No way Lebron wasn't in on this. He also "had no idea" Blatt was getting tossed ?

Butler could be intriguing.  I think Stein or Woj said it could be Love to the Suns (or any other 3rd team, really) who would then send the Bulls a package of picks/prospects.  Butler is a very good defender, in the mold of wing player who could play guard, etc.  Just an OK 3 point shooter but that's not a huge deal with some of the guys sticking around.  It would likely necessitate that LeBron or Butler start at the 4 position, though, unless they make another move.

Yeah, with all this...i still think the Cavs make some moves that would make Lebron happy.  If Gilbert is smart the whole Griffin thing coul dbe history with a move or two.  If you get Butler, it would behoove the Cavs to take Wade's contract on as well.  Having Wade here would certainly make Lebron happy.  I think you still have to make another move though as well.  The problem is, Griffin was SO good at it.  When the league has to make a rule because of something your GM did, then your GM was really good.  Billups may not know how to manipulate little windows of money like that.  I would never trade for Carmelo, but if the Knicks buy him out, him signing here for cheap would be a great scenario.

I think Butler is a better fit with Kyrie and LeBron than PG is, although PG is a better talent IMO.  Butler would be more willing to be 3rd wheel.  I think PG thrives on being The Man and there would be an adjustment period.  If he gets hurt during that adjustment period, it would be very tough to convince him re-sign in 2018.

 

There is a feeding frenzy going on right now in NBA reporter circles.  LeBron is the ultimate click bait.  Those not writing about LeBron 2018 rumors are losing money by the second.

Does Anybody know the 4 Gm's During Gilbert's 12 tenure as owner? 

Somebody, Danny Ferry, Chris Grant, David Griffin.

Who is the first guy?

Gilbert bought the Cavs in March 2005.  He fired Jim Paxson one month later.

David Aldridge reporting Butler informed Cavs he'd rather stay in Chicago - not sure what kind of leverage Butler has if he gets traded?  Weird.  And Cavs probably behind the 8 ball without a GM.

I don't recall who tweeted it but I agree that "the NBA is drunk and needs an uber"

 

And if the NBA is drunk, the Cavs media and fan base is sh!tfaced.  Three straight trips to the Finals.  Breezed through the first three rounds.  Time to blow things up.

Not "blow things up" but more "alter roster to better compete against Golden State."

Altering the roster would be finding better fits for the bench.  Our current starters can compete against GSW.  I'm not saying you don't improve upon the starting lineup if you can..... but don't act out of desperation. 

 

For all those people who praised Griff and bemoaned his departure, they should realize that Griff's talent was in being patient and holding out for the right deal to come around.  Now those same people are having a panic attack all because ESPN and the NBA twitterverse is on a click-bait feeding frenzy. 

Cavs have to be able to guard Durant while not sacrificing offense. They currently cannot do that. 

Love is just a mismatch against the Warriors because Draymond, and then sometimes Durant, are not your typical 4's.  So Love is a big defensive liability against them.  He also seems to be the best/easiest movable piece for one of these 6'7-6'9 wing guys who could slide to the 4 in a "small" lineup - although Bron does that as well.

 

I don't think Paul George works because he's a FA next summer and I'm not sure Love alone is enough to get him (even in a 3 team deal).  Butler...I was just meh about.  I don't know if it's an "upgrade" necessarily.  He is a good defender but not a good 3 point shooter.

 

I'd take a look at Tony Allen for bench help - he's caused Durant a lot of trouble in the past.  I'd take Allen over whatever the heck Richard Jefferson is supposed to be bringing to this team.

No one can guard Durant.  And that is particularly true when is on fire like he was in the Finals.

 

Love certainly has his faults.  But stretch 4's don't grow on trees.... especially those who shoot 40% from three, grab 10+ rebounds per game, and score nearly 20ppg as a third option.  Not to mention high bball IQ.  I think PG or Butler would upgrade our roster, but we'd be sacrificing something too.  KLove was by far our best defensive rebounder.  He fits with TT in that sense because TT is able to challenge more shots while Love boxes out.  Also, if you replace Love with anything but a stretch 4, those lanes for LeBron and Ky to drive will close up quickly.

 

All I'm saying is don't make a move out of desperation.  Don't make a move just to make a move.  There are other, perhaps better ways to improve our roster than to break up the Big 3 which has led us to three straight EC championships and one title.

 

If you try to build a team to beat one team, you are asking for the same type of disaster which ensued in 2010.  The league doesn't work that way.

If you try to build a team to beat one team, you are asking for the same type of disaster which ensued in 2010.  The league doesn't work that way.

 

So the Warriors didn't add Durant to specifically take them over the top against LeBron?

^i agree there. I think the league is different than it was in 2010. It's a damn arms war. Gotta respond.  I think George or butler may be two of the top 5 people in the league equipped to guard Durant, with kawhi, Lebron and Draymond being the other. I would be surprised if we didn't land George. This is the year you have to win it

If you try to build a team to beat one team, you are asking for the same type of disaster which ensued in 2010.  The league doesn't work that way.

 

So the Warriors didn't add Durant to specifically take them over the top against LeBron?

 

For some reason, there was a huge salary cap increase last year that I think favored Golden State and maybe was instrumental in them acquiring Kevin Durant last year. It also helps that Steph Curry is extremely underpaid, considering his performance since he agreed to that 4 year, $44M contract. I know I'm a Clevelander now and I'm supposed to hate Steph Curry and the Warriors but I think at least part of the reason they're the super-team that they are is actually because the players are extremely unselfish and extremely coordinated. They're really no less home-grown than the Cavs. Ugh. Kevin Durant just took a pay cut to keep the team together.

 

That said, even though I'm happy for the Cavs and it's an exciting time to live in Cleveland, the NBA is getting pretty boring. The Cavs and Warriors don't really have much competition. These days, salary cap doesn't do much to prevent super-teams. After you make a certain number of millions, the ring is more important than money.

If you try to build a team to beat one team, you are asking for the same type of disaster which ensued in 2010.  The league doesn't work that way.

 

So the Warriors didn't add Durant to specifically take them over the top against LeBron?

 

No.  They added him because they could without losing any of their core pieces.  They added him to set themselves up for a 5-6 year run at it while their stars are in their prime.  The team they had before him was good enough to take them over the top against LeBron. 

 

And if you told me we could add James Harden without losing any of our Big 3, I'd be on board with that too.  Hell, I'd be on board with rocking the boat and remaking the roster to add him.  I would do it because it made us a better team, not because he's a better matchup against one opponent. 

If you try to build a team to beat one team, you are asking for the same type of disaster which ensued in 2010.  The league doesn't work that way.

 

So the Warriors didn't add Durant to specifically take them over the top against LeBron?

 

No.  They added him because they could without losing any of their core pieces.  They added him to set themselves up for a 5-6 year run at it while their stars are in their prime.  The team they had before him was good enough to take them over the top against LeBron. 

 

And if you told me we could add James Harden without losing any of our Big 3, I'd be on board with that too.  Hell, I'd be on board with rocking the boat and remaking the roster to add him.  I would do it because it made us a better team, not because he's a better matchup against one opponent.

 

^The same could be said about Butler or George.  I have no idea what's going to happen, but I do think the Cavs have to tweak their bench a bit.

Absolutely.  I think we need to get younger (more athletic), hungrier, and scrappier on our bench.  I've said many times that we missed Delly more than it showed last season.  And I agree that PG or Butler would be an upgrade overall over Love.  You would be gaining something with them, but you'd also be losing something with Love.  On balance, if you could add either with only losing Love, I'd do it..... not because they take us over the top against GSW, but because it improves the roster against any given opponent.

Reports are indicating both the Bulls and Pacers asked for Kyrie in deals for Butler or George.  Cavs walked away (smartly).

Yep.  We are just gonna have to roll with the core that got us to three straight NBA Finals.  Oh well. 

I think the Cavs r very much alive for George. The Pacers HAVE to move him, they can't run a guy out there that will get booed by pacer fans all year and delay an inevitable year of rebuilding . The Cavs have been patient and it may actually work in their favor. The Pacers were likely asking for 2 from LAL, they say no because they think they will get PG next year at no cost.  Boston not willing to give up Tatum for the uncertainty of PG going to the Lakers.  Heck, his value might even sink to where you don't have to give up Love!

 

This is an important stretch for the franchise, so let's hope they make the right changes

Butler off the table - the TWolves straight up stole him out of Chicago.

 

Other reports circulating the Cavs are trying to acquire Danny Green as the Spurs try to clear up cap space for free agency.

I think the Cavs better Pull out all the stops to land Paul George (or someone on that level) - even though it may be a one year rental - it may well be their last chance at a title and a change in the developing narrative that Cleveland is no longer a destination of choice in the NBA

Because where there's smoke there's fire- and theres increasing smoke  that this coming season will be Lebron's last in CLE - LeBron is always a step ahead of everyone - not only on the court- but off it as well. His main motivation is his own career - not a city- he despises Dan Gilbert  and the Lakers are making msjor moves to bring the King to Lala land  to build a new super team. If the Cavs can no longer lure a Jimmy Butler or Paul George it's because the word is out - LeBron's desire to remain home has faded with the front office confusion  LBJ  has fulfilled his commitment to northeast Ohio by bringing home s title - his interests are on His future in 2018 and that will probably be in LA.  I hate to say it but the same basic Cavs team as this year will be unable to improve and the tea leaves at the moment are that this coming year will be the end of the line for the LeBron era here. Of course, I hope I'm wrong but this storyline is "the world's worst kept secret"  according to  some of NBA reporters who are usually accurate. 

I think the Cavs better Pull out all the stops to land Paul George (or someone on that level) - even though it may be a one year rental - it may well be their last chance at a title and a change in the developing narrative that Cleveland is no longer a destination of choice in the NBA

Because where there's smoke there's fire- and theres increasing smoke  that this coming season will be Lebron's last in CLE - LeBron is always a step ahead of everyone - not only on the court- but off it as well. His main motivation is his own career - not a city- he despises Dan Gilbert  and the Lakers are making msjor moves to bring the King to Lala land  to build a new super team. If the Cavs can no longer lure a Jimmy Butler or Paul George it's because the word is out - LeBron's desire to remain home has faded with the front office confusion  LBJ  has fulfilled his commitment to northeast Ohio by bringing home s title - his interests are on His future in 2018 and that will probably be in LA.  I hate to say it but the same basic Cavs team as this year will be unable to improve and the tea leaves at the moment are that this coming year will be the end of the line for the LeBron era here. Of course, I hope I'm wrong but this storyline is "the world's worst kept secret"  according to  some of NBA reporters who are usually accurate.

Jimmy Butler and Paul George couldn't be "lured", they were or are going to be traded. The Cavs acquiring or not acquiring them has nothing to do with their desirability as a franchise.

Perhaps but if LeBron is looking to leave that has a lot to do with the desirability of the franchise.

Remain calm!  All is well!

Perhaps but if LeBron is looking to leave that has a lot to do with the desirability of the franchise.

Of course but that has/had nothing to do with their ability to get Butler or George

The click baiters are enjoying the feeding frenzy from panicking Cavs fans and delusional Lakers fans.  What happened to the Knicks fans?  After years and years of being led down the same path each summer, have they finally come to their senses?

the knicks fans are just happy they got a big euro and kept porzingis. low expectations.

^reality has finally hit them.  This isn't the NBA of the 1990s.  The globalization of the game/league has changed everything.  I'll give the Lakers fans another few years before giving them too hard of a time about it.  Let them fantasize for now that superstars are desperate to go to a rebuild which is still at least three years away from being competitive. 

 

Back to the Cavs, I can believe these report that Wade and/or Melo will get bought out of their current contracts and sign with the Cavs for one last run at it. 

love could go, but wade, melo and george?

 

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19735485/cleveland-cavaliers-continue-pursuit-paul-george-leading-contender-land-carmelo-anthony

http://es.pn/2u4ueoX

 

There's only one ball

That's what she said.

^ that's a problem...

There's only one ball

 

Doesn't matter when Love's involved.

So much for the Banana Boat reunion in Clipperland.  How long before the "LeBron and his wife love the Houston area and his dream has always been to play for the Rockets" rumors start?

So much for the Banana Boat reunion in Clipperland.  How long before the "LeBron and his wife love the Houston area and his dream has always been to play for the Rockets" rumors start?

 

The Miami move was in part Gloria's doing while LeBron and Savannah were on the outs.

 

Once they got married, she was tweeting "330" within milliseconds of the 2014 finals ending. 

 

Supposedly, she likes visiting other places but is supremely disinterested in living anywhere else while the kids are growing up.

Cleveland Cavaliers' off-season road map to improving title chances: Chris Fedor

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/06/cleveland_cavaliers_road_map_t.html#incart_river_index

Billups withdraws from consideration

^ pitiful. Two respected people Gilbert didn't want to pay and now he is likely going to have a no namer trying to build a title here. The last hope for the offseason is to somehow land Melo without giving up anything else.  That will likely help the Cavs significantly

NBA fans get waaaaay too tied up in potential rumors.  Butler got traded to Minny.  Didn't hear much, if anything about that potential before it happened.  PG went to OKC.  Not on anyone's radar before it went down.  Point being, don't get too wrapped up in the "rumors" as far as what we can and will do.  99% of what you hear is what has already been discussed and dismissed.

 

In real news, we did re-sign Korver at a reasonable price.  I'm not worried about his age since his game never relied on explosiveness.  Hopefully, after a full year in the fold, we will get better minutes out of him in the playoffs.  And Jose Calderon signed for the vet minimum.  So we add two to the five starters, plus Shump and Frye.  That's your top 9 at the moment.  I do believe the rumors that Shump is on the market.... but any deal for him has to be a 'win', so I don't think the chances that he gets traded are very high.  If trading him frees up some money to sign someone better, then they will do it.  Same for Frye.

 

In other news, Cedi Osman will be coming over this year.  I don't expect him to make any significant contributions. 

What does this team look like by adding Carmelo Anthony. Is he the 6th man?

^ pitiful. Two respected people Gilbert didn't want to pay and now he is likely going to have a no namer trying to build a title here. The last hope for the offseason is to somehow land Melo without giving up anything else.  That will likely help the Cavs significantly

The Griffin thing was definitely weird, but I'm 1000% sure we're missing some part of the story. Really can't believe Lebron didn't have anything to do with it (although his tweet would seem to indicate otherwise). I also don't see how Griffin would have done anything different this offseason. We got Korver back at a very reasonable salary and found a cheap backup PG. I don't know how to explain what happened with the PG and Butler trades. I have to think Boston would have been able to out-bid us regardless of whether Griffin was here. For better (and I don't know how you argue with 3 straight Finals appearances) or worse we'll be rolling out the same 8 man rotation for next year's playoffs.

^People have quickly forgotten how patient and deliberate Griffin was in his dealings.  He was not a knee jerk GM.  The people who are lamenting his absence want Gilbert to make knee jerk decisions.

 

Part of what happened with Butler and PG trades is that neither the Bulls nor the Pacers wanted to trade their star players within division.

 

As for Griff's departure, I think that was all him and Gilbert.  He wanted more/sole control and a lot more $$$.  Gilbert just doesn't place all that much value on GM.  I'll bet he thinks that any competent GM who has LeBron and an owner willing to spend well into the repeater tax should be able to have some success.  For my part, I don't want Gilbert making personnel decisions, but this criticism of him "cutting corners" by not paying Griff what he demanded is ridiculous if you consider that Korver's signing just added $20mill to the tax bill for next season. 

I still don't understand the reasoning (not saying it isn't true) that Indy or Chicago wouldn't want to trade within the conference or division. I suppose it makes sense with Boston since theoretically their window should be open longer than the Cavs. But PG and Butler (not to mention Lebron) should be well into decline by the time those teams are ready to contend.

^The optics, I suppose.  Plus, at least in PG's case, Indy probably wanted to minimize fan exposure to him by limiting the games he will play in Indy next year.  In the end, I don't think the package they took from OKC was all that much worse than what we could've/would've offered them.  And who knows what we did offer them. 

It's time to face the reality that the Cavaliers will walk through the weak Eastern Conference with no challenge and once again lose to Golden State in the Finals. The NBA season through the conference playoffs could be simulated at this point and no will would miss a thing. As a Cavaliers fan, there's no enjoying this ride, there's nothing to get excited about here, because this is all expected.

 

Longer term, the outlook is much more discouraging. If LeBron returns in 2018-2019, the same thing will happen. Golden State may become vulnerable in 2019-2020 when Klay Thompson leaves, but by then LeBron will be into his mid-30s at that point and if he's still here, that will be his 17th season.

 

When I look back on this era, I will remember the one title that this team brought to the city, but I'll also lament it as a time period of many missed opportunities. The Cavaliers will have failed in taking advantage of having the best player in a generation by only winning one title in four (or more seasons).

Yes GSW is better on paper, but it is far from a foregone conclusion that we lose to them in the Finals again.  We were one 4th quarter meltdown away from the series being tied 2-2.  Hell, we were one missed Korver 3 away from that.  Lots of things can change.  GSW may not be fully healthy.  Durant may not be 'en fuego' at the right time.  Our bench may actually contribute something.

 

The experience is what you make of it.  Someone spoke the truth this week when they said we worship the 80's Browns teams like they were Gods, and enjoyed the runs they had to the utmost, but the entire City is one big negative nancy when it comes to the Cavs/LeBron.   

Yes GSW is better on paper, but it is far from a foregone conclusion that we lose to them in the Finals again.  We were one 4th quarter meltdown away from the series being tied 2-2.  Hell, we were one missed Korver 3 away from that.  Lots of things can change.  GSW may not be fully healthy.  Durant may not be 'en fuego' at the right time.  Our bench may actually contribute something.

 

The experience is what you make of it.  Someone spoke the truth this week when they said we worship the 80's Browns teams like they were Gods, and enjoyed the runs they had to the utmost, but the entire City is one big negative nancy when it comes to the Cavs/LeBron. 

Agree with this 100%. Cavs could have easily won in 2015 if everybody was healthy, same for Warriors in 2016. 2017 was the only year both squads were healthy. Cavs always have a shot with Lebron, but if Warriors lose any of Curry, Durant, or Green it's an entirely different game. They're also going to have a much more difficult road in the playoffs this year.