Now it’s nervous time for Cavaliers fans
LeBron James has given them triple-doubles, victories and hope. Now all the Cleveland Cavaliers need from their superstar is a simple yes-or-no answer.
Shortly after the NBA’s free agency season began Saturday, the Cavs contacted James to offer him a five-year maximum contract extension worth about $80 million, a deal that could keep him in Cleveland through the 2012-13 season.
For months, James has said he has no plans to leave. Until he says he has accepted the Cavs’ offer, however, nothing is certain. James can’t officially sign anything until July 12, and there’s a chance he might make the club sweat through the holiday weekend before telling them his plans.
On Friday, he had little to say about his contract situation, a topic that causes some Cleveland fans to tremble with fear.
“I’m not talking about it today,” a smiling James said at a news conference held by the Cavaliers to introduce new draft picks Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson. “You’ll have to ask them (the Cavs).”
But the team, fearful of doing anything to upset James or break the league’s gag order during the free agency moratorium from today through July 12, is reluctant to discuss much about the star’s future.
“This is one you don’t want to stub your toe on rules,” general manager Danny Ferry said. “We’re going to make a call and allow things to unfold from there. Rushing is not a necessity.”
Posey will stay with Heat
James Posey decided to exercise his $6.4 million option to stay with the Miami Heat next season, electing not to become a free agent.
He and the Heat will likely talk about a longer-term deal in the coming weeks, but for now, Posey simply wanted to ensure he’d be back for the 2006-07 campaign.
“He won a championship and really enjoyed every moment of the experience in Miami,” said Posey’s agent, Mark Bartelstein.
With the free agent window opening today, Posey’s decision answers one of many questions the Heat will face this summer. Finals MVP Dwyane Wade is eligible for a five-year extension worth around $75 million, and neither side expects those negotiations to be stressful.
Backup center Alonzo Mourning may retire, veteran guard Gary Payton is a free agent who wants to return, and Shandon Anderson is also a free agent.
Any or all of them could return to the Heat, but Riley indicated that Miami’s younger players may get a shot at cracking the rotation by next season.
Around the league
Milwaukee traded point guard T.J. Ford to Toronto for forward Charlie Villanueva and cash. … The Utah Jazz exercised the option on point guard Keith McLeod, keeping him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. He has started 79 of his 119 games with Utah. … Adam Silver officially became the NBA’s deputy commissioner.