Rufflewitz scooped your guy. Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources CONFIRM LeBron will talk to Riley about future of Heat. Conversation will be "very interesting" and "potentially informative"</p>— Barry Rufflewitz (@RealSportScoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSportScoops/statuses/486538560556630016">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Also shared this bit: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Spoke with Ilgauskas last week, told me that LeBron would prefer an "ideal situation"</p>— Barry Rufflewitz (@RealSportScoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSportScoops/statuses/486544407659687937">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I hear you, but the answer: because the possible reward (true contention) greatly outweighs the risk (losing our chance to remain just above mediocre). And to those of y'all joking about Pippen above, that is my true nightmare in this situation. The worst case scenario would be getting a version of Bosh who is just here for the money and is otherwise checked out, a la the whole Pippen fiasco. There's no evidence that Bosh could be such a bish, but it still gives me nightmares, especially on a max contract.
I don't think LeBron is leaving Miami. This is all just a ploy to ditch Bosh and add Melo. No other reason why Melo is still sitting out there IMO.
Three possibilities: Lebron tells Riley he's leaving. Bosh to Houston. Lebron tells Riley that his sacrifice is sufficient. Bosh stays. Riley tells Lebron that he can get Carmelo and let Bosh go. Bosh to Houston. It sounds like the Heat are pretty confident in bringing back Lebron. But why would they be so confident if their only moves were for McRoberts and Granger? Do those seem like "There's no way Lebron will turn this down" moves? They're planning something bigger. Plus it seems like every team associated with Carmelo is uneasy. He's waiting. Bosh truly is the domino everyone is waiting for. How will Lebron/Riley play this? In the most non-confrontational way ever: Low-ball him.
Or option 4, Lebron jumps on top of table and starts twerking in Riley's face before saying I'm going to Houston.
Yep, and as we all saw with the Napier pick that Miami made, LeBron is the real GM of the Miami Heat.
I think Bosh to Houston is getting more real the longer this goes. He will definitely have a chip on his shoulder to prove something against the Heat for letting him leave. Bosh is the domino everyone around the league is waiting for.
I saw a picture of LeBron's house.. . the pool looking over the sea . . . was FRICKING GORGEOUS!! No Fricking way I leave that to go to CLEVELAND even if i was from there Spoiler Rocket River
FYI, the Miami Heat "pitch" (as illustrated by Ira Winderman) most likely won't even WORK under the CBA. If the Heat are operating over the cap and using the MLE (McRoberts), BAE (Granger) and everyone's Bird rights, they are HARD-CAPPED at $81 million. It will be interesting to see Miami try to fit everyone into that amount of total team salary. Tough sledding for Pat Riley.
Something about Cleveland just doesn't feel right. I guess there's the "feel good story" of him returning home, but when you think about everything else, it just doesn't make sense. Everything else being: 1) Dan Gilbert, and his post-decision comments 2) The Cavs did a terrible job of building around him the 1st time 3) The Cavs have been one of the worst teams in the league, and haven't gotten better despite multiple top picks 4) Their "young core" is made up of a no defense point guard with injury problems and a completely unproven athlete in his first year in the league. 5) Their rim protector (Varejao) has a significant injury history. When you add up all the basketball reasons for Lebron to join Cleveland, it just doesn't make sense. IMO, Phoenix is a MUCH better fit.
Maybe the LeBron/Riley meeting is more about LeBron telling Riley to sign Melo and let Bosh walk. Or else Cleveland
