- Rob Parker of the Detroit News reports that if LeBron James does not re-sign an extension with the Cavaliers this summer, he will leave the club and sign with the Nets after the 2008 season. James' $100 million deal with Nike doubles if he plays in Chicago, L.A. or New York. Cleveland papers reported earlier in the week that the chances of James signing an extension this summer have increased because of the Cavaliers' strong playoff performance. My C-town homies are telling me people in Cleveland believe that if superstar LeBron James doesn't re-sign this summer he'll leave town after 2008, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. It's no big secret James and rapper Jay-Z have struck up a strong friendship. So much so that many believe James would leave his hometown for the bright lights and big stage of New York City. No, not the Knicks, but the Nets. The New Jersey Nets, who are part-owned by Jay-Z, are expected to move across the river into a brand, spanking new arena in downtown Brooklyn in 2009. Another factor, moles say, is that James' $100 million deal with Nike doubles if he plays in Chicago, L.A. or New York. That's what you call a salary-cap buster. Stay tuned.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">We already went over this multiple times. LeBron isn't going anywhere</div> You do realize that if this is true LeBron could bolt to New Jersey/Brooklyn while signing for less (lets say 60 mil) than he could with the cavaliers (75 mil) but that extra hundred would kick in upping the money of moving to brooklyn to $160 million. Why wouldn't he leave?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">You do realize that if this is true LeBron could bolt to New Jersey/Brooklyn while signing for less (lets say 60 mil) than he could with the cavaliers (75 mil) but that extra hundred would kick in upping the money of moving to brooklyn to $160 million. Why wouldn't he leave?</div> Why haven't countless other superstars left for the money? (VC, Tim Duncan, Amare, Yao Ming, etc.) When players are getting that max contract already, the next most important thing they usually want is stability and success. Cleveland already has an advantage over Chicago, New York, and LA in that department.
There is absolutely no way Lebron is leaving Cleveland! None! Cleveland wont let him leave. It just isnt going to happen. Besides he seems to legitimately like playing in Cleveland. Lebron is probably going to retire a Cavalier. So please enough of this Lebron to New York, LA, Chicago stuff. Anyway I think Isiah Thomas should be fired.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">You do realize that if this is true LeBron could bolt to New Jersey/Brooklyn while signing for less (lets say 60 mil) than he could with the cavaliers (75 mil) but that extra hundred would kick in upping the money of moving to brooklyn to $160 million. Why wouldn't he leave?</div> Because he can't, the new CBA makes him a RESTRICTED free agent. This restriction allows the Cavs to match any deal LeBron signs. Now after his first long term deal is done and LeBron is now 27 or 28, the odds increase of him leaving especially if Cleveland isn't in a position to win a title.
