Lebron to the Bulls Speculation, NY Post Options

[SoxFan1]

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/lebr...enG0jhqziBG49cJ

Big ups to the Cavaliers, who came into New York and rode roughshod over it . . . you know, like Bloomberg.

As usual, the Knicks' sorry showing against the Cavs provokes the same old question:

Why would LeBron James want to join forces with this motley crew's skeleton remains (with apologies to Eddy Curry) if he's aiming for a championship bull's-eye?

Well, let's get two things straight at the top:

Foremost, one of LeBron closest confidants, in response to those who mocked my disclosure Cavs chairman Dan Gilbert is terrified his meal ticket will abscond should the team not win a title, declared to friends, "They (Dan and his entourage; young owners have them, too) better be scared!"

Secondly, the Knicks are not the lone team LeBron will consider when he becomes an unrestricted free agent come July 1. Despite people's sarcastic opinion of the Nyets, count on them being a real contender for his simonized services.

Clearly, the Newark, er, Brooklyn-bound franchise flaunts gobs more promising personnel than Camp Cablevision's varmints, many who must be renounced (David Lee, Al Harrington, Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes and Nate Robinson can kiss their 'Bird rights' bye-bye) in order to Make Room For Daddy.

What's more, according to someone in the know, LeBron is viewing the Bulls as a wild card challenger; no other suitor need apply.

That explains why rising restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas, who suffered a forearm fracture in the weight room Friday that required surgery (out six weeks minimum), wasn't given an extension. Chicago definitely believes it has a shot at luring LeBron. As talented as Thomas is, the Bulls secured two excellent rookie forwards -- Brooklyn's Taj Jami Gibson and James Johnson -- in the draft and figure to have roughly $20 million in cap room in case LeBron feels the urge to replicate Air Jordan's Windy City flight plan.

As for the Knicks, guaranteed I could find 11 above-average NBA players who'd love to play for the veteran's minimum or thereabouts (one would command a maximum mid-level exception contract) for the opportunity to suit up alongside LeBron in New York in year one. When Curry and Jared Jeffries come off the cap the summer of 2011, the Knicks would then be able to recruit another certified stud or two and actually be in possession of their own first round draft pick.

To those who don't believe one word of the above or that LeBron would never leave his home state of Ohio, I say, hide and watch.

[Sanitarium]

His ego is too big to play in the shadow of MJ at the UC. He would never sign here and I don't want him.

[Balta1701-B]

I think they're right...would he stop doing his tossing baby powder into the air MJ ripoff because he's in someone else's house?

The Bulls will try for him and they should, if he decides he really wants to play here, then we can worry about figuring out the rest. OTOH, if Deng can somehow stay healthy, he's still a great 3rd option behind Wade/Bosh and Rose, Noah as a 4th option, and then either Salmons or Taj as the 5th starter...that's a hell of a rotation. Wade/Bosh are better fits for our roster, if we can steal either of them.

[Sanitarium]

i think getting lebron would be terrible with rose.

derrick is best with the ball in his hands, which would never happen if we had lebron

[Balta1701-B]

i think getting lebron would be terrible with rose.

derrick is best with the ball in his hands, which would never happen if we had lebron

It'd be kind of like how Jordan had to learn to defer to his teammates when he really became a champion.

[Cowch]

I was thinking about this when I was watching the Bulls/Cavs game the other day. I would love Lebron really, the team would be capable of running teams over. They would be a very physical team IMO. The only problem in my mind would be the lack of a big man still. Or are we going to play Lebron at PF all the time? haha.

Rose
Salmons
James
Gibson?
Noah

ATM, I like the Bosh version the most...

Rose
Salmons
Deng
Bosh
Noah

[Chicago Bulls Fr...]

If I had my bets I'd put them towards Lebron going to New Jersey. He's friends with Jay Z, and he owns part of the team. I'm sure Lebron to Chicago will be talked about but at the end of the day he's probably either going to stay in Cleveland where he can make the most money or go to New Jersey. Though Lebron, Noah, and Rose would be a lethal combination that would probably result in a number of championships.

[rockren]

I don't think anyone has any idea where Bron is going...other than Bron.

I believe Bron knows he's leaving Cleveland and l think he's keeping his options open until the end of year with a favorite in mind. Who that favorite is I have no idea.

If he even considers the Bulls this off-season...we better pull out all of the stops. I don't think he'll come to Chicago, but we would be the best team in the NBA immediately if he did.

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

His ego is too big to play in the shadow of MJ at the UC. He would never sign here and I don't want him.

Actually, i think the exact opposite. His ego is so big he WANTS to replace MJ in Chicgao. Prove he's better.

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

Though Lebron, Noah, and Rose would be a lethal combination that would probably result in a number of championships.

Me likey that sentence.

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

and figure to have roughly $20 million in cap room in case LeBron feels the urge to replicate Air Jordan's Windy City flight plan.

Can someone comment on this? I thought we had more room.. even the potential to land two big names. Or, was that only if we can unload Capt'n Kirk and/or Deng?

[ZoomSlowik]

Can someone comment on this? I thought we had more room.. even the potential to land two big names. Or, was that only if we can unload Capt'n Kirk and/or Deng?

They're nowhere close to enough cap room for 2 max deal free agents, they'd have to move Deng AND Hinrich for expiring deals to accomplish that, which obviously isn't likely. They'd have to renounce the rights to Thomas just to have enough room for one given that the salary cap is projected to fall precipitously.

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

They're nowhere close to enough cap room for 2 max deal free agents, they'd have to move Deng AND Hinrich for expiring deals to accomplish that, which obviously isn't likely. They'd have to renounce the rights to Thomas just to have enough room for one.

Ok, thank you for the clarification. Clearly my memory is a little faulty.

[DutheDoduhon21]

in other lebron news, he is changing his number to 6 to honor MJ and is encouraging everyone else wearing 23 to do the same.

[Cowch]

in other lebron news, he is changing his number to 6 to honor MJ and is encouraging everyone else wearing 23 to do the same.

Yeah, saying he wants to petition it be retired. This is all the current "23s" in the NBA...
Toney Douglas
Louis Williams
LeBron James
Jodie Meeks
Stephen Graham
Byron Mullens
Martell Webster
Wesley Matthews
C.J. Watson
Marcus Camby
Jason Richardson
Kevin Martin
Devin Brown