The team in 2010

[JSD]

If the Cavs can't resign Lebron I believe they are worst setup for 2011.

If they can't resign James that franchise is set back 7 years or longer.

[Edgar]

One problem guys, Wade is not under contract with the Heat in 2010.

but he will with 44 millions and another all star

lebron+Wade in their prime = championship

Actually, part of that $44 million will need to be used toward Wade.

22 and 22 + beasley + celtics strategy towards old cheap FA = championship

[CelticPride18]

What is the highest amount Wade will command out of the 44 mill, would it be around like 25 mill ?

[the_Bird]

So, the cap space number listed for Cleveland - is that considering the money that has to go to LeBron?  If they can't get LeBron back in order, that team is toast.  If they CAN re-sign LeBron, are they going to have much of anything left to pursue anyone else?

[CelticPride18]

I'm not sure if Lebron would take a discount to play with Wade, maybe.  I'm read somewhere he wants to become the first billionaire in the NBA, sorry... no source.

[JSD]

So, the cap space number listed for Cleveland - is that considering the money that has to go to LeBron?  If they can't get LeBron back in order, that team is toast.  If they CAN re-sign LeBron, are they going to have much of anything left to pursue anyone else?

That number doesn't include Lebron as he's not under contract. However, even if the Cavs were over the cap they'd be able to resign James by exercising his bird rights.

So no, they will not have much to sign anyone else. Hence my "Danny Ferry is an idiot" rant.

[CelticPride18]

Bird, I'm going to help you get your 100 TPs today.

[JSD]

What is the highest amount Wade will command out of the 44 mill, would it be around like 25 mill ?

I believe it's somewhere between $17-$20 million with 10% annual raises. Enough Money for another max guy and an MLE type guy. Plus all the league minimums they can bring in.

[JSD]

One problem guys, Wade is not under contract with the Heat in 2010.

but he will with 44 millions and another all star

lebron+Wade in their prime = championship

Actually, part of that $44 million will need to be used toward Wade.

22 and 22 + beasley + celtics strategy towards old cheap FA = championship

Yup, something like this would put them in great shape.

[the_Bird]

So, the cap space number listed for Cleveland - is that considering the money that has to go to LeBron?  If they can't get LeBron back in order, that team is toast.  If they CAN re-sign LeBron, are they going to have much of anything left to pursue anyone else?

That number doesn't include Lebron as he's not under contract. However, even if the Cavs were over the cap they'd be able to resign James by exercising his bird rights.

So no, they will not have much to sign anyone else. Hence my "Danny Ferry is an idiot" rant.

That's what I though, just making sure it was an apples-to-apples comparison with the figures for the Heat. 

Issue with Cleveland is that if LeBron DOES sign in New York, what good's that cap space going to do them?  I can't see them convincing one of the other elite 2010 free agents to come to Cleveland.  Why?  For the snow?  To live in a depressing city?  To play with a bunch of role players that would probably win 30 games by themselves?  To smell the decomposition of Shaquile O'Neal? 

If LeBron signs elsewhere, all that cap space will do is let Danny Ferry sign some other Tier III "star" to a contract they don't deserve and that the team will regret offering by December.  Without LeBron, they'll blow the team up; they'll be tanking the season before training camp.

[JSD]

So, the cap space number listed for Cleveland - is that considering the money that has to go to LeBron?  If they can't get LeBron back in order, that team is toast.  If they CAN re-sign LeBron, are they going to have much of anything left to pursue anyone else?

That number doesn't include Lebron as he's not under contract. However, even if the Cavs were over the cap they'd be able to resign James by exercising his bird rights.

So no, they will not have much to sign anyone else. Hence my "Danny Ferry is an idiot" rant.

That's what I though, just making sure it was an apples-to-apples comparison with the figures for the Heat. 

Issue with Cleveland is that if LeBron DOES sign in New York, what good's that cap space going to do them?  I can't see them convincing one of the other elite 2010 free agents to come to Cleveland.  Why?  For the snow?  To live in a depressing city?  To play with a bunch of role players that would probably win 30 games by themselves?  To smell the decomposition of Shaquile O'Neal? 

If LeBron signs elsewhere, all that cap space will do is let Danny Ferry sign some other Tier III "star" to a contract they don't deserve and that the team will regret offering by December.  Without LeBron, they'll blow the team up; they'll be tanking the season before training camp.

I think you analyzed that pretty nicely. Although, Shaq isn't on the Books either in 2010.

[CelticPride18]

The heat would be scary with Lebron and Wade, plus Beasley (depending on mental health) Chalmers and Cook.  They could probably easily pickup solid vet bigs who are looking for a ring.  Also, someone mentioned it up above, Miami is the ideal location for any NBA player.

[the_Bird]

Just wait; Shaq will start whining for an extension before the All Star break.  If the team gets off to a good start, he'll use that leverage to get himself paid for another two years.  People conveniently forget about Shaq's role in the Kobe/Shaq split, how much complaining he was doing about not getting an extension and how he pretty much forced his way out of town.  If he has a decent start to the season, the team's in first place, and they look like they could win it all - he'll use that leverage to squeeze another $15M or $20M from ownership for two years.

[JSD]

Just wait; Shaq will start whining for an extension before the All Star break.  If the team gets off to a good start, he'll use that leverage to get himself paid for another two years.  People conveniently forget about Shaq's role in the Kobe/Shaq split, how much complaining he was doing about not getting an extension and how he pretty much forced his way out of town.  If he has a decent start to the season, the team's in first place, and they look like they could win it all - he'll use that leverage to squeeze another $15M or $20M from ownership for two years.

Yeah, I don't see it happening at this stage of his career. I'm sure Ferry let him know that there would be no talk of extension until after his contract expires and they know the fate of Lebron.

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

Two words: SOUTH BEACH.

Clearly Miami... do not underestimate how much allure this has to NBA players.  Especially when they have the potential to team up with DWade.

I was looking for this line of reasoning... The most cap space coupled with the single most attractive city to play in league-wide to mean spells out great things for Miami, provided of course they don't screw it up.