Already winners in the free agency game, Heat set their sights on LeBron
by David Dwork on Jul 8, 2010 2:33 AM EDT
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PrintToday seemed like a dream for Heat fans. Considering my day began with getting woken up by my phone doing cartwheels on my nightstand, it certainly seemed like a dream. It went from rumors and reports of Bosh and Wade signing with Miami to the ESPN interview which had me literally jumping up and down with excitement in my living room.
From there the day was a blur of basketball as the NBA world was still not satisfied. As long as LeBron is still out there waiting to be signed, the buzz of the basketball-vuvuzela will be residing in our collective ears. Of course all the talk now is if James is going to join Wade and Bosh down here in South Florida or if he'll stay in Cleveland. The Bulls agreeing to a 5-year, $80 million deal with Carlos Boozer took them out of the running to sign LeBron.
The rumors kept floating in throughout the day. First it was that the big three were going to meet up for dinner in Miami sometime last night. That went away soon after D-Wade tweeted out that he had root canal surgery after his ESPN interview. Later it was that James had put a bid on a $40 million home in Coral Gables, and that one has yet to be quashed.
Finally, there was talk that Bron Bron was flying to Miami on Micky Arison's dime to meet with Pat Riley last night. That was also just a rumor, because James was playing softball in Akron and as far as I know, is still in Ohio. Needless to say, the rumor mill was spinning in Miami's direction.
So King James aside, how pretty are the Heat sitting right now? They have Wade. They have Bosh. They still have more cap room then half the teams in the NBA (close enough). Thanks to LeBron still being on the market, so are many other viable option free agents for the Heat to utilize should James choose to play up north.
Miami also has a little more wiggle room then originally anticipated. The projected salary cap for next season was $56.1 million but everyone was pretty shocked to see that it came out last night as $58 million. That essentially gives everyone an extra $2 million to work with, which really helps the Heat in their pursuit for LeBron James. If that doesn't happen then that's just more money to spend on a less expensive free agent or two.
It also seems that Toronto and Miami are back to discussing a sign and trade and that talks heated up significantly after Bosh's decision to play in Miami. It's unknown if Michael Beasley is in those talks or if it's more of a Chalmers and draft picks kind of deal. If sometime today the teams can pull of a move that ships Beasley north of the border, expect the LeBron to Miami idea to absolutely explode.
The bottom line is that not only did the Heat put themselves in a position to do the most damage, but they came through when it counted by signing Wade and Bosh and somehow they are still right there in the LeBron James sweepstakes. And hey, should King James go elsewhere that's just more money for the Heat to spend on the all important role players, as well as getting a very good (non max) guy. If that isn't hitting a home run, I don't know what is.
Ok I'm just adding this to the end because it literally just came up. It's about 2am and ESPN's Chris Broussard sent out this message, which was all over Twitter and the ‘Breaking News' section of ESPN's bottom line:
@Chris_Broussard Sources with knowledge of the situation indeed saying LeBron will join Wade and Bosh in Miami, barring a late change of heart
Shortly after he went live on ESPN saying that those ‘many sources' said that in LeBron's mind, his plan is to sign with Miami. People close to James are against him leaving Cleveland, and there is still plenty of time to have his mind changed. Either way, it's coming down to Miami or Cleveland.
Pat Riley has been saying it from the beginning...his plan is to build a dynasty in Miami. Regardless of what happens today, he is well on his way to that goal.
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Oh, my, gwad.
I’m just speechless…
See you in the EFC finals, guys :x
- Dirk van Boxtel, the wandering Celtic fan.
Twitter: @4Hoopz
Hmmm
Wade will get his season mvp this season.
Season mvp and finals mvp in the same season.
Wade is the closest thing to Jordan.
If Bron comes he better check that ego at the damn door.
This ain’t the kings court this is Wade County.
But there all friends so hopefully he does not throw a moody when they win a 3 peat and become a heat dynasty.
We don’t need the Shaq hate on Wade and Kobe drama here.
Like when Wade was all star mvp it seemed LBJ was jealous and wished it was him.
Like I said no room for divas!
With LBJ roster: starting 5-Felton,Wade,Bron,Bosh,Haywood
Arroyo or J Will,Raja Bell,Q Rich,Haslem,Pittman,De’Sean Butler,Magloire,Vernado
Without LBJ roster: starting 5-Felton,Wade,Mike Miller,Haywood
bench:Arroyo or J Will,Q Rich,Wright,Haslem,Pittman,Butler,Magloire,Vernado
Either roster is a championship team.
Heat Dynasty is fate…can’t wait!
MV3 for season and finals mvp!
Another reason I think Lebron doesn’t come to the Heat – Wade and Lebron would cancel each other out in MVP race – you better believe that matters to Lebron…
"Great effort springs naturally from great attitude" - Pat Riley
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships" - Michael Jordan
I really don’t like this. Lebron is great, but I just don’t understand how he and Wade can share the ball and the limelight…Wade and Bosh work because Bosh is not an on the ball guy like Wade…Lebron is basically a huge PG and will be that where ever he goes.
I appreciate Riley’s vision and desire to win but he can do that with what he has if he just goes out and gets some solid complimentary pieces.
There is a reason the Big 3 in Boston worked…Ray is a spot up shooter who only needs the ball for a split second, KG is all about the put back and mid range, and Pierce can handle a little but again, prefers to just shot. That works.
Looking forward to the Kevin Kolb era.
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
this will happen & it will be creamtown in the 305
Bron + Wade + Bosh = FTW
Bron will have teammates he knows he can trust to dish off to; plus with the ball in LBJ’s hands DWADE can freely move around the floor. who will be able to pay attention to Bron & Wade, let alone Bosh in the mix?
When it’s official, just give us the next two trophies.
*Now seating First Class on the "DRAFT LaRON BYRD IN 2011" Airbus A380.*
THE U: DONATING TO THE NFL SINCE 1926.
"Well it looks like I've prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I’m afraid I have something of a mess on my hands."
Wooooooooooooooooooooooo
To my fellow fans: Sorry for my little hiatus but I’m back now. xD
Well I’m still for LeBron James joining with the almighty Miami Heat. But, if there isn’t a new rule that encompasses the playing of the game with two or more basketballs I really do hope they’ll find some way to actually work as a team in a productive manner. The only real downside that I see w/ James coming over is that NBA fans will be missing out on one of the (could’ve been) greatest rivalries in the NBA.
Sorry guys.
But this will be the greatest SG-SF-PF Combo in the nba history.
by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jul 8, 2010 10:09 AM EDT reply actions
J-Will could be back!
I’m excited for that one!
But the Miami Heat might have the ego of two teams
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 8, 2010 12:02 PM EDT reply actions
6-4-3 Double Play?
Two Championships in a row, or two years of no championship?
jk guys, we all know whats gonna happen for the next 4 years
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 8, 2010 12:30 PM EDT reply actions
IF LBJ lands in Miami the nickname I propose for the 3 of them is "The 3 Kings"
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
i think id rather have wade and bosh with a bunch of really good complementary players
than wade, bosh, lebron and a worse bunch of role guys.
i think its better for team chemistry and maybe even winning titles. obviously we’d be favorites in the east with wade, bosh, and lebron on their own, but look at the lakers. back-to-back defending champs and they only have one big time superstar. sure they have an elite big man (gasol) and another couple potential allstars (bynum, odom), but thats just a really good supporting cast.
i would count bosh as that elite big man. maybe they will prove me wrong but i think lebron coming wont be as good as bringing in a bunch of very good role players. for instance, haywood, mike miller, ray allen, or even kyle korver or kapono with the right combo of PG and C.
plus if lebron comes, we wont have the money to re-sign guys like haslem and dorell wright, who are pretty good role players themselves.
dont get me wrong, i would welcome lebron joining wade and bosh with the heat, but i cant help wondering if him NOT coming is better for the heat
by hilariousjmoneypants on Jul 8, 2010 1:22 PM EDT reply actions
Not a Heat fan
but this is a pretty interesting idea. I’m not sure anything like this has happened before, when a team gets two of the four best players in the NBA and another top twelve guy all in their respective primes. Yeah, the rest of the supporting cast would probably be a bit lacking, but it’s still a fascinating prospect. My only concern for you is that how these guys are going to coexist. This is just my opinion, but it seems like this could sound great as a hypothetical but when enacted turns out poorly. Unless Lebron concedes go-to-guy status to Wade, because let’s be honest, there’s no reason for Wade to give up being “the man” in his own damn team, I can’t see it working. But if these last few months have taught us anything about Lebron, it’s that maybe he’s more happy hanging out with friends winning games with his friends and having a ball doing it than having to put a team in his back for an entire season. If he’s willing to embrace to role of a glorified sidekick and work as a complement to Wade, we might as well cut a deal with the Heat to give them four of the next seven titles now and save us the wasted time.
Say goodbye to Centers
Haywood signed with the Mavs. Jermaine O’Neal with the Celtics.
Rumor that Heat offered Mike Miller 5 yrs/$30mil and they are “confident” they are getting Lebron.
Wade, Miller, Lebron, Bosh…who’s our big man?
Pittman
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 8, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
really?
an overweight, rookie 2nd rounder is the guy we’re going to rely on to log “heavy minutes” (no pun intended) with that squad? Between him, Varnado, and Joel…i hope they can grab a few boards between them…
I'm just saying
if Riley called him a first round pick then he could start
But just trust in Riles my man
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 8, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
If Lebron does go with Miami
and after the hysteria dies down, this will be the next question: who are the other players going to be? It’s a legitimate question that hopefully, for Miami’s sake, they already have an answer to.
yea I hope they already know who to chase if we get LBJ
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
If LeBron does come down to us
get ready for band-wagon heat fans!
CRAP!
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
yea not looking to forward to that
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
True but hopefully those fans, start to show up to AAA and fill the place. The team won’t be able to afford all these contracts with all the empty seats.
Looking forward to the Kevin Kolb era.
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
I agree
If D-wade, Bosh, and Lebron Fucking James dont put people in the seats, then I give up on Miami fans
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
That'll be good
but these fans are going to drive us up the wall being on LeBron’s nuts and everything
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 8, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
but its cool. We know of Wades obvious superiority. lol.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
The Wade Lebron power struggle will be interesting.
You know Lebron is going to want his ‘image’ to be superior, but Miami is already Wade’s team.
I was joking
because i know all the media will be on Lebrons jock. But it would be interesting(if he even signs) how it would be dealt with.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
If we get LeBron here would be my perfect scenario
UD gives hometown discount
Sign Anthony Tolliver/Kurt Thomas
Try to get Wright to take discount (won’t happen)
Jason WIlliams or CJ Watson (via sign and trade)
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
great idea with tolliver
i like him a lot
by hilariousjmoneypants on Jul 8, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
4 team sign and trade so we got Bosh and get rid of Beasley
maybe we get a PG too?
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/juice/2010/07/lebron_james_heat_cursed_dwyane_wade.php
I’m starting to think the LeBron-Wade pairing is dangerous due to the media who really is trying to just make a story out of it. hmmm
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
LeBron planning South Beach party
US Weekly 1st reported it, now its all over. He booked 6 villas at the W Hotel in SoBe.
Peninsula Is Mightier:Your SB Nation Miami Heat Blog Community
"My parents would always say, `It doesn't matter if it`s a guy picking up the garbage or the President of the United States, treat everybody as you would want to be treated.'"- Dan Marino
yay more fuel for the fire
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
Not sure if this is true or not..
But I heard he placed a bid for a house in Florida(forgot which part).
by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jul 8, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Coral Gables I believe
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
Yup, Gables
Link is up at the top of this blog post
Peninsula Is Mightier:Your SB Nation Miami Heat Blog Community
"My parents would always say, `It doesn't matter if it`s a guy picking up the garbage or the President of the United States, treat everybody as you would want to be treated.'"- Dan Marino
I want Lebron playing for NY...
Period.
I don’t care how good of friends he and Wade are, it’s not going to work. Lebron is the biggest narcissist in the NBA. There is no way these three work well together for more than a year or two. Maybe if they win right off the bat it will stave off frustrations but if not, it could get ugly. This isn’t the big 3 in Boston who were all at the end of their careers and just trying to win at all costs. These guys are all in their primes. This is Wade’s team and Lebron may act like he is cool with that, but I don’t think that will be the case.
Looking forward to the Kevin Kolb era.
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
yes please send LBJ to NY or Chicago anywhere but here.
But if he does end up here I wont complain too much. At least we will have The 3 Kings.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
Im officially shooting down that nickname
the nickname will not center around “king” James
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Nicknames
3-Headed beast?
The Three Musketeers?
Wade’s world ft. Bosh and Bron?
The Three Amigos?
Didn’t really wake up on the “creative” side of the bed this morning. >_>
by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jul 8, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
but 3 comes first
Wade=3
BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis
by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 8, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly hence
The 3 Kings
Kings being plural If you had to put an image to imagine Wade as the King of Spades Bosh the King of Diamonds and James the King of clubs.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
plus at least its cooler than any other nickname anybody else has come up with.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!
well before we start declaring nicknames
maybe we should wait to see if we sign him first.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm
I guess we can start again…
by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jul 8, 2010 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I've personally never been a fan of brainstorming to come u with a nickname.
If a nickname is a good nickname it will be obvious enough that it won’t require days of brainstorming to realize it.
Riley's Ringers?
Looking forward to the Kevin Kolb era.
5-8-10...the day the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team won the 2011 NCAA Championship!!
I’m still hoping this has been a ruse and he is going to the Knicks or Cavs….
I think both situations are better for him. Either way the Heat are on a helluva upward swing at the moment…
I would also like to think that coming to the Heat means his focus is on Basketball and winning for real. No more fake team photos – no more 4th quarter isolations and maybe using his ridiculous physical skills to utilize a post game when he is missing jumpshots (like he should have done in games 5&6), no more “spoiling us with his play” – no more “I could score 50pts every night if I wanted” rubbish…
If Lebron’s inner circle stays out of Riley’s business and he develops an oncourt maturity like Wade I’ll be more than happy.
"Great effort springs naturally from great attitude" - Pat Riley
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships" - Michael Jordan
This rawks
2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.
""It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress"
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