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How LeBron Impacts the Jazz Thread

LoPo

LoPo

Well-Known Member
The speculation is all over the place about where this man might go. This thread is a place to discuss not only the speculation, but how his decision might impact the league, the West and even our Utah Jazz roster. For teams like Houston, New York, the Lakers, Boston, Golden State, or another to get him, they might have to make moves which probably include a 3rd team. We could get involved.

As of 6/12/18, here are the Vegas Odds for where LBJ is supposed to go:
Lakers 7-4
Philadelphia 11-5
Houston 5-2
Cleveland 5-1
San Antonio 8-1
Boston 12-1
Golden State 30-1
New York 30-1
Miami 40-1
 
Looks like I need to go place a hefty bet. In fact, that should be part of DL’s pitch:

Dennis Lindsey said:
Look, Bronnie, we can’t offer you the max. But what we can offer you is $2.50 and a Casio. Then we’ll line you up for an endorsement with Bonneville Communications that pays $400, which you can then take down to Vegas and place a bet on us and when you sign you’ll immediately get you $30M. But from Vegas, not us.
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I hate to say it, but if I'm LeBron, I'm thinking Houston:

- If he picks up his player option for next year (he has to do this by June 29), he actually makes a little more than he would in the first year of a new contract going somewhere as a free agent.

- After July 6, Houston could trade a 1st rounder, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker, Nene, Onuaku and another throw-in for LeBron. Some of those pieces would go to a 3rd or 4th team so Cleveland can get more assets.

- If Houston makes this trade, they could still re-sign Capella, Ariza and Chris Paul because they have their rights. They would pay a boatload in luxury, but what do they care? They have a new loaded owner.

- LeBron has always wanted to play with Chris Paul. And it's possible that Melo gets bought out and he can join Houston on some vet deal in 2018 or just wait until 2019. Melo, Paul and LeBron have always talked about wanting to play together.

- At the end of the day, LeBron can only try to match Jordan in the perception game if he wins a couple more titles. Well, he can't beat Golden State in pretty much any other scenario; Cleveland doesn't have the assets or players to compete with GS the next couple years, he's not getting on Boston's roster, Philly needs much more than LeBron to beat Golden State, the Lakers are too young, etc.

It pains me to say it because I hate Houston, but I think LeBron is going to go to Houston (as of June 12, 2018).
 
All those contracts total about $28M. If Lebron picks up his option, I think it barely works. I believe the trade rule is 125% + 100,000.

Another scenario would be to keep Gordon and somehow include Anderson. But I have a hard time believing there are ANY teams that would take on Anderson's salary with two years and $42M left. After getting Lebron, they can re-sign (or match for) Capela and keep CP3. They'd have the MLE, but the rest of the roster after that would need to be rookies and vet minimum players. CP, Harden, Capela, Lebron, Anderson and a roster full of scrubs. I don't think that's enough to compete with GS. Nor do I think Harden and Lebron can co-exist. They're both ball dominant players.

I think he has an easier path to the Finals if he stays in the EC with either Boston or Philadelphia. Boston doesn't need Hayward and Irving is already causing some problems with his talk about salary demands. The Celtics still have a ton of picks and they could send Brown, Hayward and picks to Cleveland in a deal (Lebron just exercises his option). Irving can be dealt to a lot of teams.

Philadelphia could sign him outright. And they could go out and find a PG if they're uncertain of Fultz.

LA if Lebron wants to be close to his son and be in the bright lights of the entertainment industry. Could even team up with George and CP3 if they all take a little less and LA trades or stretches Deng. That's a damn good lineup with Kuzma at PF. I guess they still need a decent 5.
 
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Jack Strop said:
All those contracts total about $28M. If Lebron picks up his option, I don't think Houston has enough salaries to match without somehow getting a team to take Ryan Anderson. In that scenario, they'd keep Gordon. Then they can re-sign (or match for) Capela and keep CP3. They'd have the MLE, but the rest of the roster after that would need to be rookies and vet minimum players. CP, Harden, Capela, Lebron and Gordon. plus a roster full of scrubs. I don't think that's enough to compete with GS. And I have a hard time believing there are ANY teams that would take on Anderson's salary. Two years and $42M left. You can likely buy a late 1st next year (and the year after) for $3M.
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Unfortunately, it works: Gordon, Jackson, Tucker, Nene, Onuaku, and Qi make $29.4 and LeBron will make around $35. The trade works: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23524190/lebron-james-houston-rockets-summer-here-how-happen-nba

The Rockets would be required to send out at least $28.4 million in matching salary after the end of the July moratorium, and a package of Eric Gordon, Aaron Jackson, Nene, Chinanu Onuaku, PJ Tucker and Zhou Qi would add up to $29.4 million.
 
If I’m Lebron I’m thinking Jazz, Bucks or another similar team. Bringing the first title to a second city (Cleveland) will make him practically a God in two major cities. He’s getting paid regardless.

Go for a first.
 
Houston is going to have to Sign and Trade for LeBron I think. To free up the cap, they're going to renounce CP3, Capella, Ariza, and others totaling $69m. Even then, its not enough for a Max. Basically LBJ is going to have to opt in then force a trade.
 
Stoked said:
If I’m Lebron I’m thinking Jazz, Bucks or another similar team. Bringing the first title to a second city (Cleveland) will make him practically a God in two major cities. He’s getting paid regardless.

Go for a first.
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Winning a title at 3 different teams would be incredible. Winning a first title at two different teams would be legendary.

I wish this were the case, but LeBron has a very real chance to beat Golden State right away at Houston. And honestly, who wants to see that piece of bleep Draymond Green wear a "I've got more rings than LeBron" shirt at next year's parade?
 
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