New Album & The Beginning of Basketball Season
- Thread starter Ron Party
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I think so too. Melo to the Bulls will create a much better balance of power in the East. But the Knicks can give Melo the most money, dollar for dollar, than any team and not just a max deal, from I've been reading.
How LeBron James forgave Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and returned to Cleveland
Adrian Wojnarowski
By Adrian Wojnarowski 2 hours ago Yahoo Sports
For four years, the letter had come to define Dan Gilbert, and the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to wash away the shame and embarrassment and guilt of it all. So Sunday, Gilbert sat down with LeBron James and his inner-circle and tried to absolve himself of a most wretched moment in time.
"We had five great years together and one terrible night," Gilbert told James, and so started the process of reconciliation on Sunday night in Miami. "I told him how sorry I was, expressed regret for how that night went and how I let all the emotion and passion for the situation carry me away. I told him I wish I had never done it, that I wish I could take it back."
And soon, James told Gilbert that he wished he had never done "The Decision" on cable television and that they had made mistakes together, that they could move past it. From James and his agent Rich Paul and business manager Maverick Carter, the air of peace hung heavy in the South Florida air, the process of returning to Cleveland had begun in earnest. Soon, they had stopped talking about the past and talked about the possibility of a future together and for the first time – truly the first time – the possibility of reunification had become genuine.
"It was more comfortable than I actually thought it would be," Gilbert told Yahoo Sports on Friday afternoon. "They made it easy for me."
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert regretted writing his infamous letter criticizing LeBron James four years ago. (AP …
These had been Gilbert's first public words since agent Rich Paul called him moments before a public announcement, and said simply, "Dan, congratulations. LeBron's coming home."
Gilbert had flown down on his private jet on Sunday for the most important meeting of his billionaire business life. After obliterating James on the night of his departure for the Miami Heat four years ago, Gilbert had come back to make his pitch for the most improbable of partnerships: James and Gilbert, older and wiser, scarred in far different ways from sport's most spectacular falling-out.
James became branded by The Decision, and Gilbert became a hostage to his Letter. Only, James would win two titles in four years with the Heat, and winning washes everything away. Winning changes the story. The Cavaliers have lost a lot of games, made mistakes and then Gilbert started to understand something: For all his business genius, all his rebuilding of Detroit and charitable endeavors and everything he had done in his life, the letter had come to define him.
"Do a Google search on me, and it's the first thing that comes up," Gilbert told Yahoo Sports. "To a certain segment of society, it's like somebody killed somebody, like somebody killed their kid. I told LeBron, 'That letter didn't hurt anybody more than it hurt me.'
"For the first two months, I kept thousands of letters – not hundreds – thousands written to me. There were 90-year-old ladies and CEOs, and I realized that that letter had transcended the event, went far beyond LeBron. After a few months, I would re-read it and just be full of regret. That wasn't me, that wasn't who I am. I didn't mean most of the things I said in there. The venom it produced, from all sides … I wish … I wish I had never done it.
"I'm grateful that we all get another chance together now."
Three years ago, Gilbert says he "started to hear rumblings that this could be possible," that James had thoughts about someday making a return to the Cavaliers. "I went back and forth in my mind, thinking: Could this really happen? It was a volatile thing for years, and now that it's happened, I'm still in shock."
Gilbert couldn't stop talking about Paul and Carter, about how they were the conduits to make it all work again. "So professional with us through the whole process," Gilbert said. In the end, LeBron James wanted to come home, wanted to forgive, and there were these two figures, forever connected in history, sitting in Miami on Sunday and slowly, surely laying out a way it could all happen again.
LeBron James comes home a two-time champion, comes home with a chance to deliver something Dan Gilbert would've never imagined possible again: a chance for them to be champions together, a chance to wash away all the stain of a Scarlet Letter and The Decision, to get together older and wiser, and better understand how it can be made right again.
His cell phone buzzed on Friday afternoon, and Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, heard the words he could've never, ever imagined: LeBron's coming home.
Adrian Wojnarowski
By Adrian Wojnarowski 2 hours ago Yahoo Sports
For four years, the letter had come to define Dan Gilbert, and the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to wash away the shame and embarrassment and guilt of it all. So Sunday, Gilbert sat down with LeBron James and his inner-circle and tried to absolve himself of a most wretched moment in time.
"We had five great years together and one terrible night," Gilbert told James, and so started the process of reconciliation on Sunday night in Miami. "I told him how sorry I was, expressed regret for how that night went and how I let all the emotion and passion for the situation carry me away. I told him I wish I had never done it, that I wish I could take it back."
And soon, James told Gilbert that he wished he had never done "The Decision" on cable television and that they had made mistakes together, that they could move past it. From James and his agent Rich Paul and business manager Maverick Carter, the air of peace hung heavy in the South Florida air, the process of returning to Cleveland had begun in earnest. Soon, they had stopped talking about the past and talked about the possibility of a future together and for the first time – truly the first time – the possibility of reunification had become genuine.
"It was more comfortable than I actually thought it would be," Gilbert told Yahoo Sports on Friday afternoon. "They made it easy for me."
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert regretted writing his infamous letter criticizing LeBron James four years ago. (AP …
These had been Gilbert's first public words since agent Rich Paul called him moments before a public announcement, and said simply, "Dan, congratulations. LeBron's coming home."
Gilbert had flown down on his private jet on Sunday for the most important meeting of his billionaire business life. After obliterating James on the night of his departure for the Miami Heat four years ago, Gilbert had come back to make his pitch for the most improbable of partnerships: James and Gilbert, older and wiser, scarred in far different ways from sport's most spectacular falling-out.
James became branded by The Decision, and Gilbert became a hostage to his Letter. Only, James would win two titles in four years with the Heat, and winning washes everything away. Winning changes the story. The Cavaliers have lost a lot of games, made mistakes and then Gilbert started to understand something: For all his business genius, all his rebuilding of Detroit and charitable endeavors and everything he had done in his life, the letter had come to define him.
"Do a Google search on me, and it's the first thing that comes up," Gilbert told Yahoo Sports. "To a certain segment of society, it's like somebody killed somebody, like somebody killed their kid. I told LeBron, 'That letter didn't hurt anybody more than it hurt me.'
"For the first two months, I kept thousands of letters – not hundreds – thousands written to me. There were 90-year-old ladies and CEOs, and I realized that that letter had transcended the event, went far beyond LeBron. After a few months, I would re-read it and just be full of regret. That wasn't me, that wasn't who I am. I didn't mean most of the things I said in there. The venom it produced, from all sides … I wish … I wish I had never done it.
"I'm grateful that we all get another chance together now."
Three years ago, Gilbert says he "started to hear rumblings that this could be possible," that James had thoughts about someday making a return to the Cavaliers. "I went back and forth in my mind, thinking: Could this really happen? It was a volatile thing for years, and now that it's happened, I'm still in shock."
Gilbert couldn't stop talking about Paul and Carter, about how they were the conduits to make it all work again. "So professional with us through the whole process," Gilbert said. In the end, LeBron James wanted to come home, wanted to forgive, and there were these two figures, forever connected in history, sitting in Miami on Sunday and slowly, surely laying out a way it could all happen again.
LeBron James comes home a two-time champion, comes home with a chance to deliver something Dan Gilbert would've never imagined possible again: a chance for them to be champions together, a chance to wash away all the stain of a Scarlet Letter and The Decision, to get together older and wiser, and better understand how it can be made right again.
His cell phone buzzed on Friday afternoon, and Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, heard the words he could've never, ever imagined: LeBron's coming home.
Now there is buzz that Cavs is targeting Kevin Love by offering some of its young picks except Wiggins. Interesting to note that James' announcement via The Letter to Lee Jenkins of SI did not mention Wiggin's name among the young stars he'd like to mentor.
Yep, potentially great rivalry. But with the Knicks, he's marginalized for at least a couple of years.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Nothing from Ainge and the Celtics. Well, we actually got Cleveland's young center Zeller in aid of Cleveland's cap clearance. Good move by Ainge, even if he does not admit it, to help James bolt Miami for good. 
This did not seem to under the radar. Gasol close to signing with Bulls.
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/rep...-could-end-carmelo-chase?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo
Report: Bulls close on Gasol; could end Carmelo chase
July 12, 2014, 1:00 am
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It appears a Bulls' free-agency splash is about to happen, though it's not the one most fans desired. For now.
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls and free agent Pau Gasol are working toward an agreement that would send the power forward to Chicago.
More important for now, a completed deal with Gasol, who reportedly turned down a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lakers, could mean the Bulls have been informed by Carmelo Anthony that he won't be taking his talents to the Windy City. The Bulls would have to use the mid-level exception to complete a deal with Gasol AND still have the money to bring in Anthony on a sign-and-trade with the Knicks. Wojnarowski did not indicate how the Bulls would sign Gasol or for how much.
Then again, reports earlier today noted that Gasol turned down $11 million annually from the Hawks and $10 million annually from the Lakers. The midlevel exception would earn Gasol $5.15 million in the first year of his contract if they used it on him, so the Spaniard would be taking a significant pay cut if that were the case.
A sign-and-trade scenario could also be in play for the Bulls and Lakers, but Wojnarowski said that was unlikely earlier Friday night.
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/rep...-could-end-carmelo-chase?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo
Report: Bulls close on Gasol; could end Carmelo chase
July 12, 2014, 1:00 am
Share This Post
It appears a Bulls' free-agency splash is about to happen, though it's not the one most fans desired. For now.
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bulls and free agent Pau Gasol are working toward an agreement that would send the power forward to Chicago.
More important for now, a completed deal with Gasol, who reportedly turned down a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lakers, could mean the Bulls have been informed by Carmelo Anthony that he won't be taking his talents to the Windy City. The Bulls would have to use the mid-level exception to complete a deal with Gasol AND still have the money to bring in Anthony on a sign-and-trade with the Knicks. Wojnarowski did not indicate how the Bulls would sign Gasol or for how much.
Then again, reports earlier today noted that Gasol turned down $11 million annually from the Hawks and $10 million annually from the Lakers. The midlevel exception would earn Gasol $5.15 million in the first year of his contract if they used it on him, so the Spaniard would be taking a significant pay cut if that were the case.
A sign-and-trade scenario could also be in play for the Bulls and Lakers, but Wojnarowski said that was unlikely earlier Friday night.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
AP Sources: Bosh agrees to max deal with Heat
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP
Chris Bosh said countless times in recent weeks that he did not want to leave Miami.
Not even LeBron James' departure changed his mind.
And shortly after the Heat took a King-sized hit, their future started coming together.
Bosh is staying in Miami, agreeing Friday to a five-year contract that will be worth about $118 million, said two people familiar with the deal. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had confirmed it publicly.
Keeping Bosh addresses one of the Miami's top priorities after getting the news earlier in the day that James was leaving the Heat and returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There's still plenty of work for Heat President Pat Riley to do, however. But first, he and the team lauded what James meant to them over the last four seasons.
''While I am disappointed by LeBron's decision to leave Miami, no one can fault another person for wanting to return home,'' Riley said in a statement Friday night. ''The last four years have been an incredible run for South Florida, Heat fans, our organization and for all of the players who were a part of it. LeBron is a fantastic leader, athlete, teammate and person, and we are all sorry to see him go.''
Next up for the Heat: More than likely, it's a deal with Dwyane Wade, who has spent all 11 of his NBA seasons in Miami. Wade and Miami were negotiating a new contract Friday, a move that was expected from the very moment that the 2006 NBA Finals MVP opted out of a deal that would have paid him about $42 million over the next two seasons.
''I know where I'm going,'' Wade told The AP on Thursday, one day before James let the world that he was going elsewhere.
While Miami is working to get a Wade deal finalized, it's unclear when Bosh will actually sign his contract - though that won't hold up the Heat from making other moves. He's expected to be in Ghana until next week, which creates a logistical challenge.
Bosh is an All-Star who averaged 16.2 points on 52 percent shooting last season, and now figures to potentially get many more shots in the Heat offensive scheme. For his career, Bosh has averaged 19.2 points in 11 NBA seasons.
This much is certain: There's no shortage of openings on the Heat roster.
Miami has agreed to deals with Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger, which should get finalized once the Heat figure how to allocate their spending now that James is gone. Guard Norris Cole was the only holdover from last season with a guaranteed contract, while young center Justin Hamilton has a partially guaranteed deal and point guard Shabazz Napier came to the Heat on draft night.
Wade and Udonis Haslem, who also opted out with hopes it would help the team keep James, will almost certainly be back, and the team thinks highly of James Ennis, who played overseas last season. But that means a ton of slots in the locker room at AmericanAirlines Arena that is currently being renovated - a fitting metaphor if there ever was one - will be available between now and training camp.
Riley said the Heat mantra that he, managing general partner Micky Arison and coach Erik Spoelstra have cultivated will not be changing.
''Over the last 19 years, since Micky and I teamed together, the Miami Heat has always been a championship organization,'' Riley said. ''We've won multiple championships and competed for many others. Micky, Erik and I remain committed to doing whatever it takes to win and compete for championships for many years to come. We've proven that we can do it and we'll do it again.''
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP
Chris Bosh said countless times in recent weeks that he did not want to leave Miami.
Not even LeBron James' departure changed his mind.
And shortly after the Heat took a King-sized hit, their future started coming together.
Bosh is staying in Miami, agreeing Friday to a five-year contract that will be worth about $118 million, said two people familiar with the deal. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had confirmed it publicly.
Keeping Bosh addresses one of the Miami's top priorities after getting the news earlier in the day that James was leaving the Heat and returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There's still plenty of work for Heat President Pat Riley to do, however. But first, he and the team lauded what James meant to them over the last four seasons.
''While I am disappointed by LeBron's decision to leave Miami, no one can fault another person for wanting to return home,'' Riley said in a statement Friday night. ''The last four years have been an incredible run for South Florida, Heat fans, our organization and for all of the players who were a part of it. LeBron is a fantastic leader, athlete, teammate and person, and we are all sorry to see him go.''
Next up for the Heat: More than likely, it's a deal with Dwyane Wade, who has spent all 11 of his NBA seasons in Miami. Wade and Miami were negotiating a new contract Friday, a move that was expected from the very moment that the 2006 NBA Finals MVP opted out of a deal that would have paid him about $42 million over the next two seasons.
''I know where I'm going,'' Wade told The AP on Thursday, one day before James let the world that he was going elsewhere.
While Miami is working to get a Wade deal finalized, it's unclear when Bosh will actually sign his contract - though that won't hold up the Heat from making other moves. He's expected to be in Ghana until next week, which creates a logistical challenge.
Bosh is an All-Star who averaged 16.2 points on 52 percent shooting last season, and now figures to potentially get many more shots in the Heat offensive scheme. For his career, Bosh has averaged 19.2 points in 11 NBA seasons.
This much is certain: There's no shortage of openings on the Heat roster.
Miami has agreed to deals with Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger, which should get finalized once the Heat figure how to allocate their spending now that James is gone. Guard Norris Cole was the only holdover from last season with a guaranteed contract, while young center Justin Hamilton has a partially guaranteed deal and point guard Shabazz Napier came to the Heat on draft night.
Wade and Udonis Haslem, who also opted out with hopes it would help the team keep James, will almost certainly be back, and the team thinks highly of James Ennis, who played overseas last season. But that means a ton of slots in the locker room at AmericanAirlines Arena that is currently being renovated - a fitting metaphor if there ever was one - will be available between now and training camp.
Riley said the Heat mantra that he, managing general partner Micky Arison and coach Erik Spoelstra have cultivated will not be changing.
''Over the last 19 years, since Micky and I teamed together, the Miami Heat has always been a championship organization,'' Riley said. ''We've won multiple championships and competed for many others. Micky, Erik and I remain committed to doing whatever it takes to win and compete for championships for many years to come. We've proven that we can do it and we'll do it again.''
http://http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/544/article/p2p-80789034/
Pau is a Bull. Add a healthy Rose, Mirotic and a few hoops from McDermott and you have a top tier team.
Pau is a Bull. Add a healthy Rose, Mirotic and a few hoops from McDermott and you have a top tier team.
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And what is Melo still waiting for? Slow kill Phil Jackson?
Well, Woj is reporting Melo stays with NY.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--carmelo-anthony-returning-to-knicks-175747449.html
Well, Woj is reporting Melo stays with NY.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--carmelo-anthony-returning-to-knicks-175747449.html
Houston gets Trevor Ariza after failing to land Bosh. And they still have match Dallas' offer sheet to Parsons or they lose him.
Me too. I thought it was in the bag for Houston. But he signed for a whopping $23.6m each year for the next 5 years with the Heat while with Houston he gets $22m a year for only 4 years. Money and retirement pay matters. I think the same holds true for Melo staying with NYK, he gets the best deal and it seems with Tyson Chandler gone, Knicks got their work cut out for them this coming season.
And I think Houston gambled on Parsons and lost while waiting for Bosh. Rockets didn't pick up Parson's 1 years option and now instead have to pay steep to match Dallas' offer sheet to Parsons.
Don't forget Sam D. Plus they have four 7 ft. rookies playing on their summer league team. Bulls never had a great center when they won. No they had 15 fouls to give in the middle. And we know this is becoming a guard oriented league.
I think Bosh wanted to stay in Miami -- loyalty, whatever but it wasn't simply $$$ as it was basically the same at either place
Does anyone feel Melo stayed in NY for something other than the $$$ primarily?
The $$$ should be the main reason. But I think his wife wants to live in NY too. Btw, I haven't heard Amare's name in the Amnesty List.
Boozer, yes. But it's time to amnesty Amare.
The $$$ should be the main reason. But I think his wife wants to live in NY too. Btw, I haven't heard Amare's name in the Amnesty List.
The Knicks used their one time only, get out of jail free card errr.... amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups.
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