Prove me wrong

[MMacOH]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

[Roy Hobbs]

1.  I don't think Lebron cares that much about money, compared to the chance to enhance his legacy with championships.  There are other, better options for that in other cities;

2.  Lebron will probably get a 6 year deal in a sign-and-trade anyway, because if Lebron makes it clear that he's leaving, Cleveland isn't going to be stupid / stubborn.  They'll take the compensation.

3.  Yes, Lebron cares about image, but that image will be quickly repaired by championships.  Do people really look down upon Shaq for leaving Orlando for LA?  I don't think so.

[BballTim]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

[MMacOH]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

[Roy Hobbs]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate).  

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

Salaries don't have to match perfectly if Chicago is under the cap (which they are).

Even if they did have to match, keep in mind that salaries only would have to be within 125% + $100k of one another, meaning that Deng + Taj Gibson would probably work fine.  But again, they don't have to match.

Lastly, Chicago doesn't have to take back any salary at all.  They could just sign-and-trade Lebron for draft picks and a huge trade exception, much like Seattle did with Rashard Lewis.  What's the downside for them?

[MMacOH]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

Salaries don't have to match perfectly if Chicago is under the cap (which they are).

True, but Deng is grossly overpaid for what he is and the Cavs would be looking to clear cap space to build their team around a franchise player.  Loul Deng is not a franchise player and will never be confused with a franchise player.  The Bulls could try and add all the draft picks thy wanted to that deal and it wouldn't matter as well.  What good is a very late first round draft pick? 

If the Cavs were to do a sign and trade with Lebron it would not be with the Bulls.  Now the Nets on the other hand, they may consider it there.  The Nets have lots of young talent and a top lottery pick this year.

[dark_lord]

who cares about lefraud shames?!

[BballTim]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

  What's your ultimate plan for the team? To offload all of the players ASAP, suck for 6-8 years and build up a 50 win team through a bunch of high draft picks? I'd think that you could either try and stay in the playoffs (where Deng might help) or trade him to another team for picks/prospects. You could also probably pick up a couple of draft picks from whoever you sign and trade with. Of course you're never going to get a player like Rose but teams usually make it worth your while.

[BballTim]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

Salaries don't have to match perfectly if Chicago is under the cap (which they are).

True, but Deng is grossly overpaid for what he is and the Cavs would be looking to clear cap space to build their team around a franchise player. 

  What franchise player? You'll have to eventually hope you can get one through the draft and he pans out.

[MMacOH]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate). 

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

  What's your ultimate plan for the team? To offload all of the players ASAP, suck for 6-8 years and build up a 50 win team through a bunch of high draft picks? I'd think that you could either try and stay in the playoffs (where Deng might help) or trade him to another team for picks/prospects. You could also probably pick up a couple of draft picks from whoever you sign and trade with. Of course you're never going to get a player like Rose but teams usually make it worth your while.

You need superstars to win in this league and not just one (think of what the Celtics were when they just had Pierce).  The Cavs would need to get a superstar back in any deal concernig Lebron or they are better off freeing up the cap space for free agents in the future.  Luol Deng is not worth the money he is paid.  The Cavs would be foolish to take on his contract.

Like I said, a sign and trade with Nets for their lottery pick and some of their oung talent makes sense, a sign and trade for Luol Deng only helps the Bulls.

[BballTim]

If you can rationally respond to this and prove me wrong then please do (I always love to debate).  

Lebron is staying with the Cavs.  

Everyone knows the new CBA that will be put into effect is going to lower salaries (most likely significantly) going forward.  Lebron is in position to take a max contract for 6 years that would pay him 30 million more than any other team could.  He will take a max year contract (as compared to the 3 year he usually does) because of the lower salary the new CBA will most likely provide.  He is going to sign the contract the Cavs can offer due to financial benefit it will provide.

Also, Lebron is extremely concerned about his image.  Leaving the Cavs after his weak effort in the playoffs will ruin his reputation.  It will make him look like he quit on his team and his home town.  It would add justification to the rumors that he made up his elbow injury to facilitate his move from the Cavs.  This would really tarnish his reputation and marketability which is not what Lebron is about.

Finally, to anyone who thinks the Cavs are going to sign and trade Lebron, that just isn't going to happen.  The Cavs will not give him the best of both worlds.  If Lebron wants to leave he is going to have to leave money on the table and turn his back on the team.  The Cavs organization will not aid his departure in any way through a sign and trade.

ESPN has 6 more weeks to milk this little media spectacle they have created but in the end Lebron is going to be a Cav next year.

  Rationally speaking, none of your points can be proven right or wrong.

  One proposal of the CBA that I heard had the new salary restrictions being applied to current contracts, so he might not avoid any financial hits from the CBA by signing now.

  Also, I wouldn't put much stock in your "the Cavs won't do a sign and trade" stance. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. I heard a rumor that Chicago might offer Deng in a sign and trade for future (or possibly current) salary flexibility. If that were the case, would Cleveland refuse? How would they explain to their fans that they passed on a chance to get Deng for nothing in a spiteful maneuver to cost LeBron money? And how do you think all of the agents would like such an idea?

Concerning sign and trades:

It's not getting Deng for nothing, it is getting Deng and whoever else equals 16 million in salary onto the Cavs who would clearly be rebuilding if Lebron left.  Do I want to add 16 million in salary to a team that is already over the cap for a good role player?  No.  No chance at all the Cavs want that.  The Cavs will be gutting salary and repositioning to build from the ground up.  You want to send the Cavs Rose, then we can talk sign and trade.  The Cavs aren't going to take on massive salary for players who aren't franchise players just so Lebron can get his max money.  End of story.  It's smart business not acting out of spite.

  What's your ultimate plan for the team? To offload all of the players ASAP, suck for 6-8 years and build up a 50 win team through a bunch of high draft picks? I'd think that you could either try and stay in the playoffs (where Deng might help) or trade him to another team for picks/prospects. You could also probably pick up a couple of draft picks from whoever you sign and trade with. Of course you're never going to get a player like Rose but teams usually make it worth your while.

You need superstars to win in this league and not just one (think of what the Celtics were when they just had Pierce).  The Cavs would need to get a superstar back in any deal concernig Lebron or they are better off freeing up the cap space for free agents in the future.  Luol Deng is not worth the money he is paid.  The Cavs would be foolish to take on his contract.

Like I said, a sign and trade with Nets for their lottery pick and some of their oung talent makes sense, a sign and trade for Luol Deng only helps the Bulls.

  The Nets are unlikely to give up their lottery pick to get James, but they might offer a couple of future picks. That may or may not be more valuable depending on what you think Deng's value is, and it's likely that Chicago would throw in a pick or two as well.

  And, obviously, you aren't getting a superstar back in a sign and trade for James.

[Greenbean]

Lebron needs to win to justify his reputation as the best player in the world. He has the opportunity to go to a couple of teams that have a great young nucleus (Chicago namely) and a vacant coaching seat.

It's not like Cleveland can say, hey if we get Phil Jackson to come coach here, would you stay? There are plenty of other teams that can do the same thing with a better cap situation and better core group of players.

Also, leaving will not ruin his reputation. It didn't ruin KG's. Kevin has actually said that he should have left earlier.

Also, he would certainly leave money on the table to go to another team as he has to know his wealth will only increase with championships. He has to see that the Cavs team is not built for future success. They cant even get any kind of continuity because of all their panic trades and signings. Is there any other team that turns its roster over more often than this team? They spent themselves into a big hole. Lebron has the chance to go play with a couple of future HOF's in D. Rose and D Wade...maybe Chris Bosh if a team like NY can sign both.

He knows what it is going to take to win a championship, and he has to have seen this year that Cleveland did the best they could but just could not surround him with enough talent to win it all.

[jambr380]

If the team trading for Lebron is giving up a very good player, then I don't see why Lebron agrees to a sign and trade. Wouldn't he want his future team to be as good as possible? I know he may get a little more money with a S+T, but championships mean a WHOLE lot more to this guy and one player can make a difference.

[Roy Hobbs]

If the team trading for Lebron is giving up a very good player, then I don't see why Lebron agrees to a sign and trade. Wouldn't he want his future team to be as good as possible? I know he may get a little more money with a S+T, but championships mean a WHOLE lot more to this guy and one player can make a difference.

Well, if they can get rid of Deng's salary, Chicago could potentially sign another free agent (Bosh, Johnson, etc.), which would improve them even more.

[Mr October]

I think it really comes down to what the other superstar free agents are thinking. If Bosh wants to go to NY, then I think Lebron joins him.

Lebron wants fame above all. I think he also wants to win, make money and play with a fellow true all star.

After this past season, I am convinced that Cleveland is not as close to winning a title as we originally thought. Chicago would be a slight talent upgrade, as well as a spotlight upgrade - but not enough I think to warrant leaving Cleveland.

I just have a feeling it will really come down to what the other stars want to do. And I am sure they are all talking.