So what does Cleveland do after another eventual loss in the Finals?

[Ilikesports17]

Here is a nice snaky idea for Lebron, who should NOT go to the final again next year, which will probably happen if he stays in Cleveland. The dude needs a year of rest so he can come back stronger. for his twilight career years.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=hqmdqah

I can totally picture him in Philly.  He had a chance to mentor Wiggins and he blew it.  Now he gets a redo and the chance to mentor Simmons.  Plus, he can invent an injury and miss half of Philly's games next year and ensure they get a top 3 pick next year.  Yes Philly gets to tank again because they have Lebron to be the great hope and official Spokesperson For the Future.  Brilliant. 

Chicago gets a nice package for Butler.  Cleveland rolls with age-appropritate buds Irving, Butler and Love, not to mention Noel and Embiid.

Sixers Roster

Tyson Chandler. Dimond Stone or Zubac, etc..
Simmons, Saric
Lebron, Saric
Stauskas
ISh, Wade Baldwin/Dem. Jackson/Caris Levert, etc...     

As I said, minimal effort from Lebron next year just a lot of teaching.  Lottery again. 
Or maybe I"m wrong, maybe there's a stud veteran PG who could join Lebron, Chanlder, Simmons and Saric for decent record, but I really think Lebron should just have a year by the pool.

edit:  not only another great draft choice in 2017, but an amazing free agent buffet to choose from.  Lebron could wrestle Colangelo for who to pick in 2017 and who to sign with him and Simmons..In two years they'd be better than Cleveland is now for sure.

I can think of few things in the basketball world that would shock me more than Lebron leaving to go to Philly.

are you a Philly fan? not meant as an attack. Im genuinely curious. Thats the only way I could see you really entertaining this as a possibility.

[wiley]

Here is a nice snaky idea for Lebron, who should NOT go to the final again next year, which will probably happen if he stays in Cleveland. The dude needs a year of rest so he can come back stronger. for his twilight career years.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=hqmdqah

I can totally picture him in Philly.  He had a chance to mentor Wiggins and he blew it.  Now he gets a redo and the chance to mentor Simmons.  Plus, he can invent an injury and miss half of Philly's games next year and ensure they get a top 3 pick next year.  Yes Philly gets to tank again because they have Lebron to be the great hope and official Spokesperson For the Future.  Brilliant. 

Chicago gets a nice package for Butler.  Cleveland rolls with age-appropritate buds Irving, Butler and Love, not to mention Noel and Embiid.

Sixers Roster

Tyson Chandler. Dimond Stone or Zubac, etc..
Simmons, Saric
Lebron, Saric
Stauskas
ISh, Wade Baldwin/Dem. Jackson/Caris Levert, etc...     

As I said, minimal effort from Lebron next year just a lot of teaching.  Lottery again. 
Or maybe I"m wrong, maybe there's a stud veteran PG who could join Lebron, Chanlder, Simmons and Saric for decent record, but I really think Lebron should just have a year by the pool.

edit:  not only another great draft choice in 2017, but an amazing free agent buffet to choose from.  Lebron could wrestle Colangelo for who to pick in 2017 and who to sign with him and Simmons..In two years they'd be better than Cleveland is now for sure.

I can think of few things in the basketball world that would shock me more than Lebron leaving to go to Philly.

are you a Philly fan? not meant as an attack. Im genuinely curious. Thats the only way I could see you really entertaining this as a possibility.

Don't be silly about my silly idea.  Philly fan?  This isn't so hot for them to be honest.  In two years Lebron's age will really start to show. 

A flexible mind can do all kinds of ideas in a short span, especially with coffee.  Loosen up bro.

[jpotter33]

I still don't think a Kyrie for Paul trade happens. Why would Doc do it? Sure Kyrie is younger, but he's not near the player as Paul right now and he's shown that he has serious limitations on the defensive side of the ball.

I still think Love is the fall guy this summer, and I REALLY think Melo would be an even worse option than Love at 4. Perhaps we can get Love on the cheap now. Imagine a trio of Durant, Love, and Horford, though you'd have to make those moves strategically to make it work cap-wise I think.

[greenhead85]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

[jpotter33]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

A Kyrie for Westbrook might legitimately make both teams worse. Westbrook is an even worse fit offensively in Cleveland because he doesn't provide the shooting for Kyrie, though he'd still be an upgrade defensively. For OKC, Kyrie is still a horrible fit due to being so ball dominant AND providing less defense.

[wiley]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

A Kyrie for Westbrook might legitimately make both teams worse. Westbrook is an even worse fit offensively in Cleveland because he doesn't provide the shooting for Kyrie, though he'd still be an upgrade defensively. For OKC, Kyrie is still a horrible fit due to being so ball dominant AND providing less defense.

I don't think the Thunder would do it...not even if the Cavs through in Love.

[Csfan1984]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

Ya may be on to something. Westbrook, Ibaka, Nick, and  Singler for Irving and Love would makes sense if KD jumps ship. OKC then at least has two stars locked in for 4 years and dumps some contracts it doesn't need. Even if LeBron and Westbrook doesn't fit well it also means Cavs are in play for KD if they can dump more $.

[JohnBoy65]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

That's exactly what Kyrie doesn't do, and what the problem is in Cleveland. They need a PG like Chris Paul who, can score when needed, and direct/run an offense. Kyrie isn't doing that, and what makes you think he'd do it in OKC?

[wiley]

working man's Cav's fixer:
The Cavs need some grit, some IQ, and some length on the wing.

Love to Suns for Tyson Chandler, PJ Tucker and pick 13.
Irving to Sacramento for Rudy Gay, Ben Mac, pick 59 and future first.

free agency:  Rondo

Rondo, Dem. Jackson or Wade Baldwin (pick 13 select the better Curry defender of these two)
JR Smith, Tucker, Ben Mac
Gay, Lebron, Tucker, Danuel House (pick59)
Lebron, Gay
TC, TT, Moz.

2 ball handlers on floor at all times.  You can see King James out there jonesing for some IQ around him, so he allows Rondo, who he respects, to take the ball (until end of games).  Which allows him to rest as he pursues 7 straight finals appearances..Tucker is tough, Chandler is tough, Rondo is tough.  Gay has length.  Better team than now.


SAC:                     
Irving, Collison
Bellinelli
Casspi
WCS
Cousins
Plus  Hield, Bender, Brown or Chriss from the draft. 


Suns:

Bledsoe
Knight, Booker
Warren, Booker
Love
Len

etc..

[jpotter33]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

Ya may be on to something. Westbrook, Ibaka, Nick, and  Singler for Irving and Love would makes sense if KD jumps ship. OKC then at least has two stars locked in for 4 years and dumps some contracts it doesn't need. Even if LeBron and Westbrook doesn't fit well it also means Cavs are in play for KD if they can dump more $.

Honestly, Westbrook is nearly worth Love AND Kyrie by himself, let alone with Ibaka. If Durant leaves, then I FULLY expect them to trade Westbrook to the Lakers for a King's ransom, something like Russell, Randle, and #2 pick.

[jpotter33]

working man's Cav's fixer:
The Cavs need some grit, some IQ, and some length on the wing.

Love to Suns for Tyson Chandler, PJ Tucker and pick 13.
Irving to Sacramento for Rudy Gay, Ben Mac, pick 59 and future first.

free agency:  Rondo

Rondo, Dem. Jackson or Wade Baldwin (pick 13 select the better Curry defender of these two)
JR Smith, Tucker, Ben Mac
Gay, Lebron, Tucker, Danuel House (pick59)
Lebron, Gay
TC, TT, Moz.

2 ball handlers on floor at all times.  You can see King James out there jonesing for some IQ around him, so he allows Rondo, who he respects, to take the ball (until end of games).  Which allows him to rest as he pursues 7 straight finals appearances..Tucker is tough, Chandler is tough, Rondo is tough.  Gay has length.  Better team than now.


SAC:                     
Irving, Collison
Bellinelli
Casspi
WCS
Cousins
Plus  Hield, Bender, Brown or Chriss from the draft. 


Suns:

Bledsoe
Knight, Booker
Warren, Booker
Love
Len

etc..

Great trades for Sacramento and Phoenix, but horrible trades for Cleveland. Rondo is an even worse fit than Kyrie, because he's even more ball-dominant than Kyrie without the shooting. He's even just as bad defensively anymore. Rondo would never work on a team with Lebron, because Lebron should have the ball in his hands 60-70% of the time.

[wiley]

working man's Cav's fixer:
The Cavs need some grit, some IQ, and some length on the wing.

Love to Suns for Tyson Chandler, PJ Tucker and pick 13.
Irving to Sacramento for Rudy Gay, Ben Mac, pick 59 and future first.

free agency:  Rondo

Rondo, Dem. Jackson or Wade Baldwin (pick 13 select the better Curry defender of these two)
JR Smith, Tucker, Ben Mac
Gay, Lebron, Tucker, Danuel House (pick59)
Lebron, Gay
TC, TT, Moz.

2 ball handlers on floor at all times.  You can see King James out there jonesing for some IQ around him, so he allows Rondo, who he respects, to take the ball (until end of games).  Which allows him to rest as he pursues 7 straight finals appearances..Tucker is tough, Chandler is tough, Rondo is tough.  Gay has length.  Better team than now.


SAC:                     
Irving, Collison
Bellinelli
Casspi
WCS
Cousins
Plus  Hield, Bender, Brown or Chriss from the draft. 


Suns:

Bledsoe
Knight, Booker
Warren, Booker
Love
Len

etc..

Great trades for Sacramento and Phoenix, but horrible trades for Cleveland. Rondo is an even worse fit than Kyrie, because he's even more ball-dominant than Kyrie without the shooting. He's even just as bad defensively anymore. Rondo would never work on a team with Lebron, because Lebron should have the ball in his hands 60-70% of the time.

I think Rondo is more adaptable then people think and that his IQ in the post season is invaluable.  When he has great players to pass to his greatness shows (think Lebron cutting to basket).  And the Cavs I would think would be thrilled to get Chandler, Tucker and the 13th pick...

[Csfan1984]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

Ya may be on to something. Westbrook, Ibaka, Nick, and  Singler for Irving and Love would makes sense if KD jumps ship. OKC then at least has two stars locked in for 4 years and dumps some contracts it doesn't need. Even if LeBron and Westbrook doesn't fit well it also means Cavs are in play for KD if they can dump more $.

Honestly, Westbrook is nearly worth Love AND Kyrie by himself, let alone with Ibaka. If Durant leaves, then I FULLY expect them to trade Westbrook to the Lakers for a King's ransom, something like Russell, Randle, and #2 pick.

That is a Knicks type move. Lakers have the salary If I was them Russell for Russell straight swap or nothing. They should have np waiting for FA as they are rumored to already be top on Westbrook destination list.

[jpotter33]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

Ya may be on to something. Westbrook, Ibaka, Nick, and  Singler for Irving and Love would makes sense if KD jumps ship. OKC then at least has two stars locked in for 4 years and dumps some contracts it doesn't need. Even if LeBron and Westbrook doesn't fit well it also means Cavs are in play for KD if they can dump more $.

Honestly, Westbrook is nearly worth Love AND Kyrie by himself, let alone with Ibaka. If Durant leaves, then I FULLY expect them to trade Westbrook to the Lakers for a King's ransom, something like Russell, Randle, and #2 pick.

That is a Knicks type move. Lakers have the salary If I was them Russell for Russell straight swap or nothing. They should have np waiting for FA as they are rumored to already be top on Westbrook destination list.

It's exactly the type of move these Lakers would do, though, because they want to be a playoff contender this year and don't want to hand over a good pick to Philadelphia next year. It also makes sense since they would then be able to keep his Bird rights (I think) and lock him up long-term for the most money. They'd almost have to do it, too, because you'd have a ton of people offering HUGE deals for a player of Westbrook's caliber.

Hell, for argument's sake, let's say that Durant signed with us this summer. If the Lakers only offered Russell in a trade hoping to wait it out for free agency, the C's could come in and offer Smart, Crowder, #3, and more to tip the scales in our favor. So, yeah, I think the Lakers are going to have to overpay for him no matter what if they want to ultimately ensure that they lock him up long term.

[Csfan1984]

Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving. RW's game complements Lebron's game better than Kyrie. RW's fast-paced offense is better suited to Lebron's. Kyrie on the other hand could concentrate on directing plays and involving everyone. KD becomes the primary offensive threat and Kyrie would be the one to fill in the needs of a true PG.

Or, if Dan Gilbert is done with Lebron. He could maybe talk to OKC for a Lebron - Durant swap.

Ya may be on to something. Westbrook, Ibaka, Nick, and  Singler for Irving and Love would makes sense if KD jumps ship. OKC then at least has two stars locked in for 4 years and dumps some contracts it doesn't need. Even if LeBron and Westbrook doesn't fit well it also means Cavs are in play for KD if they can dump more $.

Honestly, Westbrook is nearly worth Love AND Kyrie by himself, let alone with Ibaka. If Durant leaves, then I FULLY expect them to trade Westbrook to the Lakers for a King's ransom, something like Russell, Randle, and #2 pick.

That is a Knicks type move. Lakers have the salary If I was them Russell for Russell straight swap or nothing. They should have np waiting for FA as they are rumored to already be top on Westbrook destination list.

It's exactly the type of move these Lakers would do, though, because they want to be a playoff contender this year and don't want to hand over a good pick to Philadelphia next year. It also makes sense since they would then be able to keep his Bird rights (I think) and lock him up long-term for the most money. They'd almost have to do it, too, because you'd have a ton of people offering HUGE deals for a player of Westbrook's caliber.

Hell, for argument's sake, let's say that Durant signed with us this summer. If the Lakers only offered Russell in a trade hoping to wait it out for free agency, the C's could come in and offer Smart, Crowder, #3, and more to tip the scales in our favor. So, yeah, I think the Lakers are going to have to overpay for him no matter what if they want to ultimately ensure that they lock him up long term.

Well Smart, Crowder and 3 may actually be better in their eyes than Russell, Ingram and Randle. Given intangibles and current levels on play Smart, Crowder and Bender may be the better trio