Cleveland rocks?

Since everyone, including they Grandmama are chiming in on the upcoming free agency free for all (especially now that the fan based tone has changed to "Why should we care about who's still playing?", mainly because LeBron is out of the playoffs), I figured why shouldn't I give my input. I, as we all know, represent the true variable when it comes to stars deciding their ultimate destination. I am a FAN! I have the most "knowledge" of anyone out there. Yeah it may base it self solely around my love for the (Indiana) Pacers, but so what? I don't see any of them coming to town anyways. That is if we even have a team next year. Why is it that my teams are always on the block. First it was the Twins, now the Pacers. Hey Buffalo, I'd start winning and doing it soon or you'll be singing a new national anthem at home games. (Ladies and Gentlemen your Toronto Bills?) Yet, I digress. For this edition I'll simply write a bunch of nonsense, eventually giving my take on where players will end up and why. And I'll try my best to stick to Unrestricted FA, but I can't promise anything.

Mr. 2010
I, like most, can not see LeBron leaving. Besides the fact that he is Cleveland's Mauer, actually that comparison in itself is why I think he is staying put. One thing I can say about LBJ is that he's loyal. That's one thing he made for certain by shunning all these new-age agencies and sticking with the boys that got him to the level to go number 1. So what if they weren't BAR certified agents. They have your complete best interests in mind and you, there's. Is that not what an agent should be? So add to that his $30 million dollar compound on the outskirts of Cleveland and you'll see why he'll pull a Mauer and sign a (modest) hometown discount and eventually stay. Oh best believe there will be changes though. I can not say honestly that Mike Brown is the reason they failed in this year's playoffs, but someone has to take the blame. And that person won't be Number 23 (or 6?). Expect Jamison, Shaq, Z, and maybe even Mo Williams and his incredible disappearing act, to all have new homes next year. This will be a revamped Cleveland squad, and I can see a sign and trade venture bringing into town the big man and PG that he needs to win. Who they will be I'm not quite sure because their best option (Boozer) burned this bridge a long time ago. Maybe they can put the past behind them and just play for the sake of a Championship. Boozer is too iffey for me though, and I am not sure LBJ will appreciate him taking days off. If they can't fill their needs in quality time, then expect James to sign in Brooklyn, er NJ. Which of course will leave Cleveland reeling like mein Deutschland, who just saw their chances for a World Cup title all but get shot down.

Update: The more I have thought about this the more I suspect that James may bolt. Mauer had an easy choice because we have built a productive, capable of winning team around him. So I say this with the utmost certainty, if James doesn't get an AS big man capable of double teams and a PG who distributes and doesn't disappear in the big game then he's gone. Why wouldn't he? Does he owe Cleveland so much that he is willing to sacrifice career success at it's highest level. Because if he isn't putting himself in the best position to win then what's the point? No one goes into their field to just make it. People go in expecting to come out on top. Wouldn't he be doing himself a disservice by staying with another sub par supporting cast? Wouldn't the Cavs brass also be doing the same if they don't break the bank? And the fans booed him for crying out loud!

Now as far a Wade, that's a little more guaranteed. Seeing that the Heat have the cap room for the supporting cast and Riles is threatening his yearly comeback to coaching, I suspect that the Heat are anticipating on doing whatever they need to do in order to keep Wade in Miami. They will get a big man, I believe Amare', especially after how the Lake Show made easy work of the Suns last night, or Boozer, and a PG who will come via sign and trade. not sure who that will be, but it will happen. if not, then expect Wade to go to Chicago and dominate with Rose and Co. What if the Heat signed Bosh?! Oh, man.

I have to say though that I initially thought that LBJ's best destination would have also been Chicago, regardless of how much i think Noah blows. But then my brother broke down a valid point. Why would LBJ digress his legacy just to go the Bulls? He can win elsewhere and he wouldn't have to deal with that huge "Monkey on his back" i.e. Jordan's big ass statue outside. Lebron is good enough to have his own statue. Is Wade? Yeah, but he has ties to Chicago, hell he's Jordan's new face of Jumpman. He should be the prodigal son to return Chitown back to glory. Of course this is all saying that he will turn down the billions Miami will throw at him. And considering he is being sued by not only his bonkers ex, but also partners in a failed business deal to the tune of $25 million, I don't believe he has a choice. The Bulls might end up with Joe Johnson and Bosh. Or they absolutely won't.......more on this tomorrow.