LeBron to Brooklyn?

by user The Widening Geier

Has anyone else picked up on the LeBron to Brooklyn Nets rumor. Now we all know that Jay-Z is a minority (in terms of percentage of the team) owner of the Nets, who will be relocating to Brooklyn in the next few years. We also know that Jay-Z and LeBron are friends, to the point where LBJ is known to throw the ROC sign, and appeared on a magazine cover spread with Def-Jam Rocafella artists. Now comes the news that LeBron signed only a 3-year deal with the Cavs, with a 4-th year option. I am hearing that the change from the max-deal he could have taken was not only influenced by the change in salary cap in 2010, but also by the potential of a move to the Nets in a great marketing coup. LeBron in a blue Brooklyn Nets jersey would be a cash bonanza for all involved, including pals Jay-Z and Lebron (not that either need the dough).

Has anyone else heard anything on this?

• • • Disclaimer- This topic is intended to address a rumor which is circulating in some basketball rumor mills. It is not intended to slight the Cavaliers organization, the city of Cleveland, the state of Ohio, Friskysman, or anyone he has ever known, met or encountered. Any subsequent comments should proceed with this in mind. Thank you***

Date

Thu 07/13/06, 7:08 am EST

I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

Score 0

Why does everyone have to try and take any good thing away from Cleveland. Shut up with the rumors already! He's not going anywhere for at least four years if ever.

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BigPPupMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

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Cleveland just cant win... *%@&* that John Elway he's cursed everything.

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ShrubberyVarsity Captain

1234 days ago

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"Bwahahahaha, the voodoo doll is working!" so sayeth John.

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Awrigh01All-Star

1235 days ago

Score -2

No knock to Clevland, but if I were Lebron I would want to play in New York. Brooklyn is a hot spot and he would end-up a legend. As much national time as he gets in Cleveland, he would get more in New York.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score -2

No he wouldn't. LeBron is the best player in the NBA. He will be a star and get attention and money no matter where he plays. Playing in Brooklyn will not make him a legend. Breaking the curse his hometown has been living under for over 40 years would make him legend, immortal, and so on. You think he could top that by going to a media "hot spot" that he has absolutely no ties to?

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Cycasayspronk4prez

1224 days ago

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Yeah all thats true, but u would never understand unless you have lived in cleveland, how much a championship would mean to te city, and if he pulled it off he would be immortal. Plus doesn't anybody ever have any loyalty to their hometown anymore?

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1235 days ago

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Yes, NBA players are notoriously faithful. Especially when given the choice of a frozen burg in Ohio vs LA or NY.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score -2

Actually the NBA is the one league where star players are more likely to stay with their teams. Why else is KG still playing in the glacier that is Minnesota? Why isn't Tim Duncan in a media hot spot?

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BigPPupMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

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Im not sure its possible to up his national exposure. What are they gonna do an all Lebron network?

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Awrigh01All-Star

1235 days ago

Score -1

Of course there are ways to increase his exposure. New York is the largest media market in the world. Lower the transaction costs of getting to Lebron and Madison Avenue will make sure that his face is plastered everywhere. Want to do the Letterman tonight? No problem. Want to be on SNL? No problem. Want to do an advertisement shoot. No problem. He's always in town.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1235 days ago

Score -1

I am not knocking Cleveland either, butLebron in Brooklyn just feels like a good thing. Unless he grows a sweet high-top fade and moustache like the Hot Rod.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score 1

Brooklyn feels like a good thing because you live in New York. I'm sure every NBA fan thinks their town feels like a good thing when it comes to LeBron.

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Cycasayspronk4prez

1224 days ago

Score 0

lebron playing for his hometown team feels like a good thing, especially since he has grown up with the curse of cleveland and now has the chance to break it

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

Score 0

Great 'rumor'

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JuTMSY4Legend

1235 days ago

Score 2

My understanding is that lebron was a cavs fan growing up (I know he's from ohio), but if i had a shot to play for the sixers or knicks (Regardless of the current condition of the team) I'd choose the sixers because i'd be a pa guy playing for my fav team...to me that's the ultimate...moreover, If jordan can get that big in Chitown, why can't lebron make cleveland a basketball name...did you fear the bulls in 1983?

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score 0

Read this: http://www.a...n_sorted_out

That is the best LeBron article that has been written so far on Armchair. It should put the rumors to rest.

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ForsetiPee Wee

1235 days ago

Score 2

This story is over everyone, for at least 3 years, with an option on the 4th. People don't like LeBron in Cleveland unless your from Cleveland or a fan of the Cavs (or indifferent to Basketball in general, in which case it doesn't matter). He has roots in Ohio further than most know, numerous charities and foundations, even a basketball team are in his name in the state of Ohio. There has been much speculation about the 3-year contract rather than the 5-year extension. Mainly, people think he's going to bolt if Cleveland doesn't get better. The contract is just a smart business move allowing him to make less now and mroe later (see Finance-101 textbooks). Put this rumor to rest, because LeBron is the biggest thing in the NBA, hands down. Nobody cares about Wade and the heat anymore, despite being less than a month removed from the NBA Championship. The NBA would love it if LeBron led the Cavs to a championship because they would have their "next Jordan."

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score -1

Actually, this story is over for 4 years. You've got the one year remaining on LeBron's rookie contract and then the three more on his new contract with an option for a fourth. So that's four more years at least before LeBron will be a free agent.

Also, 3-years versus 5-years sounds bad but is not as horrible as it seems. If he had taken the max contract, it would have been for four years with an option on the fifth. So this contract is actually only one year shorter.

Aside from that, good comments about LeBron's ties to Cleveland. I know most of the world thinks Cleveland is the 5th circle of hell or something, but those of us who have grown up around here have a bit more insight. LeBron is one of those.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1235 days ago

Score -1

No.. Brooklyn feels like a good thing because you would be putting a young national/urban icon in one of the mecca's for young urban culture, in the middle of one of the two most prominent cities in the US. Think about it, everyone can name something famouse from Brooklyn, which is just one borough in NYC. Does Bay Villege or Shaker Heights have the same national profile? if someone shouts "Is Lakewood in the house?!?!" does a crowd scream no matter where you are? >

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Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

Score 0

keep dreaming... he has better odds ending up as a Clipper!

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

Score 1

apparently, you've never been to Akron (AKA: AK Rowdy) It's a crappy town but a lot of people there love it, including LeBron.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score -2

Personally, I couldn't name a single famous person from Brooklyn because I don't care about Brooklyn. You live in New York so you care. Good for you. Come to Akron and scream "Brooklyn in the house" and you'll get some blank stares and probably some boos. The best player in the history of the NBA played in Chicago. Do you think he is hurting any less because he didn't get Brooklyn-level exposure?

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

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Hurting any more, I should say. Hurting at all, in fact.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1235 days ago

Score 0

There would be literally not one reason big or small for Cleveland to ever make that deal. The Nets will just be the 2nd fiddle in NYC like they already are. No one cares that they are moving to Brooklyn. If you said he;'d be a bigger star on the Knicks? Maybe... Still Cleveand would never do it.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1235 days ago

Score 0

Frisky you are sounding a little worried here bro. I have actually seen performers from Brooklyn (like the afforementioned Jay-Z)perform on tour in Cleveland and have the crowd respond raucously to the call "Is Brooklyn in the House?" I am not gonna turn this into a Cleveland vs NY thing, because I mean no disrespect to Cleveland or Ohio (playful frozen burg comment aside). I would be worried if one of the biggest sports stars in the country was rumored to be leaving my town too. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen, but as far as the proposed scenario, which has been mentioned by several sources more credible than I, I think its intriguing for sure.

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

Score 2

You think people would respond to Jay-Z by collectivly yelling: "No way! Brooklyn sucks you loser! Give me my 150 bucks back!"? Just saying.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score 0

What rumor, dude? There is no rumor. Only idiots in the media hoping LeBron will go to New York so they don't have to fly so far to see the best player in the NBA. Unfortunately for you and them, LeBron just signed an extension to be in Cleveland another 4 years. He isn't going anywhere. The only thing I'm worried about is how the Cavs perform on the court in pursuit of a championship. New York is the last thing on my mind. I just get aggravated with people that have no idea what they're talking about.

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EnyboDiv-I Stud

1235 days ago

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hahahaha, that would be awesome!

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1235 days ago

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There really is no rumor. Lebron resigned. It's over. There's no shot he leaves Cleveland in the near future.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

1235 days ago

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"I just get aggravated with people that have no idea what they're talking about." Dont be so hard on yourself.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score -2

It would be nice if people would use the "reply" button to keep conversations a bit more streamlined. It would also be nice if people logged in to insult others.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1235 days ago

Score 0

I forgot to log in. In any event, your stubborn insistence that the argument is over and Lebron isn't going anywhere for 4 years at the earliest does not address the topic of the post. I have heard that in 2010, when LA, NY, and Brooklyn/NJ all will potentially have cap space, LeBron may be planning to head to Brooklyn, to an organization whose owner Lebron has already indicated he would be thrilled to play under.

Tim Duncan signed up short term like LeBron, then reupped after he was surrounded by players and won a title. Kevin Garnett signed a huge deal and the Wolves could not get fair value for him in a trade. That's why they haven't left yet.

If you want to argue that having one of the NBA's premier players (he hasn't risen above Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing level yet) in Cleveland is better for his career, I am sure there are valid points on both sides. If you want to argue from a business side, as I was when I posted the topic, you have less to stand on.

Beyond that, I am really out of thoughts on the subject. Thanks for commenting though, as I am always up for a spirited debate.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score 0

If LeBron were planning on heading to Brooklyn, I doubt he would have signed up to waste another 4 years in Cleveland. He would just get out of town as soon as he can. But, obviously, he didn't go that route. He took a shorter deal that will allow him to maximize his potential earnings. Has anyone entertained the idea that he may be doing that to make up for the extra money he would make in endorsements if he left for New York? Regardless, anybody who says they know what LeBron is planning is kidding themselves. My guess is right now LeBron is planning on doing his best to win a championship with the Cavs next year. Anything beyond that is speculation and would be better saved for 2010. The least you elitists can do is let us poor, snowbound Cleveland fans enjoy these next four years in peace. The tropical paradise of New York can wait.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1235 days ago

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Also, let's be real. Brooklyn is not Manhattan. Manhattan is where the glitz is. Brooklyn is just a suburb. It's the difference between the Rangers and Islanders. They're both "New York" but honestly the Rangers are the only New York City team. The Knicks/Nets will be no different.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1235 days ago

Score 0

Like I said, Friskyman, it's not "the tropical paradise of New York." That's the Knicks and Madison Square Garden... This is Brooklyn we are talking about.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1235 days ago

Score -2

"Tropical paradise" was tonuge-in-cheek. I just find it funny how people act like Cleveland is located on the Arctic Circle or something. Last I checked, New York was due east of Cleveland and has pretty much the same climate.

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1235 days ago

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Props to both Geier and Friskys for the good discussion. It's always good to see an actual discussion instead of just random - voting.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1235 days ago

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Bleeding- Brooklyn's 2 million denizens would probably argue with you about the suburb status. The Mets have managed to draw fans for 30+ years in a decrepit stadium in Queens. If Sacramento and Utah can pack the building, I am sure a city of 8+ million, plus jersey and Conn, can find 20K a night.

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1234 days ago

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I was going to say something along those lines, but I figured Bleeding might already have beaten to a pulp by Mets faithful.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1234 days ago

Score -2

First off, The Mets haven't been selling out for years in Queens... That's not proof of anything. Plus, every Met fan I know wants nothing more than to move them out of that dump. The Nets in Brooklyn will never rival the Knicks in Manhattan. Just like the Islanders will never rival the Rangers. It's just a suburb like I said. If people from Jersey don't go to Nets games now, don't kid me and say they'll go all the way to Brooklyn of all places to go a game! People from queens probably won't even travel there... Unless you're the Yankees, New York is Manhattan. That's where the money is. That's why the Jets tried to move there and not any of the other boroughs. They'd rather move to NJ than Brooklyn or Queens. Please...

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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer

1234 days ago

Score 1

You need to look up the meaning of suburb. Brooklyn is part of New York City, and a very important part at that.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1234 days ago

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How old are you? The islanders actually ruled the NY hockey scene in the late 70s early 80s. The Mets have drawn 30+ for as long as they have been around, and you only need 20K to fill an NBA arena. "Unless you are the Yankees, New York is Manhattan"- Son there are more people just in Brooklyn than in all of Philly. And the fanbase has been asking for a team since the Dodgers left a long time ago. And us people from Queens will go there in droves for an NBA game.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1234 days ago

Score -1

You're 24 years old. Why are you calling people "son"? I think you gotta be at least in your 60s to do that.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1234 days ago

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Who cares how many people are in Philly? It has nothing to do with that. Brooklyn is a suburb, person who is yonger than me. I've lived in the NY area for many years. Don't try and sell me on Brooklyn being "an important part" of the city. That's just being silly. It's by and large a ghetto(albiet no Queens in that dept) and most recently a place where some young Manhattan workers have moved to live more cheaply. People commute out of Brooklyn(the suburb) into Manhattan(the real city). Has Brooklyn seen a bit of a rebirth in the past few years? Somewhat, but throwing a basketball team in it isn't going to change the fact that Manhattan is where the glitz and money of NYC is. The islanders and Rangers are both NYC teams, but it's the Rangers that have the huge budget and attract the big name players. Corporations spend tons of money and buy suites in MSG, they won't do that in Brooklyn no matter how the developer who owns the Nets tries to make investors think otherwise. In the end, winning makes you a star not where you play. Conceited New Yorkers want to think otherwise... However, there's a reason Jordan is more famous and got more endoresemts than Patrick Ewing.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1234 days ago

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Just a quick Armchair rules check: Are running things like these encouraged, or should we know when to call it quits? I argue about sports with my buddies like this, and have no problem continuing, but also don't want to seriously make enemies over differences of opinion.

Bleeding and Friskys, its all in fun right?

As for son, its a part of urban vernacular which slips into my speech occasionally. Its not unlike dude, bro, kid...etc, and does not refer to age or disparity therein.

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1234 days ago

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The more participation the better. Besides, nobody is paying attention to this but us. However, I think we have exhausted the LeBron argument and are now bickering over whether or not Brooklyn is a subject. In other words, I'm pretty much done with this. I think I won, don't you? :)

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FriskysmanVarsity Captain

1234 days ago

Score -1

Brooklyn is a suburb, is what I meant. I'm pretty sure Brooklyn is already a subject.

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Bleeding GreenVarsity

1234 days ago

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No enemies made here. It's always all in fun. Other than a Yankee fns suggesting the Phillies trade Abreu for Melky Cabrera, nothing gets me mad.

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The Widening GeierSoccer Kid

1234 days ago

Score 0

lol, glad to see people keep their humor around here. Good game buddy.

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PeanMajor Leaguer

1234 days ago

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man, you guys should have down a showdown! i was reading

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PeanMajor Leaguer

1234 days ago

Score 0

have done

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DRE-LOAAA-er

1234 days ago

Score 1

Lebron will get max exposure no matter where he plays. He is that good of a player. As a New Yorker I would love to see him here, but breaking the Cleveland curse would cement his legacy in sports forever.

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