LeBron & Calipari to Bulls? (Chicago Tribune)

[Bahku]

This is the original story from the Chicago Tribune, talking about power broker William Wesley trying to shop LeBron James and Coach Calipari to the Chicago Bulls as a "package deal". Sounds a bit beyond believable, especially this early, but it's an interesting article, (and idea), just the same:


Bulls must weigh if they want James … and Calipari
Source confirms an unknown Calipari connection contacting Bulls management over the weekend
May 16, 2010|By K.C. Johnson, Tribune reporter

In the first 24 hours after the Celtics eliminated the Cavaliers on Thursday, the Bulls sold more than 500 new full season tickets and a team official estimated incoming call volume to their sales office stood roughly 50 times normal levels.

The question now is whether the allure of LeBron James will have a similar effect on Bulls management.

League sources said Sunday that noted NBA power broker William Wesley continues to work back channels to sell John Calipari and James as a package deal to franchises such as the Bulls, Nets and Clippers with coaching vacancies and salary cap room.

Another league source confirmed that an unknown Calipari connection contacted Bulls management over the weekend. This not only once again renders the coach's vows to remain at Kentucky hollow, it underscores the juggling act general manager Gar Forman and senior vice president John Paxson must navigate as they tackle a coaching search while planning for free agency, which begins July 1.

Forman addressed this dynamic at the news conference announcing Vinny Del Negro's dismissal on May 4. And while initially it appeared the Bulls' coach search might pick up steam — and perhaps conclude — when the NBA world descends upon Chicago for this week's predraft camp, James' possible departure from Cleveland should prolong it.

James' uncertain future also introduces an internal debate on whether the two-time reigning Most Valuable Player is even the best fit with Derrick Rose. While James unquestionably is the game's most dominant player, he dominated the ball on the court and input on organizational decisions off it in Cleveland.

As his relationship with Wesley attests, James also brings with him a small army of friends and advisers to whichever franchise for which he plays. James repeatedly referred to this group — which also includes respected agent Leon Rose and business manager Maverick Carter — as "my team" when discussing his free agent plans in the aftermath of the loss to the Celtics.

Signing James and hiring Calipari would seemingly cede more organizational control than the Bulls historically are known to do. But that's what Wesley, who is becoming a certified agent for coaches with the same firm Leon Rose started, is trying to accomplish with various teams.



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Can't imagine anybody giving a single player that kind of leverage, no matter who it is, and even in this day and age of the power brokers.

[jr_3421]

After the "Please Stay Lebron" song and the supposed Clippers Parade, anything is possible

[Bahku]

More of the same story:

Here

and ...

Here

[Who]

LeBron James is a great reason to hire a Head Coach.

[Fafnir]

Its a players league, they're the ones with the power.

I don't think this will happen in the end though.

[Bahku]

I can't imagine LeBron would be that excited about going to Chicago, even if his buddy Coach Calipari was part of the deal ... I just don't think he'd be that good a fit, but crazier things have happened.

As far as those who think he's not leaving Cleveland, I beg to differ ... I think when he took that jersey off in the hall after the game, he did so to send a symbolic message ... that he wants a fresh start in a new city, with a supporting cast that's capable of winning championships.

[Donoghus]

Well, I can tell you, firsthand, that Lebron's performance against the Celtics in the playoffs did nothing to deter the enthusiasm of the prospect of Lebron coming to the Windy City.  People out here are definitely intrigued and its funny because some of my friends here were pulling for the Celtics because they thought it was in the best interests of the Bulls. 

I think the idea of Lebron aligning himself with Calipari is ridiculous but not necessariliy far-fetched.  Lebron is that much of a "game-changer" that I have no doubt that some organization would bite on the Calipari-Lebron package because of the implications to their organization.  Lebron is a draw and pretty much guarantees season long sell out and season ticket waiting lists.  He'll definitely create a buzz wherever he goes so if adding Calipari means that Lebron is coming, a team will do it despite it looking like they're playing to the needs of a superstar athlete. 

Its all about money and relevance. 

[Bahku]

Well, I can tell you, firsthand, that Lebron's performance against the Celtics in the playoffs did nothing to deter the enthusiasm of the prospect of Lebron coming to the Windy City.  People out here are definitely intrigued and its funny because some of my friends here were pulling for the Celtics because they thought it was in the best interests of the Bulls. 

I think the idea of Lebron aligning himself with Calipari is ridiculous but not necessariliy far-fetched.  Lebron is that much of a "game-changer" that I have no doubt that some organization would bite on the Calipari-Lebron package because of the implications to their organization.  Lebron is a draw and pretty much guarantees season long sell out and season ticket waiting lists.  He'll definitely create a buzz wherever he goes so if adding Calipari means that Lebron is coming, a team will do it despite it looking like they're playing to the needs of a superstar athlete. 

Its all about money and relevance. 

Yes, it certainly is all about money ... and he's made no secret about his close ties with Calipari, or that he's one of the people he'd most like to be coached by.

[BudweiserCeltic]

I can't wait for ESPN, etc. to start talking about Brett Favre again.

[LarBrd33]

Why exactly is LeBron "friends" with Calipari?  Huh?  ... how did that happen.   And didn't Calipari stink as an NBA head coach?  Doesn't make any sense to me...

If Bron goes to the Bulls the only logical choice at coach is Phil Jackson... after the Celtics beat the Lakers and he bails for the next "best situation".  It would solidify his legacy as being one of the biggest frontrunners in the history of sports.

[Bahku]

Why exactly is LeBron "friends" with Calipari?  Huh?  ... how did that happen.   And didn't Calipari stink as an NBA head coach?  Doesn't make any sense to me...

If Bron goes to the Bulls the only logical choice at coach is Phil Jackson... after the Celtics beat the Lakers and he bails for the next "best situation".  It would solidify his legacy as being one of the biggest frontrunners in the history of sports.

I assumed it was pretty much common knowledge that LeBron and Calipari were friends ... Brons been going to Kentucky games for some time and vice-versa, and a lot has been made of the relationship. Here are a couple of articles, (and an excerpt), but I'm sure you can find more:


"For most of you, this probably breaks no new ground. The Wes-Cal, Wes-LeBron, and Cal-LeBron relationships are well known.

Until now, however, they have just been friendships never explicitly intertwined professionally other than the stories of LeBron watching Kentucky games, Calipari watching Cavs games, and Calipari using his relationship with LeBron as a way to gain cred with recruits. For example, LeBron and John Wall have become friends."


http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2010/05/analyzing-lebron-rumors-delonte-west-gloria-james-john-calipari-worldwide-wes/


http://www.kentucky.com/2009/09/10/928785/lebrons-friend-gets-job-on-caliparis.html

[Donoghus]

Just as an aside.

In the 24 hours after the Celtics eliminated the Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls sold 500 full season ticket packages. 

People are anticipating something big to happen whether its Lebron or someone else.

[feckless]

Calipari really was horrible as an NBA coach--he whines and grown men just don't take to that well!

[houseonfire09]

Why does everyone forget that Calipari is a scumbag who has left Memphis and UMass just before they got in trouble with the NCAA because of stuff he did? As a result, their best seasons in program history were stricken from the record books.