Per Mike McGraw:
During their meeting, the Bulls stressed there would be no special privileges for his friends and management team, like there have been in Cleveland.
This ties in with what we know about the Bulls' MO. Their gimmick-less pitch (shoes excepted) was designed to be all business, as is this. They're taking a professional, sometimes even a blunt one, seemingly determined that the peripheral desires of LeBron and his young entourage will not undermine the franchise's self-imposed standards.
It might not work. But it also might. The Bulls have never liked to dance to any man's tune. Never have, never will. They made allowances during the dynasty era, but they did so reluctantly, and eventually ended it prematurely. (Allegedly.) Chicago likes to assume complete control in any negotiation, not fond of changing procedure and breaking protocol, even when the situation seems to call for it.
Once upon a time, it might have cost them Mike and Dan Tony. Let's hope that this time, it's the right approach.
Filed under: Free Agency
Tags: chicago bulls, free agency, lebron james, Mike and Dan Tony, Ownership
Yeah, I'm wondering how attached he is to that headband.
The headband is one thing. Having VIP on the team plane is another. Way to put the adult foot down, Reinsdorf.
If they're doing this then i wonder what they told him about the headband. I really don't know what he's gonna do but I think he's going back to Cle and I think Wade is more likely to come here now cause of his kids and I was reading about his mom telling him to come to chicago too lol
I would like to know factually how many guys Michael had on the plane rides/team travels etc. I'm sure this evolved/changed after the winning/legend grew.
I've never heard he had guys in the lockeroom. And it would be interesting to know exactly how Kobe has been allowed to operate. I know/you hear a lot of stars now bring their entourages with them one way or another(seperate flights), and on the road they hang with their own crew or whatever.
Hopefully they could allude to a Kobe paralell assuming his is appropriate, and not out of control with buddies eclipsing the team on plane rides etc.
As for the headband to me it would certainly be understandable to make an exception on something like that. Being that inflexible as to tell him he can't wear something that for LeBron is a signature part of his appearance I think would be going way to far. There is such a thing as being too uncompromising/authoritarian.
Final thought. I worked all weekend/didn't get to comment on the waiting til' wednesday thing. I just feel like whether it's campers or him playing some angle/agenda should not keep the marketplace bottled up all the way until then. People's lives are hanging in the balance(teams, FA's, fans), and the sooner the pressure is relieved, I think the healthier, natural transgression of domino's falling will occur. Plus it just really is shi*tty to make the fans wait that long. I would hope a grown man who has some intelligence and decency would not do everybody like that. But then again will wait, for the love of the campers. Sure. Why not.
Haha..come on we can wait a few more days. For us it is as simple as yes or no. Either way we will get over it in a week or two.
I'm sure each organization has backup plans in place...especially Chicago
One other thing. If LeBron makes people wait this long, and then just stays with the Cavs then he is a true D-bag. But then also I won't be as dissapointed not getting him knowing that. Of course that crap he pulled with the towel boy on youtube?? You hope he was just having a dark moment. And is not a true sh*thead.
Do you think bulls management told Lebron, no dancing until you bring us a championship?
I just read again where K.C. Johnson is stating that the Bulls can sign Carlos Boozer/he's available for $13.4 Mil/the difference left over from a Max signing of LeBron or Wade. Yet Doug corrected me, and said it would take $19 Mil to sign him?? Is K.C. doing a terrible job of reporting by repeating this critical information over and over again? If K.C. is right then I go after Boozer hard now rather then wait on Bosh. At least we would have a very important piece/scoring big if Wade and Lebron both stay at home.
Everywhere I'm reading LeBron is staying with the Cavs with Byron Scott coming on board. If he stays he's definitely not all about winning unless Bosh woud S&T there which just about everone has said he will not come to Cleveland/small market podunk to join James.
And Wade coming to Chicago, and hoping the Bulls sign him down the road to that huge sixth year?? Honestly for all his faults if J.R. tells Wade he'll pay him, I think everbody including Wade would believe it. Unless Wade is truly under Riley's thumb or will just not tolerate Chicago winters again(think about it you travel away from the city, and maybe a third of thos travels are to nicer weather) I think it makes absolute sense for him to come to a hugely commercial and fan embracing home town of Chicago.
I just think we have a way better shot at Wade then LeBron right now. And wouldn't are odds increase of signing either with a big/Boozer already in place.
Of course if Bosh is telling the Bulls signing Wade or LeBron makes his demanding the S&T be to Chicago then I can understand them not moving on Boozer. But then and only then.
Lebron, f-ck the campers, make up your god dang mind.
It might not mean much to LeBron anyhow. He is a more confident/accomplished individual compared to what he was 4/5 years back. Even though his friend is his business manager, LeBron might have understood that those entourages will not help him win championships. He might have seen how Kobe operates and hopefully has learnt what helps. Off-course, if he is smart he will balance his winning(first priority) and other business ventures well.
But who knows what his real priorities and emotional state is...That's what will make the difference..
I agree with the Bulls management, if they don't want to deal with Lebron's friends then why should they? If Lebron is serious about winning then he will let them know that he will always be there for them but he has to do what is best for his career and cut out the privileges for friends. That's probably one of the reasons he hasn't won anything in the NBA. This guy is just a big kid that needs to grow up before he wins anything. This should be the perfect time for him to do some soul searching and decide his future. If he doesn't want to disappoint his friends then I say he should stay in Cleveland. If he is trying to be the best in the game, then he should leave all of the foolishness behind and join the best team for him to win a championship. Hopefully he will see how much the Bulls can offer him and make a smart decision while keeping his friends and family happy. Sometimes people have to make some sacrifices in life, maybe this is his time to do so cause until now... he has had everything the way he wanted it.
I agree. Unless Bosh says, "hey you get Wade or Lebron, and I'm demanding my sign and trade to the Bulls". Then, I think you have to take him. Otherwise why be left waiting for Wade/LeBron, and left with nothing when we could have that ultravaluable big. K.C. Johnson is saying he likes the Bulls(Boozer), and we could possibly sign him for what's left over from the Max signing around $13.5 Mil?? Hard to believe.
Forgot to mention I value Taj very highly, and would be very happy to be keeping him by getting Boozer. His scoring would have been higher if his confidence and time on the floor wouldn't have been squelched by agenda driven refs/affable rookie on a non-status team. God, how I hate NBA refs(and Vinny for showing no support for his players/Taj).
I wish we couldve had a commitment from Boozer just in case Bosh, Wade, and LeBron go and do their own things somewhere. Like if we get Wade and he says that Bosh wants to come too then they can tell Boozer that they decided to go in a different direction and Boozer can get paid elsewhere. Im just excited to see what the final roster will look like.
You could only pay Boozer so much to start anyway which I think goes up the longer you've been in the league, and obviously can only increase so much opercentage wise from what he's currently making. Maybe Doug could clarify this, and why K.C.'s reporting $13.5 would do it/has he spoken with Boozer's peeps.
This is like the final table at world series of poker in vegas. The big 3 know they are holding monster hands and they are just waiting who is going to go all in and you will start to see some callers and folders! I just hope at the end of the day the Bulls will have a better team this season. I can live with Boozer and wade. We will have a better chance of winning then LBJ in cleveland and Bosh in TO.
I think we are put in a good position right now. I see it this way...
If Wade and Bosh decide to go to Chicago, LeBron, I think will stay. If Wade and Bosh go to Miami, I can see LeBron coming here to Chicago to compete with the Heat, or he ends up with the Nets, along with Boozern(which would really suck, but also be a longshot)
Also, I really hope to hear some Deng trade talks today or tomorrow because it would really be some good news for us.
I think even the ESPN NBA guys are tired of this. I guess because of the tweets,blogs,rumors on websites....it has confused everyone which I guess LeBron,Wade,Bosh might be loving it or they might be confused themselves.
The good thing Bulls have again Noah,Rose and both are young but still not rookies. Whoever comes has a long time to jell and win at the same time.
Also, I have some confidence in John Paxson...he is not a rookie GM and has made his mistakes in a high expectation environment unlike the NETS(nothing was expected of them until now). He is kept it tight-lipped and could have talked to LeBron about playing/catering for a superstar.
Also, the more time these guys take it helps the Bulls to setup potential trades for Deng in a S & T(I am thinking three way trades).
If Toronto wants Gortat...Bulls trade Deng to Magic for Gortat/Pietrus...and trade Gortat + picks for Bosh... or
use Deng for Al-Aminu or whoever from Clippers and trade them for Bosh. They can use this time to work them out..
None of my instincts tell me this waiting does any good. Now it's "reported" Lebron is just waiting to see what NY(and other teams) can pull out of their ass/package for him. Along with Amare the latest rumored/hyped crap is Carmelo coming to NY.
I just wonder when enough will be enough. And of course the media becoming part of the broadcasting/product is reporting all of this waiting on LeBron in glowing terms(reporter/compnay ho) Shelly Smith says glowingly, "This camp is a nice "respite" for LeBron after his [taxing] presentations. And since he is the key, he can take his time. There is another camp going on after this one, and he may just wait until after that one as well. There's no rush."
Nice reporting Shell. Of course there's no reporting angle/news that this thing is a self-absorbed negative where he's holding all these teams plans at bay and all the other free agents. Very fair and balanced reporting you glowing/adoring/company stooge.
I predict as the obstruction/everything coming to a halt waiting on LeBron continues pressure will build one way or another. Something negative reprecussion wise will probably come of this if you believe in karma and that what he's doing keeping people waiting days on end is wrong. Certainly by Tuesday, that's three days from the last presentation he can give everyone his decision.
If we don't get a decision out of him by Tuesday I would be surprised. And after that his D-bag rating climbs precipitously(obnoxious/pompusly chosen word choice) in my book.
Please be patient man! It's only a few days left...don't have a coniption! Trust, the Bulls no this can go South REALLY FAST!! Im sure they have a contingency plan if they strike out on Lebron.
I still hold that both Lebron and the team he is going to already knows it and is just waiting for any announcement until the 8th. It will be here before you know it...
Do you think the Bulls "professionalism" pitch went too far in that they were presenting to a guy who didn't bother to wear long pants to their meeting? Not sure professionalism really resonates with LBJ. Recall the dancing. Still I hope they get him...
That's it, Sayonara, Arrivederci , Adios, Au Revoir! You can say goodbye to any chance we had at signing Lebron!
I just can't see Wade leaving Miami although it would be the reasonable thing to do, I just can't wrap my mind around it. He just might win custody of his 2 boys since his ex hasn't been the perfect mother. I really feel this is all Pat Riley's doing, having Wade Come to Chicago and make the Bulls think he's really interested only to have Wade resign on the 8th. Miami right now has not signed anyone and they only have 3 players under contract. I think a lot of signing are coming once the signing period begins cause Miami has a lot of player to get signed and the Bulls I think should concentrate on signing Boozer and get a descent shooting guard sign cause they don't have not one shooting guard signed. Lebron I think will stay in Cleveland for sentimental reasons from the guilt his fans are putting on him plus I don't see him leaving his posse. He want have much success going that route but at least his friends family and his fans will be happy in Cleveland and that will be his legacy... HOME. Good luck to him with that mess. Bosh... I feel he goes with Wade in Miami if he can, it may cost him some money since Toronto is now pissed at him for being so happy about leaving them and they now don't want to do a sign and trade but I think they are just B.S.ING cause they want something in return for Bosh. So bottom line... the Bulls should not wait around for these top tier guys cause the only 1 I think is leaving is Bosh who would be perfect with the Bulls with Rose and Noah but all Bosh sees is the money and the Miami lifestyle. He wants that bad. So The Bulls just need to sign Boozer cause he would fit along side good with Rose and Noah as well and bring in some good shooters, that was the original plan anyway. The Bulls should wait around to see what happens with the Carmelo Anthony situation cause that would be a perfect trade with Denver since the Bulls will still have Deng, Taj Gibson, and James Johnson and a high draft pick to use in the trade if they can get Carmelo. Bulls will still be in a good situation to make a big move if they miss out on the top 3 guys in free agency this year.
I much more prefer Mr Happy repeating that Wade is coming here than your constantly telling us that Wade is a traitor. Ok, we get it; your gut tells you he's Reilly's tool. I see something different. Exhibit A was the Heat not even knowing what flight Wade was coming in on when the Heat tried to organize a welcome reception. That doesn't make Reilly and Wade seem too coordinated. I'm not saying Wade is for sure coming to Chicago because $30 mil guaranteed is a lot of money to give up, but of all the free agents that could get that much, he has the most credible reasons for skipping that last year. And, as somebody said earlier, Reinsdorf has a reputation for keeping his word and for taking care of his people. (He just won't renegotiate contracts.) If Reinsdorf promised Wade that he'd make sure Wade wouldn't miss out on that $30 million, his promise would carry a lot of weight.
Until Wade signs on the dotted line, yes to me he is a tool for Riley. He said on countless occasions that Miami is where his heart is and I am letting him stand by those words until he proves me wrong by signing with the Bulls. I am sorry that he has you and a lot of other Bulls fans fooled. I would like for him to sign with the Bulls as well cause I am a big bulls fan and I'm sure some of his family and friends are bulls fans as well but 30 million is a lot of money to leave behind and I'm quite sure he could make it up in endorsements in Chicago and his 2 boys will love to have him back in Chicago but like I said, until he signs on that dotted line... I can't believe nothing he says about being interested in the Bulls.
This is my argument, if Lebron was staying in cleveland, dont you think he would have already announced it? I mean if he's set on staying, he'd say something especially if he's at a camp in ohio which is bound to be full of Cavalier fans. The new York thing is the media hyping it up, I mean Lebron didnt even go to the 2nd meeting with them. Wade on the other hand has a lot to ponder, family, money, loyality LOL
I think the "Professionalism" pitch sends two messages ...
1. You may have to grow up a little and make a few changes to your lifestyle.
but
2. We want to win a CHAMPIONSHIP.
Will it work? I have no idea. It could totally backfire, but I think it was worth it to set a standard. If Lebron were to come to Chicago, there would be expectations. You might as well set not try to ignore or deny it. "There will be expectations, can you handle them?" Get it out there and let him choose.
And on a different track, Lebron has done the whole entourage thing, and the dancin around on the sidelines like he'd already won something thing, and all the other cocky, but not really professional and focused on winning a championship things. Maybe he's ready for the change.
And if he's not, maybe Chicago's not ready for him.
I can agree wholeheartedly with your last post but if this one were the case then he would be wise to announce that he'll make his decision wed night or thur morning. you get what i'm saying?
Nothing really new here. JR & Pax have been all about professionalism for the past 7 years. I didn't see that changing if Lebron came here. Though maybe they'd let him wear the headband.
My gut now is telling me that Wade will be the first to sign & it will be here in Chicago. Though it's been tough to gauge him because of the orgy of rumors flying around right now, but after months of saying he would like to remain in Miami, he is now putting the media spin that he will do what's best for his family. This gives him any easy out from Miami without making him look like a total d-bag in the process. If he truly wants to do what's right for his family, he will come back home to his kids & play for the team he grew up loving & the team that inspired him to play ball in the first place.
Tim Grover went with Jordan on the long west coast trips and in the playoffs. His driver George Koehler went on the road with him from time to time but not very often. I believe that Reinsdorf did the right thing to take a stand about his posse on the plane and on the road. But also remember, we are talking about 25 yr. old young men who believe they understand the business world, negotiations, etc., and have not a clue about a "professional environment." The question always has been can LeBron decide to be a big fish in a big ocean or is he comforable being a big fish in a little pond? Remeber his whole life has been centered around the Akron/Cleveland area. This is going to be an emotional decision that can go either way. Either he wants to "Be Like Mike" or he's good with just being LeBron...
IMO, one of the most importatnt stories on this entire saga has not been reported. To me it may be the key in what LeBron does. Latetly, you have heard very little from World Wide Wes... It seems that LeBron's guy in Cleveland, Maverick Carter has reclaimed his turf surrounding James. Last Week prior to any of the free agent visits, there was an announcement that there would be no recruiting tour and every team that was interested in LeBron had to come to Akron. Carter also stated in the press release that World Wide Wes would NOT be involved in the meetings. Carter has been part of the Cleveland posse that wants LeBron to stay. Part of this I'm sure is because of the perks and the treatment that Dan Gilbert and the Cavs organization gives them. Wes represents the interest that LeBron should leave. I'm very certain that there is intense discussion amongst carter and his guys, because they are fighting for their peice of LeBron. They have been on the gravy train for seven years. You got to believe that they know that most other NBA teams are not going to have to deal with this. Could it be that this decision may ride on selfish interests from LeBron's posse? It's made me think about it....
I think you are probably right. But from what we have read, there are a couple of things which are against this argument:
1. Leon Rose(LeBron's agent) was in the meetings and he is supposed to be an extension of WWW...Rose apparently has the same philosophy as WWW
2. Also, LeBron is supposed to make his decisions independently and might think through this on his own. Off course, he is a 25 year old but sometimes 25 years old want to get independent and are more apt to make new/bold decisions rather than accept the same old stuff..
So, the decision will reveal a lot about LeBron as a person. That said,...if he wins a couple of championships as one of the main guys where-ever it is...the media will make sure he is a legend.
McGraw is now backing down and says the line has been taken out of context. ??? http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/4339
According to Chuck Swirsky on his twitter, this whole story is inaccurate..
So Amare signs with NY. Why didn't we have a meeting with him again? We better really not have wanted him for this to go down, or damn sure we are getting someone! The choices after the big three are dwindling and making me nervous.
I don't think we really wanted Amare for at least two reasons:
1) He's not a good defender. 2) Medical professionals who are familiar with the type of injury he came back from say that it shortens the amount a player can perform at a high level. If that is true, (and of course it could be, Amare already isn't the same explosive he was before the injury) Chicago probably didn't want to risk paying that kind of money to a cat who may not be able to perform to the level of the contract, for the length of the contract. Meaning we could being paying big bucks for a guy who puts up little numbers in a couple of years. Thoughts of Jermaine O'neal come to mind.
I don't think we really wanted Amare for at least two reasons:
1) He's not a good defender. 2) Medical professionals who are familiar with the type of injury he came back from say that it shortens the amount a player can perform at a high level. If that is true, (and of course it could be, Amare already isn't the same explosive he was before the injury) Chicago probably didn't want to risk paying that kind of money to a cat who may not be able to perform to the level of the contract, for the length of the contract. Meaning we could being paying big bucks for a guy who puts up little numbers in a couple of years. Thoughts of Jermaine O'neal come to mind.
Even if they have the opportunity to do so, I don't think the Bulls look to signing Wade first. I think Chicago will give LeBron the first opportunity and they won't do anything until they know what he wants to do. We don't want to send him the message that he is our secondary choice, because I don't think he is or should be.
Now, if he stretches it out and we begin to feel like he may not want to come to Chicago but will return to Cleveland, then I'd pursue Bosh because in getting Bosh we get the "big" with the inside game we need.
After that, Wade would probably be willing to come because he wouldn't have anything in Miami (w/o LeBron or Bosh) he could win with so he'd come to Chicago and win championships.
David Lee +1. LeBron stays in Cleveland, but milks the news cycle until the 8th.
The more the options dwindle though, the more and more Wade has to be wondering if Miami can put any real team around him.
Bosh refuses to play center, and I don't blame him.
If Miami can't find a fairly decent Center in the next day or two, can Wade really believe that Bosh will sign there?
Lebron is NOT going to Miami.
And even if Wade does believe he can get Bosh to come there, is a lineup of Chalmers, Wade, Beasley, and Bosh ready to compete for it all?
That's really hard to see ... even with a decent center, it's really hard to see that team being better than Boston, Cleveland, or Orlando.
I'm just not sure it's enough for Wade to just bring in Bosh and hope they can build a team around the two of them. Especially with no real other piece around them yet. Chalmers and Beasley have not shown any sign that they are ready to be a starter on a championship caliber team.
So if it's not enough, it seems like Wade's backup plan has to be Chicago with either Bosh or Boozer.
What I wonder is this ... If Wade and Lebron know there isn't going to be a superteam in Miami with all three of them ... and they both still are seriously considering Chicago, are they worried at all that the other will sign with Chicago and bring in Bosh before they can ... effectively leaving one of them out of the picture for championships for awhile?
Neither one of them will win it all with D'antoni and Amare in NYC.
And it's hard to believe that the Cavs will get better somehow next season ... enough to win it.
You know I was wondering if either Lebron or Wade would try to sign in Chicago first and the one left out would feel snubbed. But, I just think that this is already figured out by both of them. I don't think Lebron really wants to team up with Wade. If they won championships together Wade would always have one more ring...unless Lebron can win one when Wade retires. I think Lebron wants to be one of the greatest all-time w/o a doubt. If he wins championships w/Wade there will always be controversy as to whether Lebron needed Wade. I think Lebron would much rather win w/the current Bulls or Cavs roster as the best player.
Just two more days...
I hope the Bulls organization don't trip over a headband. First of all, the headband is not a fashion accessory, it's about assistance in performance. It's a sweatband for the head that keeps the sweat from his head and forehead from geting into his eyes. It's that simple.
It would be silly to misunderstand that and enforce something so trivial that it causes us to lose out on the best player in the league. And it's not like the headbands are in poor taste or have an offensive or inappropriate message. Gimme a break.