can offer him a genuine shot at a Championship right off the bat in 2010. Second, this whole Jay-Z thing is ridiculous - doesn't he own like 2.5% of the Nets? That's like nothing. Third, he wants to emulate Jordan, who was basically a one-team guy, why lose that to play for the Nets and possibly risk a shot at a Championship in Cleveland. Fourth, Cleveland is without a major sports title for what 44 years now? Winning a title in Cleveland would put LeBron on a whole new level in Cleveland - a level which would be very difficult to parallel in any other market in the NBA. With globalised marketing nowadays, being in a big market is less important. The ability to say you overcame the curse for a city that has had a lot of major sports teams over the past 44 years? That is something that would truly be seen as a great achievement. Fifth, the Cavs are the only team capable of signing LeBron plus another star in the 2010 offseason. No other team (as far as I am aware) can sign LeBron and another superstar (actually, looking at the list the Raptors might). That is something the Nets can't offer. Anyone care to put out the counter-argument?
counter argument: money the endorsements he'd get in a global market like NY could be 5 or 6 times the money he makes in cleveland. Now we all know nba players never go after the more money right... He could make 23 million in cleveland plus endorcements of 50 million or so. In this area he could make 22 million salary with like 300 million in endorsements. Money........
The money he would get if he played in NY or L.A would be a lot more than CLE. Money talks in the NBA. If he plays for the Nets, you can add to that that his revenue in China would probably double thanks to Yi.
He'll make a hell of a lot wherever he plays, but the thing that will really get him the exposure he needs to make him a global icon is a Championship, and if the Nets can't offer him that, I can't see him going there. All I'm saying is that the Cavs are showing right now that they can offer him a shot at the Championship and I truly believe that he wants that over money.
He said he wanted to become the first Billionare bball player. If he played for the Nets.. He would get the endorsements you get for playing in NY plus you can add to that China which is a HUGE market. Also he would become more of a global icon if he played for us in Brooklyn that is.
plus jay z would give him some sort of recording deal as well, and jay z has the distribution already set up now for that. He would be super rich.
I think few fans think that Lebron would go to New Jersey. Additionally, the % stake that Jay-Z has in the Nets is moot compared to whether or not he is financially attached to the team, period. The Nets are attractive because of the refined talent they'll have in 2010, and the urban-marketing-orgasm that is Lebron-Jay-Z-Brooklyn. However, if the Nets are garbage in two years, and the team looks like it's not going to Brooklyn, I think the Lebron rumors should be put to rest. but until then
There are 18 teams remaining. Only one will be standing by the end. Only one of the suitors is actually his current wife...
Wally's expiring contract should add another star to the Cavs if Ferry plays the game correctly. The Cavs will then have Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, Hickson plus a star player aside from LeBron (al assuming no other deals made). Plus they will have the cap space for another star, potentially formulating their own big three.
Not sure Wally can add another "star". They'll still be over the cap next season without him and I don't think Wally will warrant a S&T offer that will get them a star back to Cleveland.
That's what I mean, they'll trade Wally and his expiring deal to another team, a lot like how (I think) the Lakers got Gasol. There have been loads of late season deals for players with expiring contracts, and I see no reason why the Cavs won't do the same.
The article names teams that will be $17M under the cap in 2010. It does not factor in that most of those teams will have half of their roster.
Are you really comparing Mo, Boobie, Varejao, West, and Hickson to Devin, Vince Carter, Lopez, and Yi?
