What you see above -- that reigning MVP LeBron James wooed free agent Trevor Ariza to Cleveland by assuring the young ex-Laker that 'Bron would be sticking with the Cavaliers past 2010 -- is the report from ESPN's Chris Broussard. The way Broussard's source tells it, James didn't make that note a central part of his pitch -- the assurance came in response to a question from Ariza, who had asked whether the King would still be in Cleveland after 2010. (For what it's worth, Broussard reports that Ariza wasn't convinced James told the truth.)Of course, we all may know if LeBron is in it for the long haul within a week or so. Remember that thanks to little-known vagaries of the collective bargaining agreement, LeBron can sign a three-year extension this month, on the three-year anniversary of his signature of the inaugural "mini-max" deal that allowed James greater flexibility than the standard max deal. Any extension signed this summer would kick in for the 2010-11 season, and stretch to the 2012-13 season. LeBron would make roughly $56 million over those three years, and you'd assume he would have an early termination option after 2010-11.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-07-2009 @ 9:26AM
snyperjones21 said...
Trevor Ariza is making a huge mistake going to Houston. Yao Ming is out for the season, Tracy McGrady is out, Ron Artest is going to be a Laker. Ariza, you'd rather play with Shane Battier than Lebron and Shaq? It doesn't make any sense to me. So you are saying you can't beat out Delonte West for the starting job? Trevor, if you are reading this, put down the pen, get on a plane, fly to Cleveland, and sign with the Cavs. You will regret this decision for the rest of your life.
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7-07-2009 @ 9:36AM
FLOW said...
Ariza needs to fire his manager. That guy is ruining his career. He should have signed a short contract with the Lakers, continued to develop and win championships and then go for the really big money. No knock on Lebron or Cleveland, but LA, defending champions has a much better chance of going back to the finals then Cleveland, and there's much better exposure and you already know and fit the system.
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7-07-2009 @ 10:16AM
Julie said...
I read a very funny response to Broussard's article on it on ESPN. The response accuses Chris to simply be laughing at his audience. It’s the second item here:
http://www.pandalous.com/nodes/chance_in_sports_and
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7-07-2009 @ 10:42AM
Michael gifford said...
wahhhh! they didn't make me feel wanted....they wanted me to just accept $5.6 million a year....wahhhh....I can't feed my family on that...
which is NBA speak for...I'd rather play on a team with no shot for more money than a team that has not only a winning season but a great shot at the title...it's not about being at the highest level possible in the sport, it's about being at the highest level possible on the payroll... it's about kwan...pathetic really and clearly shows that the first love isn't basketball, it's ego and amount of money translates to "respect"...
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7-07-2009 @ 1:23PM
Mr.G said...
The Cavs offered Ariza the exact same amount of money.The difference was that they would not guarantee him a starting position out of loyalty to Delonte West,saying Ariza would compete with West for the starting 2 guard.A mistake? Yeah,probably.Also,Ariza wanted to be closer to his son,who lives in LA. Josh Childress would be a great consolation prize though,if they could work that out.James is not leaving,period.
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7-07-2009 @ 1:59PM
mitommasi said...
I agree completely with "Flow." Ariza should have stayed in LA for the same money as Houston was offering, on a championship team, and be in the same city his son is in. Houston is going nowhere. A year from now when the Lakers are putting up banner #16, he will realize what a stupid mistake he made.
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7-07-2009 @ 7:27PM
Hal said...
don't get me wrong, I want the cavs to win it all next year. but more importantly, I want LeBron to stay in Cleveland. whatever it takes. Ariza would be a nice addition. they need someone long who can guard well on the perimeter.
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