Cuban goes public with quest for James

[Underdog]

Surprised nobody posted this:

Calculated reason for Cuban's comments?
by Tim MacMahon

link

Mark Cuban has publicly stated what anybody with an ounce of basketball sense already knew: Heck, yes, he hopes to bring LeBron James to Dallas.

That might be music to the ears of Mavericks fans, including the folks who built lebrontothemavs.com, a site that Cuban tweeted about Thursday morning. However, the comments Cuban made in an interview posted on CNNMoney.com also violate the letter of the NBA’s anti-tampering law.

That can’t possibly be news to Cuban, who knows every nook and cranny of the NBA rules and regulations. Just in case this particular rule slipped anybody’s mind, the league office sent a memo about it to teams in December 2008.

That memo reminded teams that “the only proper response is to decline comment” if asked about a potential free agent prior to when the market opens on July 1. "Penalties for tampering include suspension of the offending person, 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," the memo stated.

Cuban didn’t immediately reply to an e-mail from ESPNDallas.com regarding his potential tampering violation, and we’re also still waiting for a response from the league office. (UPDATE: Cuban replied a few hours later: "no. Its not tampering. Not even close. nice try")

That won’t stop me from speculating about Cuban’s motives for possibly drawing the wrath of old pal David Stern. I'm going to give Cuban credit for being smart enough to have a calculated reason for his comments.

Perhaps Cuban figures it’s worth paying a seven-figure fine to let LeBron know in no uncertain terms that he’s serious about trying to add the two-time MVP to the core of a 55-win team that already features two future Hall of Famers.

Those certainly weren’t the first comments Cuban has made that might have been intended for LeBron’s ears. For example, Cuban definitely knew that LeBron was a huge Cowboys fan who loved big stages when in the aftermath of the All-Star Game he raised the possibility of playing occasional home games in JerryWorld. But the name LeBron never slipped out of Cuban’s lips while discussing the Mavs’ hopes to make a sign-and-trade splash in free agency.

Cuban crossed that line during his CNN sitdown.

This probably isn’t a serious enough violation to get slapped with the more serious penalties, like being prohibited from pursuing LeBron or forfeiting draft picks. Is it worth a few million bucks to possibly improve the long-shot odds of persuading LeBron to force a sign-and-trade deal with Dallas?

Hey, how often do two-time MVPs just entering their prime become free agents?

[sefant77]

Of course there is a good reason for this tampering rule.

But this summer and regarding Lebron its completly BS because every damn team want Lebron and will look to sign or S&T him. Mikhail talking about "meeting with FA" and everyone knows who he meant. Cuban could have said "interested in HIM/*coughcough*/who know who i mean" and everything is fine by the rules?

lol

But i think too its calculated

[Dirkadirkastan]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Surprised nobody posted this:

Haha, someone posted these in the comments section:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmLA5TqbIY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZzgAjjuqZM

[Rick41]

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

Haha, someone posted these in the comments section:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmLA5TqbIY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZzgAjjuqZM

At least we're not Detroit LOL!!

[clutch#41]

anybody have espn insider?????
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...3fid%3d5207538

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

Haha, someone posted these in the comments section:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmLA5TqbIY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZzgAjjuqZM

Nice catch!

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by clutch#41

anybody have espn insider?????
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...3fid%3d5207538

The biggest question in the NBA is not, "Who's going to win the championship?'' but rather, "Who's going to get LeBron James?" Speculation swirls daily, rumors fly regularly, but the fact is, no one (perhaps not even James) knows what city he'll call home next season. But there is speculation and then there's informed speculation; there's guessing and then there's educated guessing. So after speaking with several folks around the league, here are our top five likeliest destinations for LeBron. Despite Mark Cuban's open courting of LeBron, we purposely omitted sign-and-trade possibilities, because for the Cavaliers that's either the ultimate last resort or no option at all. In the unlikely event the Cavs open themselves up to a sign-and-trade, then Dallas, Houston and perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers could enter the discussion. But the Cavs know there would be no way to bring back equal value in a sign-and-trade, and they'd kill their future cap flexibility in the process. With that in mind, here are the five likeliest destinations for LeBron. Sorry, Clippers fans, you didn't make the cut. As usual.

5. Miami Heat

WHY -- James and Dwyane Wade would form the league's most formidable perimeter tandem since Jordan and Pippen. Heat prez Pat Riley is a master architect, capable of putting the right pieces around the superstar duo. Sun, fun and South Beach. 'Nuff said.

WHY NOT -- After James and Wade, the Heat would, at least next year, have hardly anything of note. Heat fans aren't exactly raucous, typically waiting until the second quarter to show up and fill in the lower bowl of American Airlines Arena. And do James and Wade, two of the league's three biggest stars, want to share the spotlight? Winning titles in Miami would perhaps open James up to arguments that he couldn't win a ring without Wade.

4. New York Knicks

WHY -- The Knicks have enough cap room to add James and another max-salaried free agent such as Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire or Joe Johnson. Danilo Gallinari is a sharp-shooter who would play well off James, and James' numbers would be otherworldly in Mike D'Antoni's offense. James loves the limelight and the lights don't get any brighter than those at Madison Square Garden, where he'd play before a host of celebrities every night. Bringing the Knicks their first title in nearly 40 years would make James a hero of the highest order, and some say he can only maximize his off-the-court financial potential in the Big Apple.

WHY NOT -- There's no guarantee Bosh, Stoudemire or any other big-name free agent would want to follow James to New York as his sidekick. Those cats have egos, too. Even landing two max-quality free agents doesn't guarantee greatness for the Knicks, because the club won't have much money left to pay their still-to-be-acquired supporting cast. The media glare will not only be focused on James but on his family and friends, who don't want to read about themselves on Page Six of the New York Post. Owner James Dolan also hasn't exactly proved himself to be a builder of champions, a la Jerry Buss, and if James doesn't win a ring in New York, his failure will be magnified, thereby damaging his legacy.

3. New Jersey Nets

WHY -- Despite their horrible 12-70 mark this season, the Nets have a supporting cast that would fit nicely around James. Brook Lopez would perhaps be the best center James has played with, and Devin Harris is an All-Star talent at point guard. Courtney Lee, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Yi Jianlian and Terrence Williams would all improve next to LeBron, as would whomever the Nets draft with the third overall pick. Plus, New Jersey has the cap room to add another talented player along with James. Billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov is poised to spend whatever it takes to get James and the Nets a title. And in two years, the Nets will be in Brooklyn, where LeBron's buddy and minority Nets owner, Jay-Z, is from.

WHY NOT -- Despite their talent, the Nets' players haven't displayed a winner's mentality. They should have won far more than 12 games, yet they gave in and underachieved. Are they a collection of losers? Plus, the team will play in Newark the next two years before heading to Brooklyn. Does King James really want to be in limbo for the next two seasons? Leaving Cleveland for another club would double the already-immense pressure on James to win a title, and while Prokhorov is a big spender, unlike baseball, you can't just buy a championship in the NBA. Finally, as the league's longtime version of "Clippers-East,'' are the Nets fit for a King?

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

WHY -- LeBron loves his hometown of Akron and, by extension, Cleveland. His family, friends and ultra-palatial home are in the area. He can be a normal person there, going to local restaurants and stores without being bombarded by fans and media. Basketball-wise, Cleveland is set to be a title contender for the next several years and, with a few roster tweaks, the Cavs could win a championship. He's also comfortable within the organization, which has gone out of its way to please him for the past seven years. Leaving the Cavaliers ring-less is, on some level, to leave in failure, but there is that extra $30 million the Cavs can pay (Cleveland is allowed to spend more than anyone else to re-sign its own player).

WHY NOT -- The Cavaliers don't have the cap space and don't appear to have the trade bait to land a true second star for LeBron. Antawn Jamison is very good, but he's not a perennial All-Star, and Mo Williams has struggled in two straight postseasons. While staying in Cleveland would be a feel-good story, it could potentially cost James a title.

1. Chicago Bulls

WHY -- Of all the clubs with max cap space, the Bulls have the most talent to put around James. He's never had a teammate the caliber of Derrick Rose, and Joakim Noah is an amped-up, more skilled version of Anderson Varejao (not to mention one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the game). The positions are a bit different, but could that trio become reminiscent of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman? The Bulls also have other solid players who might be able to fetch another star-caliber talent in a sign-and-trade. The city of Chicago isn't New York, but it's not Cleveland either. The Chi would give LeBron a nice mix of big city excitement and suburban peace.

WHY NOT -- The Bulls don't have the pieces to entice Cleveland into a sign-and-trade deal without giving up Rose and Noah, who are major reasons James would consider playing in Chicago. That means -- barring a three-team sign-and-trade -- that James would have to leave nearly $30 million on the table to move from the Cavs to the Bulls. And playing in The House that Mike Built would perhaps prevent LeBron from one day being recognized as the greatest player of all time.

This guy clearly hasn't done his homework because he doesn't understand that Damp's contract is an instant-expiring and would save Cleveland a ton of money.

[clutch#41]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

This guy clearly hasn't done his homework because he doesn't understand that Damp's contract is an instant-expiring and would save Cleveland a ton of money.

ya the Mavs arent even in the top 5..wtf??

[Dirkadirkastan]

The guy is purposefully eliminating the S&T angle outright. Those may be the most likely destinations that don't utilize the S&T, but I fail to see how this is intelligent discussion. Is he saying that the Cavaliers would not get equal value through a S&T, therefore Lebron walking for nothing is a better option for them?

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by Dirkadirkastan

The guy is purposefully eliminating the S&T angle outright. Those may be the most likely destinations that don't utilize the S&T, but I fail to see how this is intelligent discussion. He's saying the Cavaliers would not get equal value through a S&T, therefore Lebron walking for nothing is a better option for them?

And to think... he gets paid to do this.

[clutch#41]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

And to think... he gets paid to do this.

ya idk whats worse..this article or the collishaw one..

[Mavericks Rockets Fan]

Originally Posted by clutch#41

ya idk whats worse..this article or the collishaw one..

You were the one agreeing with him in that we should trade Dirk. Should I refresh your memory?

Originally Posted by clutch#41

Finally someone agrees with me that we should trade Dirk!!! Thank you colishaw!!

[LonghornDub]

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.

[LonghornDub]

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.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

This guy clearly hasn't done his homework because he doesn't understand that Damp's contract is an instant-expiring and would save Cleveland a ton of money.

The East Coast media is going to keep pumping New York/New Jersey/Chicago/Miami despite the fact that Cleveland has zero interest in trading LeBron to an Eastern Conference rival...

New Jersey and New York especially don't make sense - they have a lot of cap room, a huge market and a big bag of nothing. Why would LeBron play for the 12-win Nets? Why not play for the T-Wolves or Washington Generals? Might as well sign in Europe - he'd be just as close to an NBA Championship...

The Knicks are barely a notch up from the Nets and I don't see how LeBron is gonna win rings in D'Antoni's system. Plus, the weather sucks.

The Bulls? Talented youth is nice, talented veterans are better. That team is a lot more than one LeBron away from a ring - just because they have a bright future doesn't mean LeBron can wait a couple seasons for them to get their sh!t together. Oh, there's that whole thing about living in Jordan's shadow too...

The Heat? Makes a whole lotta sense if Wade is comfortable with the idea of being Robin...

No reason the Mavs shouldn't be in this conversation. We can offer the most compensation to the Cavs without giving up the talent that LeBron is seeking (and aside from Wade, Dirk is the single-most talented player on a team that could afford the services of King James...)

Wanna win now? Win here.

[Thespiralgoeson]

If someone posted this already, I apologize:

May 21
2:25
PM CT
Email Print Share
By Tim MacMahon
The Mavs are a long shot in the LeBron James sweepstakes, but I like their chances a lot more than I did last month.

That has nothing to do with Mark Cuban’s recent comments indicating his intention to recruit LeBron, which will likely result in the league slapping our billionaire buddy with a fine.

When the playoffs started, I expected King James’ Cavs to win the title. They didn’t get out of the second round, significantly increasing the odds that he’ll opt to leave Cleveland.

The Nets have long been speculated as one of the most likely teams to land LeBron. You have to think New Jersey’s chances took a hit during the lottery, when they missed out on the first and second picks. The Nets aren’t nearly as attractive without John Wall or Evan Turner as a long-term running mate.

You can make the case – and Cuban certainly will – that the Mavs represented LeBron’s best chance to win a ring right away. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd are a couple of future Hall of Famers who would willingly let LeBron take the lead and have games well suited to play with him.

ESPN.com stat geek John Hollinger crunched the numbers and determined that only Chris Bosh would be a better fit than Dirk among the stars who could potentially be paired with LeBron. How do you defend a LeBron-Dirk pick-and-pop? While it’s possible that Bosh and LeBron could decide to play together for the Knicks, they wouldn’t have a point guard like Kidd to make their offensive lives easier.

Kidd has flaws at his advanced age, but he excels at two things that mesh well with LeBron’s phenomenal skills and athleticism. Kidd can get LeBron easy transition buckets in bunches. And Kidd can consistently knock down weakside 3-pointers to make opponents pay for doubling LeBron.

Yet many national media members refuse to even consider the Mavs as a possibility. After all, they have no cap space.

“Despite Mark Cuban's open courting of LeBron, we purposely omitted sign-and-trade possibilities, because for the Cavaliers that's either the ultimate last resort or no option at all,” ESPN.com’s Chris Broussard writes before ranking LeBron’s five most likely landing spots. “In the unlikely event the Cavs open themselves up to a sign-and-trade, then Dallas, Houston and perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers could enter the discussion. But the Cavs know there would be no way to bring back equal value in a sign-and-trade, and they'd kill their future cap flexibility in the process.”

No doubt that Dallas can’t offer equal basketball value for LeBron, but Cuban can offer a package that improves the Cavs’ finances and future cap flexibility.

The key, of course, is Erick Dampier’s contract. The Cavs would never have to pay a cent of the big man’s nonguaranteed $13 million salary if he’s included in a sign-and-trade deal, assuming they cut Dampier. Package that with Roddy Beaubois and his rookie deal, some Cuban cash and a couple of future draft picks and the Cavs could actually make money on the deal.

The Cavs could really free up some cap space if they decide to go into total rebuilding mode and insist on the Mavs taking another big contract off their hands. For example, with LeBron gone, would Cleveland really to pay Antawn Jamison more than $28 million the next two seasons? The Mavs have the expiring contracts (Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson, J.J. Barea) to expand the sign-and-trade package to provide the Cavs that sort of salary relief.

Not that Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert would be excited about such an offer, but it’d be a heck of a lot better than letting LeBron stay in the Eastern Conference and getting nothing in return. Make no mistake, the only way the Mavs can pull this off is if LeBron presents a Dallas-or-Chicago/New York/New Jersey/Miami ultimatum.

The tough part is convincing King James that his best option is to come to Dallas. Cuban would have no problem putting together a package to make losing a legend-in-the-making as painless as possible for the poor Cavs.

[SeriousSummer]

I think Cuban is taking a very calculated risk. Who knows what LeBron is thinking, but after Cuban's comments he's got to at least consider the possibility of a sign and trade to Dallas.

If Stern doesn't forbid it.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by SeriousSummer

I think Cuban is taking a very calculated risk. Who knows what LeBron is thinking, but after Cuban's comments he's got to at least consider the possibility of a sign and trade to Dallas.

If Stern doesn't forbid it.

If Stern tried to forbid Lebron from coming to Dallas because of those comments, the backlash would be unprecedented. A fine is the appropriate penalty, if any.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by SeriousSummer

I think Cuban is taking a very calculated risk. Who knows what LeBron is thinking, but after Cuban's comments he's got to at least consider the possibility of a sign and trade to Dallas.

If Stern doesn't forbid it.

Stern won't do a damn thing, other than fine Cuban some pocket change. Lebron is by far the NBA's most marketable player, and the LAST thing Stern is going to do is stand between Lebron and a championship.

[Kidd Karma]

Despite all these sign and trade options, Cleveland really has no choice in matters, it's all coming down to where the King wants to go. And if Cleveland does not comply, you risk damaging agent-front office relationship.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

If Stern tried to forbid Lebron from coming to Dallas because of those comments, the backlash would be unprecedented. A fine is the appropriate penalty, if any.

No kidding. Seriously, I don't get where this talk of the "wrath" of David Stern is coming from. All the guy did was say what the whole world was already thinking. Even if Cuban's comments were ground for serious action from Stern, what the hell would be the point? Could you imagine how the media and fans around the world would react if they found out that David Stern prevented Lebron from going to the place where he'd most likely win a title? On top of ruining his reputation personally, it would just be horrible for the NBA.

Once again, Stern won't do a damn thing.

[Kidd Karma]

He's getting fined, though the comments are harmless, Czar Stern , will stick by his rule. It's not like Cuban said he's offering James, such and such, something for his homies, etc, etc.

With out that memo, doubtful Cuban will get a fine.

Nevertheless, Cuban, Kidd, Dirk, Nelson, Jerry Jones will need to get on a plane, and start recruiting James, the first minute that they can.

[Kante]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ar...nts_on_lebron/

So, he will get fined at least...

[BGMaverick9]

Seriously, Cuban, Jerry, Dirk, Kidd, Romo....cheerleaders, get them all on board.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G44-6VBIe6k

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Seriously, Cuban, Jerry, Dirk, Kidd, Romo....cheerleaders, get them all on board.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G44-6VBIe6k

Do you think Jerry would give LeBron his own luxury suite at the stadium? Any chance Cuban could negotiate with Jerry to get it done?

Probably violates some Stern Law, but it would be a nice way to sweeten the deal for a known Cowboys fan.

[Kidd Karma]

Bring Lebron to Dallas again, give him the key to the city, name a day for him.....show him his own housing development, we'll call it the Lebron Development....do whatever it takes. The Lebron suite and Cowboys Stadium......

[GermanFan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eL7P...eature=related

*g

[Windmill360]

just like with marion.

[GermanFan]

Originally Posted by Windmill360

just like with marion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVL9wMd-sso

loved that too (but i thought kidd to james was more on topic (dreaming))

[sefant77]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Do you think Jerry would give LeBron his own luxury suite at the stadium? Any chance Cuban could negotiate with Jerry to get it done?

Probably violates some Stern Law, but it would be a nice way to sweeten the deal for a known Cowboys fan.

Pretty sure Jerry would tell James to come in his suite whenever he wants...

Jerrys suite should always fit 10-20 ppl more

[Windmill360]

Would be nice if Jerry did Cuban a favor since he did Jerry one by having the all-star game at the stadium.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by Windmill360

Would be nice if Jerry did Cuban a favor since he did Jerry one by having the all-star game at the stadium.

Plus Cuban would almost have to schedule some games at the new stagium if he snagged LeBron, right? And I'm sure that won't hurt Jerry's pocket books any.

[BGMaverick9]

Cuban's tweet from about 40 minutes ago.

For those of you who care about these things. NBA just fined me 100k for comments regarding another teams' players.

[Ninkobei]

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

Cuban's tweet from about 40 minutes ago.

haha, Cubes is great. Its nice having a filthy rich owner.

[dirt_dobber]

Cuban, Kerr fined by NBA
http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba...ory?id=5210828

The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban $100,000 Saturday for his recent comments about Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.

Cuban confirmed the fine through his Twitter account shortly before the league announced its punishment for Cuban's remarks which violated the league's anti-tampering rules.

"For those of you who care about these things, NBA just fined me 100k for comments regarding another teams' players," Cuban wrote.

NBA rules prohibit team officials from commenting on potential free agents until the market opens on July 1. Earlier this week in a CNNMoney.com interview, Cuban was asked he if is interested in signing James. Cuban said he is hopeful that James will try to force a sign-and-trade, which would give the Mavericks an opportunity to acquire him.

"Come July 1st, yeah, of course, anybody would be interested in LeBron James," Cuban said in the interview. "And if he leaves via free agency, then it's going to be tough. 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."

The league more or less slapped Cuban on the wrist considering he and the club faced a maximum fine of $5 million and the possibility of not being able to pursue James in the case he does become a free agent. The league sent a memo to all 30 teams in 2008 directing team officials to decline comment about potential free agents when asked by the media.

The league also fined Phoenix Suns president of basketball operations Steve Kerr $10,000 for comments he made regarding James on a radio show on May 14. Kerr joked that he would like to sign James for the mid-level exception, "About five-and-half million, I think he'll take it. Don't you think?" Kerr said.

Kerr was then asked where he thought James would end up next season. Kerr said, "I have no idea. I want him to stay in Cleveland. I think that's good for sports when you've got players you connect to over a long period of time, so I hope he stays."

A Suns spokesperson said the team would have no further comment on the matter.

[Dtownsfinest]

Kerr got fined for that? Seriously?

[FINtastic]

The league also fined Phoenix Suns president of basketball operations Steve Kerr $10,000 for comments he made regarding James on a radio show on May 14. Kerr joked that he would like to sign James for the mid-level exception, "About five-and-half million, I think he'll take it. Don't you think?" Kerr said.

Kerr was then asked where he thought James would end up next season. Kerr said, "I have no idea. I want him to stay in Cleveland. I think that's good for sports when you've got players you connect to over a long period of time, so I hope he stays."

A Suns spokesperson said the team would have no further comment on the matter.

You've got to be kidding me.

[dude1394]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

And to think... he gets paid to do this.

What's worse is people PAY for the opportunity to read it.

[micheal]

Originally Posted by Dtownsfinest

Kerr got fined for that? Seriously?

No kidding, that is ridiculous that Kerr got fined for a joke. I can see a fine for Cuban too, given the current NBA regime, but $100K seems pretty ludicrous.

[She_Growls]

David Stern=just another arrogant Wall Street crook----total BS on both fines! What a dumb-down society we have become......