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QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:22 AM) I think that'd be great. I, too, like LeBron, and I'd honestly be happy for Cleveland. It'd be rather unbelievable, though. Also, I'm increasingly nervous for what I care about - Melo to Chicago. Jason, please do another of your "I think the Bulls get Melo" posts with some reasoning so I can enjoy it. Seriously. Just for you Steve. Melo to Chicago; With Lebron in Cleveland, Melo has no reason to stay put. Not enough talent available in FA next year for Phil to build an immediate winner, therefor, Melo tells Knicks today he will not return. Does not announce Bulls, rather says he's interested in both, to apply pressure to Knicks to work out S&T so they can receive something and Melo ultimately can get something very near a 4 year max from Chicago all while the Bulls return top talent and Knicks get at least some assets (and lots of payroll flexibility) for assisting Bulls.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:19 AM) Ha seriously. Wish I was as optimistic as Mr. Gage. And yes, LeBron going to Cleveland is scarier than him staying in Miami. But you got to love it. I have zero problem with Lebron going home to Cleveland. None. I've also came to really like Lebron again.

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:13 AM) Yea what would really suck the most, obviously, is Lebron to Cleveland and melo not with with the bulls. I think Lebron to Cleveland, Melo to Chicago, Bosh to Houston, Wade...who knows.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:12 AM) If he does, I guarantee he will say it wasn't about the money but all about Phil Jackson's vision and championship rings. And if that were totally true, there would have been no reason for the dog and pony show in which he took part. Without really going out and meeting other teams, he couldn't know that for certain. Can't blame him for looking, however, I think the time he's taken to make the decision tells you he is at least considering other options, otherwise he would have quickly decided, imo.

QUOTE (buhbuhburrrrlz @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:11 AM) Melo goes back to NY. Big 3 go back to Miami. LOL AT MEDIA I'm ok with big 3 going back to Miami. They are very beatable with an aging Wade. None of the moves they have done are that scarcy. Lebron in Cleveland will actually be scarier, if they can make the right moves. Maybe not this year, but long term.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:03 AM) Where's the sas stuff coming from? Who knows...supposedly he said this on a NY radio report. However, supposedly he also said he will be announcing his return to the Knicks.

Sam Amico ‏@SamAmicoFSO 1m Interesting and (maybe) totally unrelated aside, LeBron James' wife and kids are returning to their Akron home today, a source says.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 11:02 AM) So why the hell does Melo even care what LeBron does? Theory is Melo wants to play with Lebron in NY, that could happen if he signs a 2 year deal with opt out in a year to stay in Miami. No one thinks he's signing with Miami long term. That is why a lot of people are starting to speculate Melo is waiting on that to decide whether he stays in New York or bounces for another option. I happen to think that other option is a place like Chicago where he can win and the Bulls / Knicks will start working on a S&T. I literally think Melo wants to stay in NY badly but only if he thinks he has a legit shot at winning. That gets a lot less likely if Lebron is off the list (plus Aldridge is gone too) and we might find Love off the list of available FA next year as well.

Sam Amico ‏@SamAmicoFSO 24s LeBron expected to announce free-agent choice on http://lebronjames.com . I'd start refreshing at time of his meeting w Heat (6 pm EST).

Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft 11s Around 6:00 p.m. (EST) start checking http://lebronjames.com as the news of the LeBron's choice should be announced.

SAS now reporting that Melo to make decision in a few hours. Chris Sheridan also reporting that Lebron, his agent Rich Paul, and Riley will be only people attending the meeting. If so, I think much more likely LBJ has already decided and he might have told Melo and hence why Melo is getting ready to announce his decision as well.

Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft 10s The meeting with the Heat is now going to consist of Pat Riley, LeBron James, and Rich Paul, per a source. Probasketballdraft ‏@Probballdraft 3s It appears that LeBron & Rich Paul made the request to save the Heat from making a pitch, last-ditch plea.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 10:38 AM) You're still blaming Walker? Last year, the offense was horrible under Manto who supposedly was a godsend compared to Walker. Then Steverson shows up and he is the new guru. How much better are the Sox offensive if you take away the additions of Abreu and Eaton? This is Tyler's 3 major league hitting instructor, and there is no improvement. I think there is a lot of evidence to show Greg Walker more than likely wasn't the reason the White Sox couldn't hit when he was coaching and is even less likely those same players aren't hitting now. Preach on. It was never Walker. Might it have been time for a new voice, sure, but Walker was not this terrible hitting coach some people like to say. Reality is we've had some really bad offensive players in our lineup for a while.

QUOTE (Jake @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 10:32 AM) If Melo is really waiting on LBJ, which I'm a little doubtful about but the timing seems to be syncing, the most plausible explanation IMO is that Melo is going to a non-NY team if LBJ goes to CLE, NY if MIA on short deal, non-NY team if MIA on long deal. I can imagine the Knicks selling him on LBJ's availability once they get cap room Fully agree.

SAS just said he heard from Melo's people that the decision will be tomorrow AM by the latest. I think all the domino's fall very quickly after Lebron's meeting. My presumption is Lebron either tells Heat he is staying at end of meeting or tells them they are no longer an option and that he is taking his talents to Cleveland. Note: I fully think no later then tomorrow, all of this stuff is settled (well relatively speaking).

QUOTE (IlliniKrush @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:53 AM) Depends what your expectations are. As I've said countless times, I don't expect Illinois to regularly compete for B10 titles right now. So, improving incrementally when you are at rock bottom is great. If they go 3-9, you think I'll be jacked up? I think the USMNT and soccer fans have higher expectations than just showing improvement or trying hard, having close losses and "never giving up" etc. Maybe I'm wrong. So you say USMNT soccer fans. Are you basically indicating you aren't a fan and thus are just in here trying to stir the pot? I think USMNT fans are looking for continuous incremental improvements during each 4 year cycle and understand the way this process works and that it is a long-term plan. This is not something that happens overnight. I think the first step was moving away from Bob Bradley ~4 years ago and I think Jurgen will continue to change and push the needle in the right direction and then in another 4 years someone else will likely take that torch (although I suppose he could stick around for 3 cycles...although that is extremely rare, the US is looking to change an overhaul culture that takes such an extended period of time).

QUOTE (bmags @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:51 AM) Not sure if this is sarcasm but this has been pretty thoroughly debunked. In the mainstream media a lot of people still buy it. Similar to the talk of Bulls only offering $74M. Both have been debunked by local media reporters, however, mainstream keeps going on about it. This kind of reminds me of Jose Abreu...no one gave the Sox a chance until bam...we signed him. Seems like no one thinks Bulls because of all of these "perceptions" vs. any actual inside information.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:49 AM) But I thought Rose didnt even talk to him or see him, right? Broussard has been laughable when it comes to his sources regarding Carmelo/Chicago. Bulls have been extremely tight lipped as have Anthony so any stuff coming out regarding Bulls is probably junk right now. And if Bulls were truly out, we'd have seen them start moving on towards a plan B. And Gasol might be one of the Plan B's, however, I think he is also potentially one of the scenarios tied to plan A (depending on what Melo wants and what Phil wants in S&T).

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:44 AM) Sure, but if you're trading your franchise guy you either want an established talent back that you can market (Klay Thompson, Rondo) or picks to rebuild. Again, the point being Boston has better assets than the Bulls at this point, and Ainge isn't bringing in Love either. Rondo doesn't do Minny that much good and I don't know how much value he has on the open trade market (I think he's a great player but it seems like its hit or miss what teams feel about him, especially in this era where there are a lot of good point guards). Golden States offer centered around Klay and Lee is significantly better if the Wolves don't want to rebuild.

@suntimes_hoops: There are stories out there that are pushing the idea that Carmelo Anthony was somewhat put-off by Rose's low-key attitude last Tuesday... @suntimes_hoops: ... Noah and Taj even spoke to Anthony about how humble Rose is and that he just wants to win. Anthony seemed to get it. I've long said one reason I can't ever get too down on Rose is how much his teammates have gone to bat for him. It talks about the kind of character and team player he truly is. Seems like you will never hear a bad thing about him from our lockerroom and that really says something given all that went on the past couple of years. Heck, you saw just how emotional Noah was when it all happened. I think having someone like Noah on our team is extremely beneficial given how open and warm he is. I really do think Melo is coming here, unless there is a possibility for him and Lebron to get together in NY in a year, in which case, he'll stay put, get his money and team up with his boy a year from now.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:42 AM) Given Kyrie's new deal, could Love get a max or near max contract if Lebron also gets a max? Presume that wouldn't be an issue cause they would acquire him under his current terms and then extend him.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:41 AM) Over a PG that can't shoot? Yes. Plus Rondo is a tradeable asset they could send off to a contender for someone else. But the picks for a rebuilding franchise are MUCH more valuable than a 6th man and two late 1st round picks. Draft picks are draft picks. Unless they are top picks, they are pretty much garbage. A year ago people were touting the Lakers for having so many picks. What did they do with those picks, not a darn thing worthwhile, because unless you have lotto picks, it doesn't mean much, not for bad teams trying to get better.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:40 AM) I can see where a team that won 48 games basically adds 2 lottery players in a draft considered strong, and a former MVP who is still only about 25 would be considered exceptional. (Think if Hahn was able to add the baseball equivalent to an 87 win team). But I do think if they whiff on the big names, at least one of Gar/Pax has to go. It might not be their fault, but it is too many whiffs. You have to bring someone here who can get guys to say yes. And in your scenario you aren't factoring in the fact that we have cap space still to add (in addition to what you are already mentioning). Dick, this is why I feel you are one of the sites best posters. You are always a calming spirit with a big picture mentality.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:36 AM) I don't think anything was ever officially offered since Melo has been their primary target. But regardless, gutting the team for Love makes no sense. They're potentially on the verge of getting Melo without doing anything but getting rid of excess weight on the roster AND keeping young guys for the future. How is that not the better front office move? I think the Bulls have never been serious for Love, not yet. They know he's not going anywhere yet and are more focused on Melo, who quite frankly is a superior fit. If I could chose one or the other, I'm chosing Melo. However, the Cleveland stuff may blow up our chances at Love. I don't quite think things are as close to done as indicated and I still don't know whether Love would resign to stay in Cleveland (even with LBJ there). I think a lot of stuff happens after Lebron's meeting with Riley and company.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Jul 9, 2014 -> 09:35 AM) No matter what is stretching it. Lebrons team will be better. If Pacers retain Lance I'll put them ahead of us easily. Not sold on being better than Washington. Nets are in the discussion a year older but healthier and rid of Kidd. I'd put us ahead of them though. With Rose, this team is better then all of the teams you mention. Without Rose, probably in their pack with the Pacers being better.