Cuban goes public with quest for James - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Dirkadirkastan · 05-20-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Cuban goes public with quest for James

By Jeff Caplan
ESPNDallas.com

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has gone public with his quest to acquire LeBron James.

In an interview this week posted on CNNMoney.com, Cuban expressed his interest in James as a free agent and said that the NBA star needs to play in a place where he trusts the organization.

If James does not reach an agreement with the Cavaliers by July 1, he would become an unrestricted free agent.

"Come July 1st, yeah, of course, anybody would be interested in LeBron James, and if he leaves via free agency, then it's going to be tough," Cuban said. "If he does like I'm guessing, hoping he will, which is say, 'I'm not going to leave the Cavs high and dry,' if he decides to leave -- there's still a better chance he stays -- then he'll try to force a sign-and-trade, and that gives us a chance."

Cuban's comments could fall under the NBA's tampering rules. In 2008, the league sent a memo to the 30 NBA teams detailing specific guidelines when discussing potential free agents with the media.

The memo read: "If a member of your organization is asked by the media about a potential free agent prior to the July 1 following the last season covered by the player's contract, or about any other person under contract with another NBA team, the only proper response is to decline comment."

Penalties outlined in the memo could include suspension, prohibition of the offending team from hiring the person being tampered with, forfeiture of draft picks and individual and/or team fines of up to $5 million.

Asked if he believes James will stay in Cleveland or sign with New York or elsewhere, Cuban said:

"I don't know, don't know. What I do know about LeBron in the minimal time I've spent talking to him is he just wants to win. Money's not his issue. He needs to be some place where he trusts the organization. And look, [owner] Dan Gilbert in Cleveland did everything he possibly could, that's just the way the game works. If there was a template that we all could follow, we'd all have championship rings."

Dallas' interest in pursuing a sign-and-trade deal for James has been the subject of speculation for months, but Cuban's comments are believed to be his first public acknowledgment of that plan.

NBA spokesperson Tim Frank said Thursday that the league is looking into Cuban's comments. Cuban did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Article: Link

Video Interview: Link

sefant77 · 05-20-2010, 08:46 PM

Haha, Stern und Stu gonna f*** Cuban for that.

clutch#41 · 05-21-2010, 12:37 AM

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Originally Posted by sefant77

Haha, Stern und Stu gonna f*** Cuban for that.

freedom of speech...who cares????
my Grandma is even pumped on where lebron is gonna land.

Thomas86 · 05-20-2010, 08:51 PM

Cuban will probably get a fine and that's it but I wouldn't be suprised if Stern banned the Mavs from getting Lebron....I had a hard time seeing Stern let Cuban get Lebron in the first place and that things Cuban said could only make matters worse. The NBA front office can only do so much to make it look like there's no NBA bias towards the Mavs.

Bayliss · 05-20-2010, 08:54 PM

Cuban is such a f*ckin' moron.

SMC0007 · 05-20-2010, 09:07 PM

WHY is he a moron?

Wasn't that vid from last weekend and did he really cross the border with what he was saying? Sounded pretty basic.

sefant77 · 05-20-2010, 09:28 PM

Well, a fine would be still a joke.

Everyone knows that every damn team want Lebron...

Rick41 · 05-20-2010, 09:55 PM

I don't see Cuban crossing any lines. It's not like he went on record and said he's already contacting the Cavs/Lebron for possible sign-and-trade ideas and such... NBA chill the F out.

Windmill360 · 05-20-2010, 10:00 PM

I was listening to an interview by Cowherd on ESPN radio and he was talking to one of the Maloof brothers and ask him where he though Lebron would end up at the end of the summer but Maloof didn't touch the question.

Bayliss · 05-20-2010, 10:05 PM

Well, the reason why Cuban is a moron is because of this part:

Quote:

The memo read: "If a member of your organization is asked by the media about a potential free agent prior to the July 1 following the last season covered by the player's contract, or about any other person under contract with another NBA team, the only proper response is to decline comment."

But Cuban didn't do that. Why? Who really cares. But he always does dumb things. And let's not forget that Stern hates him. So therefore it makes him even dumber for running his mouth.

Ninkobei · 05-20-2010, 10:15 PM

I dont see lebron coming to dallas. He can go to a much younger chicago team or head to miami and play with wayde. Why would he want to play with 32-38 year olds here in Dallas?

mac222b · 05-20-2010, 10:50 PM

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Originally Posted by Ninkobei

I dont see lebron coming to dallas. He can go to a much younger chicago team or head to miami and play with wayde. Why would he want to play with 32-38 year olds here in Dallas?

Chicago isn't exactly an ideal destination. Rose and Bron both need the ball. Noah is really good but is basically a hustle player. Taj Gibson and James Johnson are decent prospects but are essentially role players and with Deng would likely be traded to get LeBron in the 1st place. what's left? Hinrich?MLE?

also if LeBron thought the pressure to succeed in Cleveland too great... what if he hasn't won a championship in his first couple years in Chicago as heir to Air?

ItGetzReal · 05-21-2010, 09:11 AM

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Originally Posted by Ninkobei

I dont see lebron coming to dallas. He can go to a much younger chicago team or head to miami and play with wayde. Why would he want to play with 32-38 year olds here in Dallas?

Well I could see it . Lebron would help us in our win now mode for the next few years and since he is still young we could still rebuild around him after that. Maybe a longshot, but if he truly wants to win now and get a decent amount of money the mavs are a good choice.

Windmill360 · 05-20-2010, 10:19 PM

It's a fantastic question that i've been asking myself for several years now. The only thing I could think of is that it probably offers him the best opportunity to win now, unless he somehow joins another superstar.

mac222b · 05-20-2010, 10:44 PM

it's stupid of Cuban because there is nothing to be gained by talking about LeBron but there is a prospective loss by doing so. we know how Stern operates- if he wants to call it tampering he'll call it tampering.

chumdawg · 05-20-2010, 11:18 PM

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Originally Posted by mac222b

it's stupid of Cuban because there is nothing to be gained by talking about LeBron but there is a prospective loss by doing so. we know how Stern operates- if he wants to call it tampering he'll call it tampering.

Sure there is. Get it out there in the press that you want the guy and you don't mind saying so, consequences be damned. The guy will take notice.

Flacolaco · 05-20-2010, 11:26 PM

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Originally Posted by chumdawg

Sure there is. Get it out there in the press that you want the guy and you don't mind saying so, consequences be damned. The guy will take notice.

This seems like an occasion worth marking, fo sho.

(and I agree with chum, for once)

Ed99 · 05-20-2010, 11:30 PM

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Originally Posted by Flacolaco

This seems like an occasion worth marking, fo sho.

(and I agree with chum, for once)

I would love to see Lebron in Dallas but i doubt about it.
He will go to the Bulls or make a new start in NJ.

Pleassssseee let me be wrong!!

Ed99 · 05-20-2010, 11:28 PM

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Originally Posted by chumdawg

Sure there is. Get it out there in the press that you want the guy and you don't mind saying so, consequences be damned. The guy will take notice.

Thats exactly the point!

aquaadverse · 05-21-2010, 03:22 AM

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Originally Posted by chumdawg

Sure there is. Get it out there in the press that you want the guy and you don't mind saying so, consequences be damned. The guy will take notice.

Or he'll think it was stupidly obvious and unprofessional and aggravated the NBA gods for no good reason to the possible detriment of the organization.
Most of the value of this fratboy with an attitude act has been spent with everyone but Mav fans and TV commentators.

Dirkadirkastan · 05-21-2010, 04:19 AM

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Originally Posted by aquaadverse

Most of the value of this fratboy with an attitude act has been spent with everyone but Mav fans and TV commentators.

This is the first time I've ever seen Chum defend anything Cuban has ever done. Save it for another day, Spurs fan.

aquaadverse · 05-21-2010, 05:37 AM

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Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

This is the first time I've ever seen Chum defend anything Cuban has ever done. Save it for another day, Spurs fan.

You underestimate the geographical reach of disdain for Cuban and the actual question was how James, not Chum, would perceive it.

LonghornDub · 05-21-2010, 03:54 PM

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Originally Posted by aquaadverse

Or he'll think it was stupidly obvious and unprofessional and aggravated the NBA gods for no good reason to the possible detriment of the organization.
Most of the value of this fratboy with an attitude act has been spent with everyone but Mav fans and TV commentators.

Cool story bro.

Thespiralgoeson · 05-21-2010, 03:45 AM

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Originally Posted by chumdawg

Sure there is. Get it out there in the press that you want the guy and you don't mind saying so, consequences be damned. The guy will take notice.

Bingo. I don't see what the hell everybody is getting their panties in a twist about. Making public overtures toward Lebron is the best way to endear him to the possibility of coming to Dallas. Ultimately I think he will stay in Cleveland, but this sure as hell isn't going to make him not want to play in Dallas. If anything, it will at least get him seriously thinking about it.

mac222b · 05-21-2010, 03:53 AM

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Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Bingo. I don't see what the hell everybody is getting their panties in a twist about. Making public overtures toward Lebron is the best way to endear him to the possibility of coming to Dallas. Ultimately I think he will stay in Cleveland, but this sure as hell isn't going to make him not want to play in Dallas. If anything, it will at least get him seriously thinking about it.

would people be reacting differently if it were Donnie saying this? i'm not sure he's broken any rules but there are rules against tampering for a reason.

Thespiralgoeson · 05-21-2010, 04:14 AM

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Originally Posted by mac222b

would people be reacting differently if it were Donnie saying this? i'm not sure he's broken any rules but there are rules against tampering for a reason.

Probably, but Donnie isn't saying it. If anything, I think (for once) Cuban's reputation actually works to the Mavs' advantage in this case. Cuban can get away with saying things like this simply because he's Mark Cuban. People expect him to say outrageous things and nobody takes it all that seriously when he does. A star player, however, is bound to take notice to something like this. Didn't Shaq say many times that he'd like to play for Cuban? There are three things that will weigh into Lebron's decision this summer. The first and most important is that he wants to go where he can win. The second is money. The third, even though he'll never say it publicly, he wants to play for an owner sees him (Lebron) as the franchise's absolute, unquestioned highest priority. I think this is the one thing that has kept Lebron relatively happy in Cleveland up until this point (and indeed what will probably keep him in Cleveland.) The Mavs are one of the few teams that meet all of these qualifications. Now it's true that plenty of other owners would have the exact same attitude towards Lebron, but none gutsy enough to come out and say it publicly.

Up until this point the only teams that have been discussed in the media as potential destinations for Lebron are Chicago, New York, and New Jersey. If nothing else, this might at least get some people talking about Lebron in Dallas, and get him thinking about it. Players notice stuff like this. There's no way they can't.

LonghornDub · 05-21-2010, 03:50 PM

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Originally Posted by chumdawg

Sure there is. Get it out there in the press that you want the guy and you don't mind saying so, consequences be damned. The guy will take notice.

Yes x1000.

This comment is absolutely worth whatever (miniscule by his standards) fine they might toss at Cuban.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-21-2010, 12:33 AM

I'm glad Cuban wants Lebron. Who even cares who talks about it? Every sports news source in the world is talking about it and asking everyone about it. It's ridiculous to expect people to not talk about wanting Lebron. Every child, father, and mother wants Lebron on their team.

left texas · 05-21-2010, 04:00 AM

We can at least dream.

Thespiralgoeson · 05-21-2010, 04:32 AM

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Originally Posted by left texas

We can at least dream.

Honestly, the more I think about it, the more plausible it sounds. As I've said, ultimately I don't we'll end up getting Lebron, but the possibility is certainly real enough to merit this discussion. Not only does Dallas have everything that Lebron is looking for, but this is also the only scenario in which Lebron leaves Cleveland and the Cavs can still get something for Lebron should he decide to leave. Granted, anything they could get in a sign-and-trade would be a very very very small consolation, but anything is better than nothing. If Lebron decides once and for all that he won't stay in Cleveland and makes it clear to the organization that there's no way they can keep him, a sign-and-trade with the Mavs would certainly be a more appealing option for them than Lebron just signing for another team.

Furthermore, I don't care how much cap room they have, I just don't think there's any way in hell Lebron signs with New York or New Jersey. No way. Above all other things, the dude wants to win, and I just can't imagine that he would gamble his entire future on the chance that one of those teams might be able to give him a proper supporting cast. So that eliminates most of the competition for him right there. Honestly I think Cleveland, Chicago and Dallas are the only realistic scenario's for Lebron. Again, at the end of the day I think he will stay in Clevland, but if he does decide to leave, the Mavs' chances are better than most.

BGMaverick9 · 05-21-2010, 08:31 AM

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Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Honestly, the more I think about it, the more plausible it sounds. As I've said, ultimately I don't we'll end up getting Lebron, but the possibility is certainly real enough to merit this discussion. Not only does Dallas have everything that Lebron is looking for, but this is also the only scenario in which Lebron leaves Cleveland and the Cavs can still get something for Lebron should he decide to leave. Granted, anything they could get in a sign-and-trade would be a very very very small consolation, but anything is better than nothing. If Lebron decides once and for all that he won't stay in Cleveland and makes it clear to the organization that there's no way they can keep him, a sign-and-trade with the Mavs would certainly be a more appealing option for them than Lebron just signing for another team.

Furthermore, I don't care how much cap room they have, I just don't think there's any way in hell Lebron signs with New York or New Jersey. No way. Above all other things, the dude wants to win, and I just can't imagine that he would gamble his entire future on the chance that one of those teams might be able to give him a proper supporting cast. So that eliminates most of the competition for him right there. Honestly I think Cleveland, Chicago and Dallas are the only realistic scenario's for Lebron. Again, at the end of the day I think he will stay in Clevland, but if he does decide to leave, the Mavs' chances are better than most.

I'm really surprised you think Cleveland is still a viable option based on the winning theory. They have system that works in the regular season and they go balls out because they feel they have to prove something in the regular season when it's the postseason where they have everything to prove. They do gain some cap relief with Shaq coming off the books and he won't come back, but the rest of the core guys are locked up for 2-3 years. Cleveland is not the geographic hotbed to use as a recruiting tool. They would need a superstar to come in to run with LeBron because they need some major help to their roster based on their parts.

I've said all along that the best opportunity for Dallas is for NY, NJ, or CHI to possibly win the recruiting battle for LeBron while Dallas was #2 and he says he wants to go to X and can do it outright. Cleveland doesn't want to get left out to dry so they'll see if they can work a S&T. Luol Deng is probably the best player Chicago would offer up in a deal and they have pieces like Brad Miller, Flip Murray, and Hinrich they can add to provide a mix of talent or contracts. I think whatever Dallas offers is better in terms of a S&T for Cleveland: you want instant payroll reduction: DUST, money and picks
Talent and potential with flexibility: Roddy, Butler, fodder. The only major difference I see between Chicago and Dallas would be age. The core around him in Chicago would be talented and it would be much younger than the talent that would be around him in Dallas...but we know which is the better overall group.

I can't imagine why in the world Cleveland would do a S&T with a rival in the East. I know it's maybe been debunked with minor trades over the past couple of years, but a player of his magnitude won't be traded within the conference. Based on the money and talent model, we are the only legit team in the West that can make a run at him.

Underdog · 05-21-2010, 09:19 AM

If Cuban gets fined for his comments about LeBron, then he's already proven that he's willing to spend as much money as it takes to bring King James here...

ItGetzReal · 05-21-2010, 09:41 AM

It's really funny how people are so down on the older teams with talent. I just went and compared teams on espn.com and most of the top teams are older (around 30). Look at the Celtics cleaning up the east with a group of old guys. Yes they have some youth in there , but their core is up the also like the mavs (30+).

Male30Dan · 05-21-2010, 10:03 AM

If it is about money, we have to be up there. Cleveland can offer him more than anyone else so in a sign/trade situation he still gets the money Cleveland gave him but with no state taxes here.

If it is about winning, we have to be up there. Considering what would likely depart, (Damp, Butler, Picks), we would have the strongest remaining core of any other team.

If it is about loyalty, we have to be up there. Besides staying with Cleveland, he helps that franchise the most by dealing with us or another sign/trade partner.

If it is about willingness to win, we have to be up there. Who other than Cuban gives off the aura of an owner that will do anything to win? Who is willing to pay a 7 figure fine just to let James know that he wants him badly?

As crazy as it sounds, I don't think that we are THAT much of a longshot here. NJ not getting Wall REALLY hurt them and while I still think Chicago, Miami, and possibly even NY are more likely, (NY only if other pieces fall first - he will NOT be the first to sign there), we are the only choice that combines money, talent, loyalty to Cleveland, and willingness to win long-term in an overall package. Little things like his love to play with Kidd and his fondness of the Cowboys don't hurt either.

Thespiralgoeson · 05-21-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Male28Dan

If it is about money, we have to be up there. Cleveland can offer him more than anyone else so in a sign/trade situation he still gets the money Cleveland gave him but with no state taxes here.

If it is about winning, we have to be up there. Considering what would likely depart, (Damp, Butler, Picks), we would have the strongest remaining core of any other team.

If it is about loyalty, we have to be up there. Besides staying with Cleveland, he helps that franchise the most by dealing with us or another sign/trade partner.

If it is about willingness to win, we have to be up there. Who other than Cuban gives off the aura of an owner that will do anything to win? Who is willing to pay a 7 figure fine just to let James know that he wants him badly?

As crazy as it sounds, I don't think that we are THAT much of a longshot here. NJ not getting Wall REALLY hurt them and while I still think Chicago, Miami, and possibly even NY are more likely, (NY only if other pieces fall first - he will NOT be the first to sign there), we are the only choice that combines money, talent, loyalty to Cleveland, and willingness to win long-term in an overall package. Little things like his love to play with Kidd and his fondness of the Cowboys don't hurt either.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Male28Dan again.

SMC0007 · 05-21-2010, 10:25 AM

CHUM and UD +

SMC0007 · 05-21-2010, 12:36 PM

Sports nation poll on espn has Mavs in the lead for Lebrons best chance at winning a championship.... Huge news.

ItGetzReal · 05-21-2010, 12:54 PM

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Originally Posted by SMC0007

Sports nation poll on espn has Mavs in the lead for Lebrons best chance at winning a championship.... Huge news.

Oooooooooooh! I got to go check that out. I hope the league doesn't try to spoil the mood with a tampering violation bs.

Rick41 · 05-21-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Sports nation poll on espn has Mavs in the lead for Lebrons best chance at winning a championship.... Huge news.

Just the thought of that gave me a boner.

92bDad · 05-21-2010, 01:07 PM

If you going to go for broke, what's to keep the Mavs from going after and getting both LeBron and Wade?