I don't get it - Miami Heat

[yeaaaman]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't understand what the Big 3 are trying to do here.

Lebron demands roster upgrades in order to stay with the heat, and has made it clear he will only take the max (understandable) but yet they go on vacation at the most important time when they all need to be securing their contracts and locking in if they wan't the team to be able to go after people.

How is Riley supposed to make offers to people without having a clue what the cap situation or even what members of the big 3 will even be back? That doesn't make sense to me. Unless Lebron was planning to leave and looking to tie the organizations hands by being non-committal while FA's get plucked from the market leaving the heat with no realistic option at a formidable upgrade, thus paving the way for a "justified" Lebron exit after a "failed" free agency period from the Heat.

I can't believe that to be true though, so what's the deal? :confusedshrug:

Also, changing the pace a bit, Shabazz Napier was seen as such a good move to help secure Lebron, not saying it wasn't, but is he really going to come in and be better than Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole right off the bat? If not I don't see what the big deal was anyways in terms of their immediate championship window.

[Nash]

because everything is already done. they've agreed to everything, now its just time for Riley to convince free agents

[russwest0]

this "holding the GM hostage until he acquires more talent" shit after making the Finals in 4 straight years is quite possibly the most pathetic shit I've ever seen in sports

[dubeta]

Bran is assfvcking wade and bosh as revenge for them playing like scrubs this year.

And Bran is also testing Riley's ability to build a team, if Riley's only bargaining chip is that LeBron is on the team, then why should Lebron stay?

[rhowen4]

The other side of the coin is they can match their contracts with whatever the heat can offer after picking up free agents this offseason

[dubeta]

this "holding the GM hostage until he acquires more talent" shit after making the Finals in 4 straight years is quite possibly the most pathetic shit I've ever seen in sports

-Says the East is garbage
-Blames Heat for getting more help due to them going to 4 straight Finals out of the "East"

:rolleyes:

[MavsSuperFan]

theory: Lebron knows he is going to leave, and is trying to make sure no desirable FAs sign with the Heat, because he wants his future team to get them

[DMAVS41]

because everything is already done. they've agreed to everything, now its just time for Riley to convince free agents

this would be known though. it would have been leaked because Riley would have to tell players/agents and confirm that the big 3 returning was a done deal.

that is obviously not happening at the moment.

which makes no sense because the only way anyone wants to go play in Miami for less money is for a chance to play for the title.

if Lebron really was going to always stay...he should have immediately convinced Wade/Bosh to take a cut and have them all sign so the Heat can go to players/agents and say this.

If he ultimately stays...this strategy on his part was beyond stupid.

And forcing Riley to make the team better without a commitment in staying...just doesn't make sense.

Hopefully nobody goes there and we get to watch those clowns get murked again in the finals or perhaps there will be one East team this coming year that could make the Western playoffs unlike last year.

[QuebecBaller]

Riley is f*cked...

To get good free agents, he needs to have Lebron on the team. But if he have Lebron, he won't have enough money to get good free agents. And if he can't get good free agents, Lebron won't come back...

[yeaaaman]

this "holding the GM hostage until he acquires more talent" shit after making the Finals in 4 straight years is quite possibly the most pathetic shit I've ever seen in sports

I don't get how he can hold the gm hostage when the gm's hands are kind of tied partly because of him?

[yeaaaman]

this would be known though. it would have been leaked because Riley would have to tell players/agents and confirm that the big 3 returning was a done deal.

that is obviously not happening at the moment.

which makes no sense because the only way anyone wants to go play in Miami for less money is for a chance to play for the title.

if Lebron really was going to always stay...he should have immediately convinced Wade/Bosh to take a cut and have them all sign so the Heat can go to players/agents and say this.

If he ultimately stays...this strategy on his part was beyond stupid.

And forcing Riley to make the team better without a commitment in staying...just doesn't make sense.

Hopefully nobody goes there and we get to watch those clowns get murked again in the finals or perhaps there will be one East team this coming year that could make the Western playoffs unlike last year.

Exactly, I can't wrap my head around the strategy.

[Vancouver-Grizz]

I am baffled that the big three hasnt signed on yet. OP is right, how is Riley suppose to go after FAs if he doesn't have the exact figures to spend?

If I was Riley....I would rebuild with Lebron and let Bosh and Wade go.

[russwest0]

I don't get how he can hold the gm hostage when the gm's hands are kind of tied partly because of him?

Lol well thats the irony of it all. LeBron probably should have went to College because this plan doesn't seem very well thought out at all.

[D-Rose]

Don't put too much stock into what's being reported and even less stock in the opinions on ISH...wait until something actually happens to make a judgement here. Everything so far is rumors and smokescreens.

[DukeDelonte13]

i hope somebody swoops in and offers a max deal to Bosh.

[edrick]

Lol well thats the irony of it all. LeBron probably should have went to College because this plan doesn't seem very well thought out at all.

We don't even know his plan.

[russwest0]

We don't even know his plan.

Well we do know that the Big 3 all opted out and we do have reports of Riley going after guys like Lowry, Deng, and now Gasol.

What the plan was seems pretty obvious.

[BigBoss]

It's all a smokescreen OP and Miami ownership, coaching, and the big 3 know it. Lebron didn't accept a meeting with Houston what does have to tell you about him signing elsewhere? He's allowing teams to ONLY meet with his agent unlike Melo who is going on the free agent tour. Lebron is not serious about leaving, but he's just letting it be known if you DONT sign player then we won't resign. I'm sure the Miami big 3 has given Pat Riley a number that the 3 will re-sign too. Now Riley has a window to get guys and prove to them that they'll spend, hence the meeting with Pau today in LA.

[BigBoss]

this "holding the GM hostage until he acquires more talent" shit after making the Finals in 4 straight years is quite possibly the most pathetic shit I've ever seen in sports

Lebron's just salty cuz he carried the team this year and isn't the highest paid player in the league. His real anger should be directed towards Bosh/Wade NOT Pat Riley. Had Bosh/Wade played like max players the Heat would have won this year. LeHeaux ain't loyal that's why he stooped to this level and giving the finger to their stupid fan base.

2 for 5

#shortcuttogreatness

[Vancouver-Grizz]

Well we do know that the Big 3 all opted out and we do have reports of Riley going after guys like Lowry, Deng, and now Gasol.

What the plan was seems pretty obvious.

Except the Big Three hasnt resigned yet and the FAs they are after have verbally agreed with another team already.

How can you go after FAs without having a figure to offer?

Blame the Big Three for no upgrades for this one...not Pat Riley

[305Baller]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/59c66c2adc31daf81faa72c811a15739/tumblr_mjpk9gSTYQ1qbtzbno1_500.gif

[yeaaaman]

It's all a smokescreen OP and Miami ownership, coaching, and the big 3 know it. Lebron didn't accept a meeting with Houston what does have to tell you about him signing elsewhere? He's allowing teams to ONLY meet with his agent unlike Melo who is going on the free agent tour. Lebron is not serious about leaving, but he's just letting it be known if you DONT sign player then we won't resign. I'm sure the Miami big 3 has given Pat Riley a number that the 3 will re-sign too. Now Riley has a window to get guys and prove to them that they'll spend, hence the meeting with Pau today in LA.

I still don't get it - smokescreen for what? Other free agents trying to decide if they're going to sign there and then eventually move on because they can't even get a grip on possible #'s they'd be offered? What player are they going to sign that's going to be an impact player if the organization doesn't have a commitment of any sort and for any #'s of the 3 guys that will eat up most of their cap-space?

It's hard for outside free agents to go off of the "if I do this lebron bosh and wade will agree to this and I can hypothetically offer you this" from Riley when they have good offers in front of them on the table from other teams. I'm just saying whatever's going on I can't see it being the most beneficial to trying to stay in Miami and have a better team than last year.

[yeaaaman]

Don't put too much stock into what's being reported and even less stock in the opinions on ISH...wait until something actually happens to make a judgement here. Everything so far is rumors and smokescreens.

You may have a point, it's just that I'm seeing absolutely nothing happening in regards to the Heat and a lot happening with other teams. Players aren't going to be sitting in the free agent waiting pool forever, at least not the ones that are going to make a big splash.

[Heatles201]

this would be known though. it would have been leaked because Riley would have to tell players/agents and confirm that the big 3 returning was a done deal.

that is obviously not happening at the moment.

which makes no sense because the only way anyone wants to go play in Miami for less money is for a chance to play for the title.

if Lebron really was going to always stay...he should have immediately convinced Wade/Bosh to take a cut and have them all sign so the Heat can go to players/agents and say this.

If he ultimately stays...this strategy on his part was beyond stupid.

And forcing Riley to make the team better without a commitment in staying...just doesn't make sense.

Hopefully nobody goes there and we get to watch those clowns get murked again in the finals or perhaps there will be one East team this coming year that could make the Western playoffs unlike last year.
Alright lets not get carried away

[2swift4u]

The whole situation is kinda confusing indeed. First it looked like Wade and Bosh would sign for less and Riley would go after some good FAs. Now all these FA have signed with somebody else or oral agreements. Now I'm not even sure Wade and Bosh are willing to take a pay-cut. This could really become a horrible off-season for Miami if they end up with nothig but the (not so big anymore) 3 and some old useless players...

[BigBoss]

I still don't get it - smokescreen for what? Other free agents trying to decide if they're going to sign there and then eventually move on because they can't even get a grip on possible #'s they'd be offered? What player are they going to sign that's going to be an impact player if the organization doesn't have a commitment of any sort and for any #'s of the 3 guys that will eat up most of their cap-space?

It's hard for outside free agents to go off of the "if I do this lebron bosh and wade will agree to this and I can hypothetically offer you this" from Riley when they have good offers in front of them on the table from other teams. I'm just saying whatever's going on I can't see it being the most beneficial to trying to stay in Miami and have a better team than last year.

Smokescreen in that the big 3 are going nowhere. It's a power play. It's like Kobe in 2007 demanding a trade, then they landed Pau. Now I know the circumstances are different and the big 3 are not locked in, but if they lure free agents i'm sure they'll all get together in a room and Riley will say " look Lebron player ____ is down to sign if you guys are on board". Then they all sign together. Adding players can happen via trade as well.

Look at it this way. If the Big 3 all signed. What guarantee do you have that ownership will spend? Your better off opting out and saying here's the deal, get us help or we won't re-sign. Here's how much cap space you'll have left . I expect you to not be cheap. Now go find players and let them know whats up, then get back to me, and i get final word if i want this guy or not on my team. If you're still confused you're an idiot then and probably would have re-signed if you were in Lebron's shoes.

[gts]

Except the Big Three hasnt resigned yet and the FAs they are after have verbally agreed with another team already.

How can you go after FAs without having a figure to offer?

Blame the Big Three for no upgrades for this one...not Pat Riley

They have a number.. James said he wants a max deal... Riley's smart enough to know how much that is... He's talked to Bosh and Wades agents he knows what he has to work with.. Just because you don't know the exact numbers doesn't mean the Heat FO is being kept in the dark.

If nothing is being done it's because
A. The Heat have no money to spend because the big 3 new deals will take up to much of the cap room so Riley is forced to offer peanuts or
B. Free agents don't want to come to Miami for some reason

[yeaaaman]

Smokescreen in that the big 3 are going nowhere. It's a power play. It's like Kobe in 2007 demanding a trade, then they landed Pau. Now I know the circumstances are different and the big 3 are not locked in, but if they lure free agents i'm sure they'll all get together in a room and Riley will say " look Lebron player ____ is down to sign if you guys are on board". Then they all sign together. Adding players can happen via trade as well.

Look at it this way. If the Big 3 all signed. What guarantee do you have that ownership will spend? Your better off opting out and saying here's the deal, get us help or we won't re-sign. Here's how much cap space you'll have left . I expect you to not be cheap. Now go find players and let them know whats up, then get back to me, and i get final word if i want this guy or not on my team. If you're still confused you're an idiot then and probably would have re-signed if you were in Lebron's shoes.

Fair enough, so it should work out something like Kobe and Pau did in 07.

I'm not saying he needs to re-sign right away, or even at all. I've made it pretty clear my sentiment is that he isn't doing any favours to his current situation in Miami if he wants to build a BETTER team than last year. They apparently need more help. So far lots of the help is going elsewhere.

What do you think are some good, realistic available options for Miami to pursue at this point?

Also, I wouldn't be under the assumption that guys are just lining up to play in Miami (impact players) as clearly people don't seem to be waiting around for any low ball offers (Lowry, Gortat, Deng). Yea maybe they still have a chance at Pau and some other guys so I guess I'll just sit back and watch.

[To4]

Why doesn't Riley just pay Wade and Bosh under the table ala Kirelenko in Brooklyn??.. I would do that if I was Riley..

[HOoopCityJones]

Why doesn't Riley just pay Wade and Bosh under the table ala Kirelenko in Brooklyn??.. I would do that if I was Riley..

Why do you think they took those paycuts the first time?

There's only so many times Riley can reach into the Heat's "off the book" pockets without eventually being called out for tampering. Hell, Arison doesn't even wanna pay the luxury tax, what makes you think he'll keep reaching into his own pocket just so guys will keep taking considerable paycuts?

[BigBoss]

What do you think are some good, realistic available options for Miami to pursue at this point?

.


I don't know and i'm glad I don't have Pat Riley's job right now. All i'm saying is I get Lebron's strategy. Do you?

[coin24]

Yeah but whats the point of this whole exercise? Who are the Heat going to sign:lol :lol

Paus not going to play with those losers. Deng will take the $$ elsewhere, Gortat is gone, Lowry is gone...
Melo would never happen hes taking the $$$


So they opted out for what?? Theres no FA that makes them any better than last year..
Bosh should open his eyes and try take a max deal from somewhere..
Bran will be going back to cleveland either now or in 2 years when they develop there players enough to carry him:lol

[yeaaaman]

Yeah but whats the point of this whole exercise? Who are the Heat going to sign:lol :lol

Paus not going to play with those losers. Deng will take the $$ elsewhere, Gortat is gone, Lowry is gone...
Melo would never happen hes taking the $$$


So they opted out for what?? Theres no FA that makes them any better than last year..
Bosh should open his eyes and try take a max deal from somewhere..
Bran will be going back to cleveland either now or in 2 years when they develop there players enough to carry him:lol

That's my thoughts. If they opted out they should have done it with a clear plan, not a wait and see approach. Because if they all re-sign with the Heat I'm not sure who they'll get to make them better.

[yeaaaman]

I don't know and i'm glad I don't have Pat Riley's job right now. All i'm saying is I get Lebron's strategy. Do you?

Me either, and I don't know his strategy it's just speculation unless you know this as fact, I just know whats not happening - Miami signing FA's.