Really Big Shoe

You are joking about the Bulls, right? Like many others I'm amazed they've done this. I love D Wade and he's been a fantastic player over the past 13 years but the Bulls signing him was the dumbest thing they've done since spending big on a washed up Big Ben Wallace in 06. It seems to me they thought about tanking and then got cold feet and panicked and spunked their load on Wade. Which would have been amazing, in 2010. Tom Thibodeau must be laughing his nuts off. They've now got the worst 3 point shooting team in the entire organisation, the floor spacing is going to be a mess, they're chasing 44 wins and 8th seed if they're lucky. Not one of their starters shoots over 35% from deep, even worse they've got Rajon fucking Rondo as their starting point guard on a guaranteed 2 year deal. Honestly, you couldn't make this up, this is Knicks levels of incompetence. 

 

The real winner here is Lebron James, again. Lost in the mix of all this, the Cavs picked up Mike Dunleavy. Another sharpshooter to add to their ranks. They've got nothing to sweat in the East, again.

 

Also, fuck Kevin Durant. What a bitch move that was, i hope the Spurs meet them and send them packing.

The Bulls had to do something to placate their fanbase. Signing one of their own with a known pedigree and with 3 rings to boot doesn't really sound like a dumb move to me. Did they pay too much, yes, but with the amount of jersey's they'll shift and with increased ticket sales and such they'll not go broke with the deal. I mean without a D-Wade I don't see many Chicagoians turning up just to see Jimmy Butler. I mean he's a very good player but he's not a elite level franchise type player like a Dwayne Wade is. Rajon Rondo at one time was one of the most coveted point guards in the NBA and whilst he has fallen from grace if, and if it's a big if, he gets his head on straight and everything does gel together and that was my point. I didn't say we should gift wrap the NBA championship and send it to the United Center. It's a similar scenario in New York where the Knicks have gone for an all or nothing scenario where it could implode along the way if D-Rose gets injured etc. But it's another case where if it works, they could make an impact in the East. The Eastern conference is one which unlike the West, it's hyper competitive but if the Bulls and Knicks do step up and again if's a huge if, then Cleveland will have some competition and it won't be a cakewalk for them. Thats the point I was making. As for KD, he wants a ring and I'm sure in a similar position most folks would go to the #1 place they will achieve that goal. If he had re-signed with OKC and they fell again in the Western conference finals he'd be known as a nearly man again. So whilst I'd have liked to have seen him and Russ together a little longer in Oklahoma and try to push the Warriors out of the picture, I don't begrudge him moving to the Bay Area in search of a NBA championship. So I wouldn't call it a bitch move, more of a the smartest move he could possibly make right now. He wants a ring and outside of the Cavs the #1 place you'd have a chance of achieving one is with the Warriors. But who knows, maybe the GSW will implode again in the finals and Cleveland have their name on the Championship again. They might not even make the finals either if a dark horse team derails them along the way. It's been a crazy post season so far so nothing will surprise me in the NBA next season.

Yea the Bulls if it all gels will be a threat in the East now. Whats interesting about the Heat's recruitment was that they were just focusing on mentioning Chris Bosh returning and Spo being the coach. So maybe they knew really that D-Wade was leaving. Right now they will be reeling against the ropes. It's a huge blow for them to lose their franchise player and the integral part of the team which along with Shaq brought them their first championship and the two championships with Bron & CB4. They've signed Hassan Whiteside to a 4 year deal now but in more bad news for them,Tyler Johnson has signed a 4 year, 50m offer sheet with the Nets: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--nets-sign-tyler-johnson-to--50m-offer-sheet-065909040.htmlAs the article says they have 3 days to match that offer. So Miami's team is diminshing and Pat Riley needs to pull off something huge to make the Miami fans happy after losing D-Wade. Only if they manage to work out a deal for say Russell Westbrook would their cloud have a silver lining, but apparently there's more chance of him turning up in LA for the Lakers.

Confirmed: Dwayne Wade to the Bulls

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--dwyane-wade-plans-to-join-bulls-014821600.html

 

Liking the new look Chicago, Rajon at PG, Jimmy Butler and D-Wade at SG. Ray Allen coming out of retirement isn't a surprise. I actually won't be surprised if Kobe suits up again and comes back in the near future. I saw the Melo tweet too but i'm guessing thats in reference to the Team USA basketball team. Can't see Melo going to the Cavs, or vice-versa with LeBron to the Knicks. Also there's a story that LBJ's agent has confirmed he's resigned with Cleveland but I haven't found 100% confirmation on that yet.

The D Wade to Cavs talk has been shut down apparently LeBron isn't trying to recruit him and they could only offer $3.5m veterans minimum. Russell to the Cavaliers on paper would be a great move but like you say they don't have much to offer outside of Kevin Love. Personally I wouldn't give up Kyrie and K Love for Russ and I think he's an elite level player but the sky is the limit for Irving now. Going back to the Lakers point, they apparently are interested and are thinking of trading DAngelo Russell for him. But outside of GSW and Cleveland it's going to be difficult for him to be on a team that will be in the hunt for a championship. Kobe's spoke before that he sees alot of himself in Russell Westbrook but I don't know how if he can become a franchise player like Bryant was and he doesn't have a Shaq or Pau alongside him. He'd have Mosgov and Deng but I don't know if they could go up against teams in the West like the Spurs, GSW et AL and their best hope would be a low playoff seeding, say at #7 or #8. LA should try and get draft picks for next season's draft and the 2017 draft class is reported to be talent stacked so I'd go into rebuild mode after acquiring some top draft picks, that is unless the Russell Westbrook trade goes through then you find the right players to complement him.

From what I've read Dwayne wants $50m over two years and Cleveland can only offer around $3.5m and I can't see Wade coming in to play for a mid level exception so that would need to force Cleveland's hand into trading Love.Mixed sources saying he's cancelled meetings with other teams, so far he has spoke to the Bulls and Nuggets. Bucks meeting is rumored too they are willing to meet his asking price. If Wade does come in and they manage to bring in Russ too then they'd be almost unstoppable. But only Paul Pierce, NBA fan forums and us have entertained the Westbrook to Cleveland rumor. I'd like to see it come to fruition though.

Not sure if it would work, but how about....Kevin Love and something else to OKC for Westbrook. Then D-Wade signs with the Cavs too? He's apparantly meeting with them today.

K Love and maybe JR Smith to OKC for Russ but I think you'd have to go for Love and Irving since he'd be behind Russell in the rotation where he should be a starter. Dwaynes a free agent so Cleveland dont have to give Miami anything in return and yep he's rumored to be meeting with Dan Gilbert today. I'd imagine if they sign Wade they'll have to make another trade or waive somebody to make that all work under the cap space if the Russell Westbrook coming to Cavs does happen. Maybe Shumpert but he'd be #2 choice for Small Forward behind LeBron and they need quality backup players too, unless LBJ moved to power forward. The Cavs only SG on their roster I believe is Pointer, so Dwayne would be a massive upgrade. But if Cleveland do manage to have Westbrook, James and Wade on their roster I think we are looking at a threepeat of the Cavaliers vs Warriors NBA final series again.

AJ has improved greatly on the mic since he was in TNA. One of the best talkers right now and I think it he's pushed correctly Enzo could be their next breakout star.

It is Curtis Axel, he was on the Japan tour. The one in the blue kimono must be Dolph as he was in Tokyo.

 

Pau Gasol has signed a 2 year deal for the Spurs, Yahoo Sports stating that Big Tim is close to retiring, I wonder where that will leave Manu and Tony?. Are San Antonio in rebuild mode now meaning do they trade Parker and Ginobilli?.

 

Manu has said he's back for another season. I think he'll retire after this one. It's interesting that this KD move could see more teams choose to go into rebuild, but I hope that's not the case. Next year's draft though, is supposedly one of the most loaded in years. I don't want to see a race to the bottom though.

 

I actually think that the East is going to be brilliant this season. It's gotten so much better in the off season.

 

Will be sad to see Tim go if he does retire, but he's had a great career. One of the best and a true class act.

 

I think with more cap space available, it means teams can move players around via trades and bring in more upper echelon level players to work together. Which like I mentioned before we've seen new Big 3's pop up on other teams. I heard good things about next years draft too, if Boston had 8 picks for that draft class I think they'd have kept majority of them. The east should be much more competitive next season for sure. The Knicks will be the team to watch, Cleveland will be leading the pack, I'm wondering how Miami will deal with losing D-Wade (if thats still a possibility) and whether Chris Bosh returns. Also you have sleeper teams like the Raptors who stepped up to the plate so yea, East should be competitive. I'd be sad to see Tim Duncan leave too, I found an old basketball magazine I had a while back and he's on the cover and it's his rookie season so that must have been from 1997, so he's played almost 20 years and I remember seeing him and David Robinson dominate the court which resulted in championships. His shoes will be huge to fill when he retires as like you say he's had a great career and above all he's a true class act too.

 

 

I don't really see the ball-sharing thing being an issue. They appear to be a pretty unselfish team, so adding KD shouldn't be a factor.

 

I hope that OKC are still great because Russ vs. KD in the Playoffs will be craaaazy!

 

Oh and you can book OKC-Warriors for a Christmas Day game!

 

We'll see, I think the Warriors game is more 3 point based offense and whilst he can shoot the 3, its not really his strongest point. So thats the point about the offense needing adapting. They are unselfish but it's you know how they would give up shots, do they go for a three whilst KD's open in the paint, that kinda deal. KD vs Russ in the playoffs will be something to see, from what I've read both seem to be on good terms still so I don't think they'd be too in each others faces, but we'll see again. If Russell stays and like it's been said he's now wanting a trade, then for sure book OKC v GSW as the Christmas day game. I think otherwise we might see the Knicks vs Cavs. As for trades, it'll be very interesting to see where Westbrook ends up. Like I've mentioned do the Cavs make a powerplay for him with Kyrie agreeing to play backup point, do they trade Irving, or does somebody like the Heat go for him to placate Dwayne Wade, then you've got Wade, Bosh (if he does return) and Westbrook and that's another team to watch. Dragic could stay as backup PG or they trade him, so all in all, thats another potential big 3.

Pau Gasol has signed a 2 year deal for the Spurs, Yahoo Sports stating that Big Tim is close to retiring, I wonder where that will leave Manu and Tony?. Are San Antonio in rebuild mode now meaning do they trade Parker and Ginobilli?.

Also, do we think Westbrook now gets traded? Or demands a trade?

He's now the #1 guy in OKC and he can use that leverage to his advantage. Paul Pierce been tweeting about getting Russ to the Cavs but they have Kyrie at Point Guard and unless he's willing to be a backup PG as it's likely Tyrone Lue would want to play Russell Westbrook as starting point guard and I don't think Kyrie Irving would agree to limited minutes and being a backup where he could go to a team and be in the starting line up. Unless OKC trades Westbrook for Irving but again you'd be giving up a good player who will elevate his game to an already finished product. I think Irving will get better and playing alongside LeBron and now with a ring you have that winning mentality ingrained within you now. I think if Cleveland want to create a dynasty you use LeBron as the foundation but you must have young talented players to complement him and when LeBron leaves/retires you have Irving to step in his shoes to be the franchise player. But to answer the question, I'm saying right now OKC will do everything in their power to keep their most valuable team asset now. He might demand a trade but that depends on what the Thunders assurances are. If the promised him KD would stay etc then he'll be rightly be questioning his future with Oklahoma. But on the other hand they might have already had this deal worked out and he's fine with the new replacements. As it's been noted he's a free agent after next season and I'd imagine his value will skyrocket if he leads OKC into the playoffs on his own merits. As for the KD to the GSW deal, I'm still figuring out how he will fit into the mix since it's essentially the Splash Brothers show with guest appearances by Draymond and co. GSW should have gone with a solid defensive minded player and let Thompson and Curry focus on getting points. In OKC Durant is the guy along with Westbrook but now he's the 3rd, arguably the 4th important player on the roster. He could be in the Chris Bosh position of their Big 3 where his game suffers and his points etc go down as he transitions into more of a team player role. I don't know how this will affect the whole team dynamic either do the Splash Brothers incorporate Durant into the offense, do they give up their shots to him, do they play more in the paint instead of on the perimeter?. Should be interesting for sure to see how this all plays out. It could be a masterstroke on the Warriors behalf or it could work out as being a big mistake if they don't gel.

Knicks can't have much cap space available as Rose, Melo and now Joakim Noah are on Big money deals. I guess they'll be bringing in older guys to sign for the vets minimum, unless they are willing to pay luxury tax.

 

Some interesting deals so far, Rondo to the Bulls is a great move especially if they get Wade in to play at SG too. I think if he doesn't resign with Miami then Chicago's the #1 destination. I also wonder whether if Rajon and D Wade sign with the Bulls whether they'll go for KD. It's another opportunity for a Big 3 and unlike the West, the East isn't as difficult to get into a good playoff berth. The Deng deal I'm not sure about. He was good for the Bulls but he's not what you could call a franchise player. I think the Lakers will struggle again unless they land a high quality free agent and I don't think KD would want to go to LA to play with Deng and Mosgov.

Some big money been thrown around on players who are good but not what you'd call elite level. Dwight had the potential to be Shaq 2.0 but he's never really hit the same heights. Atlanta must have faith in him to sign him for $70m+. Does the Delly deal hurt the Cavs? Nope not really because he wasn't really part of their nucleus and they could find a similar guy to fill in for him. He's a good player who contributed but he's not indespensible. Wade talking to the Bucks and Knicks is crazy. If D Wade goes to the Knicks you've got Rose, Wade and Melo on the same team. Melo can play power or small forward but I think as he isn't a huge guy ID play him at SF, you'd have Rose at Point, Wade as a shooting guard and if you upgrade your centre and talks are that'll be Joakim that's an all star level starting lineup. But how are they going to fill the bench? I guess they'll sign some guys to veteran minimums but you need quality in depth too. Jarrett Jack got waived so you could pick him up as backup PG if he excepted the NBAs minimum salary. So all in all, if they get Wade and Noah the Knicks automatically become a contender. They just need to hope Rose stays fit and everyone can coexist on the same team.

The Heat have apparently been touting CB4 as being close to fit and are using his progress to help attract free agency players and they have hopes he will be back for next season. How much of that is spin I don't know but well see. LA Lakers aren't the team they were that's a given but historically they have been great as have been the Celtics. There no Red Auderbach or Phil Jackson on the horizon who can lead them to a new era of greatness but I think if they give him time Luke Walton could and will be a successful coach. Lakers goal now should be to make the playoffs and regardless if they make 8th seed that's still a huge leap in progress. I think the Lakers could have thrown but money at K Love as I think he would be suited to the three point line based offense plus he's from Cali. But I'm guessing they are going with Tim at Centre and bringing in Ingram to work with the other young players. Maybe they aren't the draw they once were but the whole recruiting of free agents and such should be based on making the Lakers great again. I'd imagine if they had Phil on board or Pat as their GM they'd be able to recruit better higher echelon level players. I'm sure when Bron went to Miami Pat Riley sold him on the team and about building a dynasty. I'd imagine Phil's trying to do that with the Knicks.

Mozgov getting paid, surprised the Lakers signed him to such a big deal. Would have made more sense for them to offer big money to say a KD. With Ingram, Clarkson, Swaggy P and if they got a good centre in I think that's a starting unit and one which can grow into a solid team overtime. But if Durant wants a ring I think the ideal place for him to go is the GSW. I think some more big moves will happen before the season begins. The KD to the Wizards story I mean they don't have a bad team, they have John Wall but I think it's a stretch too far for Durant and he'd be leaving a Western conference final team for one which is Playoff quality but I don't think they have the players and the experience to get through to the latter rounds of the Playoffs. One move which could work is Durant to the Clippers or to the Heat if Bosh leaves. But depends upon how they manage to move players around to fit in with the new salary cap.

Lakers aggressively going after Whiteside. Can't see him leaving Miami, but if LA throw enough money at him...

I'm guessing Joakim Noah ends up in NY. He's best pals with Derrick Rose and actually lives there too.

Whiteside is good but it's taking a huge gamble if they spend millions on a player who they want to build a franchise around. I mean if they threw millions at KD that's a guy with a considerable upside. Hassans a little Raw still so he would have to step up big time to be their #1 guy as right now. Could he break out and be a bigger star in LA? I wouldnt doubt it just saying to come from Miami when you were playing with D Wade to a young Lakers squad. I think he'd be an experienced player as he's 27 and being in the league since being drafted by the Kings.

 

I think Joakim could become a Knick. He's out of the starting rotation for the Bulls and he'd be an automatic starter for NY, plus he's best buddies with D Rose so yea that's a strong possibility and the Knicks would have a big 3 of their own and their starting 5 if it fires on all cynclinders might surprise alot of folks.

Danny Ainge couldn't work magic in this draft since there was no new LeBron, Kobe, MJ, Melo et AL, ie a superstar level talent they could have drafted as their #3 pick. Bailing on the proposed Butler trade was a major mistake and one in hindsight might cost him his front office position. If this was a super talent stacked started and they had 8 picks say in the 1998 draft they could have picked up Pierce, KG, Dirk, Bibby, Vinsanity. 1985 had Oakley, Ewing, Mullin and Malone, 2003 had LeBron, D Wade, Melo, Bosh. 84 you had Hakeem, Michael, Sir Charles and Stockton. But if Boston had 8 picks in 96, you had AI, Kobe, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Marbury, Jermaine O Neal and Fish so they could have loaded up with future Hall of Famers. Its way too early to call if there's anyone that could be a all-star or a rookie of the year candidate. US today didn't rank Boston's draft choices too badly in fact and two of their picks were traded away. Some are draft and stash so the player can develop at their current overseas team. Some draft choices in general were a bit scattershot. The 76ers got Ben and I think they can use him to attract a secondary level player to Philly. KD won't go there but maybe they can intice Dwight there or a Pau Gasol and try and build a Playoff level team.

 

The Serge trade is interesting since Ibaka is IMO an integral part of the Thunder, so unless they have a contingency plan in place I think it's more of a retool where they are thinking of getting players in whom they rebuild with. Plus if KD leaves where does it leave Russ? Does he demand a trade or does he stick and they placate him with another big free agency signing or trade. Phil and NY are going all out to recruit Durant but they have to move players around to make that deal possible. If Luke Walton manages to bring in KD that would be a masterstroke but at present there's no one realistically he can say will make them even a top 5 West team. Bringing in Ingram is a wise move but it's asking too much of him to turn their ailing fortunes around. They have cap space so if they manage to land AL Horford that's a start. You already have Clarkson, Swaggy P and now Ingram so there's a young nucleus. I won't be surprised if they manage to bring in K Love if Cleveland let him go. Maybe they bring in AL and trade him for Love, but one thing that could make the West a lock is if KD becomes a Warrior, but again they would have to trade Bogut and move players to make that work. Also what if KD decides to reunite with James Harden and go to Houston?. Also one guy who might pop up in either LA or NY is Dwight. If they can't bring in Durant or Horford respectively then I see them going for Howard. He's like Shaq 2.0 without the championships and ability. Shaq in his prime was a great addition alongside Kobe in LA and with D Wade in Miami. But Dwight hasn't really clicked. Not with Kobe or Harden, so he's another guy who has the ability to be a top player but hasn't really ever stepped up and seems too nice a guy to have that killer instinct that Kobe, Mike and LeBron have. Post NBA season should be intriguing and some states guys might get further moved around or sent to the D League or even overseas. Also anyone know why Davis didn't get traded until way later. Jalen et AL were saying he was a top 5/10 choice at first until he got drafted at #31 in the second round. He's a Grizzly now and said he's gonna play with a chip of his shoulder. I think if he plays with determination and to prove folks wrong a lot of teams like the Celtics et AL might be asking themselves why didnt we draft this guy.

 

Edited for auto correct misspellings

Firstly congrats to LeBron, Kyrie, K Love and the Cavs. Awesome victory for Cleveland, a real fairytale ending for LBJ too.

 

The Rose trade is major and will be even more so if he's fit. I think because of the ACL injury the Bulls wanted him off their roster and wanted something in return before he totally breaks down injury wise. But this could be the worst trade ever for them if Rose, Melo, Porz and they reportedly have around $35m cap space to spend and if they manage to make the playoffs ahead of Chi Town a lot of fingers will be pointed to Bulls management. Watching the draft preview and they were talking about Pau or Joakim going to NY and a starting line up with a fit D-Rose, Melo et AL will be a tough team to beat.

 

Draft lottery is tonight also, despite the GM saying if we pick, Ben Simmons is going to the 76ers. Boston have 8 picks too so they'll be making major moves tonight and id imagine majority of those picks will be traded unless they find the players they want and go from there. Plus new salary cap figure announced in July, meaning teams have more money available to them to accommodate more star players on one team so we could see big 3s pop up on every NBA team now. Even a team with money to spend and willing to pay luxury tax can load up on quality players, so even a big 4 or 5 might emerge dependent on the cap space level and whether players will take a little less to have their own All star esque starting line up. I see that possibly happening with Dallas and with the Lakers. The Lakers have a lot of space available now Kobe's off their wage bill but there hasn't really been any major moves from them as of yet. Maybe when they draft their #2 pick they'll start then. Brandon Ingram is their guy apparently and there's talk they might trade Russell. But if they keep him too you have a starting line composing of younger players and really they need to bring in some experience and get them in the right direction. Maybe Dwight goes back and there are reportedly keeping tabs on Al Horford. With Luke as head coach I think he'll be looking at getting some guys versed in 3 point shooting and model the Lakers offense of the Warriors. Should be definitely some major moves go down, maybe even during or after draft night and I think some teams under the radar will become much stronger teams like the T Wolves, 76ers and if they do manage to have a healthy Derrick Rose and the team chemistry clicks Cleveland have a sleeper team to worry about it in the East.

Game 7 man...I cannot wait. I want the Cavs to win this BADLY.

Cleveland definitely deserve to win now, it would be awesome for LeBron to win it for them too. To go from hated to beloved would be remarkable in itself and I wonder if the same Cavs fans who burned his jersey now root for him. He's for sure the finals MVP so far.

 

The Warriors temper tantrums, fouling, wannabe tough guy acts meant they've gone from fan favorite's to heels. Only guys who haven't resorted to cheap tactics are Klay and Livingston. I think for a team that's so good to go down the route they have speaks volumes. Steph has got a bad attitude problem now and he acted way immature throwing his mouth piece when he got ejected. Its a shame game 7 isn't in Cleveland but if the Cavs of the two last games turn up they've got it in the bag. I wonder if their 73-9 season will be seen as a bust if they don't win the championship in front of their home fans?. If anything we will see Cavs defy the odds and Bron bring the Championship home to a heroes welcome or GSW spoils the fairytale ending and cap their near perfect season. I think a ton of people view the Warriors definitely now so it won't be the same glowing reception from the NBA fans they got last season. For some reason though I still can't look beyond a Warriors win but I'm hoping Bron, Kyrie, Mo and the boys prove me wrong.

Draymonds been pushing his luck recently with his on court behaviour maybe he's the GSW version of Rodman?. Steph trying to be the bad guy now too so maybe Kerr's had them watch old Detroit Pistons tapes or something and they changing their gimmick as the new Bad Boys of the NBA. They can play ball at a elite level so no need to cheap shots. I think they'll close the series in Game 5. I'd like Cleveland to turn it around as it cheapens the sport when you get players intentionally fouling and trying to wind people up. I'm all for intense competition but resorting to cheap tactics and such isn't cool.

 

With all due respect, Lebron is not going to Dallas. They are the 3rd most popular team in terms of reach and support in Texas and the only reason he plays in a small market now is because he's an Akron native. Not to mention that the Cavs have the rights to match any offer made to him and have the advantage over every other team in that they can offer him the extra year. 

 

The Lakers is a far more sensible shout however. That would be far more likely, but in all honesty if he leaves Cleveland again, it would be more likely to return to South Beach and play with Wade and the Heat again. Especially if Bosh has to retire. Still, like most American pundits, i don't see him walking away this year, not without winning a title which is looking less likely after last night (yikes, that was putrid from the Cavs). They'll auction off Kevin Love in the Summer, expect a bidding war between Boston and LA for his services. Unfortunately, as much as I like K Love, he doesn't fit in the team ball era we are currently in. Kyrie is young enough to drum it into him, although he really needs to start looking for the pass first.

 

The Sixers finally look like they might not be quite as much of a joke next season, looks like their getting Jeff Teague to run the point from the Hawks, with Nerlens Noel going the other way. Smart move from Philly, along with grabbing Simmons in the draft and the prospects of Okafor and the future suddenly looks a lot brighter. Throw in some experienced shooters and they could be back in business sooner rather than later.

 

What is important to remember is that Dallas won the NBA title in 2011, they had a solid team at one point - Tyson Chandler, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd & Dirk of course among others. They have a good coach in Rick Carlisle and a Billionaire owner in Mark Cuban. Right now they are lacking in depth, they are in a similar situation to a latter day Kobe led Lakers team. Again I don't see LeBron wanting to go there but if Cuban makes a power play for him and promises him that he'll bring in some of his buddies - D-Wade et al I think there's a slim chance he could decide to go there (not saying he will and at no point did I say that, just there's a possibility, even that it's 0.1% ). But the West is ultra competitive and no one's going to surpass the Warriors right now, so realistically he's staying East for sure. Will he stay a Cavalier if they get swept though?. Thats the million dollar question there.

 

LA Lakers could make him their top paid player, they have Luke Walton who did great coaching the Warriors until Steve Kerr came back, plus they are in a huge market, so there's also the whole lure of Hollywood (Bron's lined up to star in Space Jam 2 for example). If they could bring in say a few other top free agents or upper echelon quality players you've got a contender in the West. If the Cavs lose tonight and they do go down 4-0 or say 4-1, then I'd imagine he'd reevaluate his options. Like the Heat, there was a very short termist plan for winning the title. They drafted in veterans as role players and even later on that failed when the Spurs beat the Heat in 2014.

 

If you believe in superstitions etc there's supposedly a curse on Cleveland's sports teams. The Browns haven't won a title since 1964 and the Cleveland Cavaliers have never won a NBA championship. So if the Cavs turn it around and they win tonight and game 5 & 6 and take it to a game 7 and win it all, LeBron will be a hero for all Cleveland sports fans. There'd also be a massive backlash if he walks but again, I'd imagine he's looking at Kobe, Michael's & KAJ's rings as like the measuring stick. Maybe if Steph Curry & Klay Thompson stick together and the Warriors dynasty continues can Bill Russell's record of 11 rings be surpassed, but it's unlikely although Steph is 28, Klay is 26 so maybe realistically they look at Mike's record of 6 rings as the measuring stick as I've said of greatness in today's NBA. If Bron does leave he leaves Cleveland in bad state, they had some good young players they could have built a team around in the future - Wiggins & Waiters. Now if James does stay, do they trade Love and bring in a better big man, do they trade Kyrie too and bring in a better PG?. Say they trade for CP3 and Blake (not very likely, but a what if scenario) does it cement Cleveland as #1 in the East and realistically how would they line up against the Warriors then?. Even if you put an all-star calibre East team against GSW I think they'd still grind out a win. Why? because they are playing superior level B-Ball at the moment. Plus there's things like sharing the ball and I can't imagine CP3 and Bron sharing shots. Right now K-Love seems to get in the way almost, his role is to clean up with rebounds and defend, but again he can be a good shooter. So which role should he realistically have. Kyrie and Bron don't reallly co-exist together either. You need really a fast PG who doesn't care about their shooting percentage, just their passing and assists who can get the ball to LeBron. Yet if he's double teamed by a good defensive duo then where do the shoots come from?. Thats Cleveland's problem right now, defending and shot selection. Not just the shots themselves too, the actual players shooting the ball.

 

The 76ers might make some big moves in the Summer, these names are rumored apparently: Blake Griffin, Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose, Kenneth Faried, and Paul George. Nerlens Noel & Jahlil Okafor are on the trading block, so what they can bring in return will be interesting. They have to go into rebuild mode like Boston did when KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rondo et al left.

 

As for Ricky Rubio, I think he's staying for the forthcoming season, unless a team comes in for him and the T-Wolves get a good younger player or player(s) or some high level draft picks in return. Again I think he'd be a good addition for the Lakers. Brandon Ingram if they get him as #2 draft pick is somebody that they can bring in some veterans and build a team around but they might want to throw some big bucks around and try and build a team for short term success. Although until you find a way to beat the Warriors, I think long term trying to build a team that has longetivity would be much wiser. Also it took time for the GSW to fire on all cylinders.

 

Also in KD news

 

 

 

Wizards, Heat, Celtics, Rockets, Knicks, Lakers, Spurs and, yes, Warriors ... all expected to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency this summer

Credit: Marc Stein ✔ @ESPNSteinLine

Let's get one thing clear, there is more chance of hell freezing over than Lebron James signing for the Dallas Mavericks. Far too small a market, no emotional ties to the team, playing in a packed Western Conference? Not happening, not in a million years. The Mavs couldn't even sign Deandre Jordan! Their stuck in mediocrity for the long forseeable, well at least until after Dirk is finished. 

 

in all honesty, the only way Lebron will leave this Summer is actually the opposite to what you've just said. If they win the title. He promised to bring a title to Cleveland. He's not going anywhere. 

 

Kevin Love on the other hand, will most likely be traded if the Cavs fail to win. He's been nothing more than a stat sheet padder. He's offered no defence and for large periods has done nothing more than be a spot up shooter. The Cavs can pay Channing Frye to do that for a lot loss dollar. Kyrie Irving is a little different in the fact that everyone knows he can't play defense, but on the other hand he's doing little for the actual team, bar pad his own stats again. 

 

This offseason will be quiet. Durant will stay at OKC, the Bulls are far more likely to trade Butler (he constantly undermines the coach) and Rose although will never reach the heights pre injury, he's still useful.

 

The main ones to look out for are Derozan (looks Lakers bound) Al Horford (would be a great pick up for any team), Hassan Whiteside (most likely stays at the Heat and gets PAID), Mike Conley (looks Knicks bound), Dwight Howard (who even wants him now? Rumours of a return to Orlando Magic) and Andre Drummond (looks locked to re-sign with Detroit)

Mark Cuban has millions to throw around for the Mavericks, they offer Bron max money (he has free agency options in post season) he's going there plus with the salary cap level increased for the forthcoming season it means teams will load up with talented players. Before you could have at least two top high salaried players (remember LBJ, Wade and Bosh took less to team up together) and the rest of the roster was made up with role players. Not saying it's gonna happen, just that it's a possibility. I still think if the Cavs fail he's walking but hopefully I'll be proved wrong as that's the ultimate redemption story.

 

Love could move, Lakers would be a good destination. They have huge cap space available now they've off loaded Kobe from their wage bill. I see two, even three top free agents going there. I still think post season will be hectic because of the fact every teams salary cap space is being raised. Teams like the Mavs, Lakers et AL won't have to pay luxury tax now or at least as much as they were. Same with the Premier League the teams will throw millions of pounds around to load up with more better players because of the new TV deal.

 

Also you have the lottery of the draft and a team like LA might get a great draft pick and if they complement them with a good support cast who knows how well they could do. No one and even the NBA analysts would have 5 years ago called the success of the Warriors. They have been a revelation and are now the team to beat in the NBA. 73 wins is a new record and I don't see anyone eclipsing that for a long time.

 

Going to your other point a dream team of CP3, Melo, Bron, Wade is a possibility if they all take a lower salary. It's something the big 3 of the Heat did. Plus with a new salary cap in place and I reference it again because it's a big important factor it opens up that possibility of creating super teams if you will. Plus somebody like Cuban would pay the luxury tax to put that assembly of talent together. That was the point I was making with Bron, they offer him assurances, anything is possible. Staying in the East makes most sense statistically but what if suddenly the Bulls load up their talent, the Raptors, Pacers, 76ers since Will and Jada own it now, Knicks et AL it won't be a cakewalk for the Cavaliers then. But a heavily talent laden team, and yea it might not be Dallas but might be the Lakers, T Wolves or a team lower ranked right now who could be a powerhouse. But again I could be wrong and Bron stays and they recruit some free agents and make some moves so he has a new supporting cast. But again unless you find a way to defend the 3 point line and their offense the Warriors are still #1 right now and have every chance of a 3peat and more because of their superior shooting of the ball. Plus you add a big name free agent or they make some trades to strengthen further we could see a 5, even 10 year plus dynasty.

Still too early to call, if GSW were up say 3 games then you could say they would sweep the Cavaliers. I see it going to the wire personally. The Cavs started out on the wrong foot and home games with be beneficial for them for sure. If they do lose i see Lebron walking away. Maybe going back to the Heat or maybe going to the Mavericks or a real long shot to the Lakers. Unlike Mike and the Bulls and Kobe with the Lakers, Bron hasn't really been the guy for Cleveland to take them to the promised land. IIRC this is his third time in the finals in a Cavs Jersey. It's as they say go big or go home now. They had a solid young team before they did those trades to get established players in. A LeBron less team next season will be scrapping just to get beyond 0.500. I don't see Kyrie being traded, unless Lebron leaves. If he does, where does it leave Kevin Love?. Does he walk too?. It's really an all in situation for the Cavaliers. The team is built very much for the now wit the established older guys. A young Cavs team lead by LBJ would be a much better prospect in terms of creating a dynasty. Now it's very short termist. I think they'll be some big moves in the post season and a lot of teams loading up with their own big 3s. KD is a free agent and I'd imagine if he doesn't get assurances at OKC he's on the move. D Wade, Dirk will stick with their teams. Bron I see leaving again if they don't win. There's other big name free agents like Joakim Noah et AL and the Lakers, Timberwolves et al for example could load up with free agents and go to being playoff teams. Post season should be very, very interesting and I'd like to see the East more competive and the Bulls great again too. One guy who might get traded is D Rose. He was a great player now he has glimpses of his old self but he's no way near the MVP level. Shame as he could have reached the finals with the right supporting cast.

I can't look beyond Golden State for NBA champions. They were great game 7, started off a little shaky but when they hit their stride they were on fire. I heard Marv, CWeb and Reggie mention something about Luke Walton eventually coaching the Lakers any truth to this or was it them just thinking out loud?.

 

As for Kevin Durant, he might be shopping around for a move. The salary cap is going up IIRC so there will be more cap space available. Meaning teams with available cap space right now can throw big money offers at free agents. But if OKC are smart they'll keep KD and Westbrook and build a solid unit around them. One of the biggest mistakes was letting James Harden go and now he's a player they could have kept as their big 3 (if the new cap space was in place back then).

 

I think the lower echelon teams will be making some power plays in the summer too for big names. A team like the Raptors if you add say Chris Bosh coming back or a Melo that changes their whole dynamic. I'd like to see the Lakers become good again, if Walton takes the reins I think with a solid starting unit theyd have a + 0.500 winning record and make the playoffs as 8th seed in the West.

 

Back to the NBA finals, it could go 7 games. Cavs have had time to rest up so they'll be coming in fresh, GSW will be worn down by the OKC series. I think Cavs get game 1, unless Dub Nation get behind the Warriors and they scrape the win. Then they trade wins til game 7 for the big finale. Should be a super exciting finals. Cool to see bay area hip hop legend E-40 and the conference finals too.

 

 

 I think the Cavs might implode along the way and the Raptors might shock everyone and be the team in the East

 

Seems like so far I'm right. Golden State also have imploded so far too, not sure why the wheels have fell off as Steph is back now from injury and in theory they should be playing to their usual high standard. Maybe the pressure has got to them. Anyway I won't be surprised now if we see the Raptors vs Thunder final and the Raptors become NBA champions. Seems like this year in sports is the year of the underdog.