Events Calendar
In This Section
Get ready for detour, delays on Route 8
DYER: Take comfort in knowing Browns could be bigger losers
Patrick McManamon's Beside the Point: Another wacky, crazy Browns week
Area students' charitable effort flows around world
Youngsters at helm trying to grab Wagon Wheel
Jobless rate climbs to 26-year high
Most Read Stories
Robbers order bar patrons to empty pockets
Family found dead in Ohio home
Man gets 3 years in prison for having sex with horse
Akron man turns himself in after authorities turn up heat
Sex-toy study at Duke University raises some eyebrows
Boy tells 911 operator he shot father in anger
Akron police follow blood trail to murder suspect
Man appears alive at own funeral
Park service wants to replace historic Tinker Creek Aqueduct
Blogs:
Pets:
Not 101 Dalmations…but close!
The Heldenfiles:
Friday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
Saturday entertainment continued …
Akron Zips:
No. 1 UA hopes to be perfect on Senior Night
Tribe Matters:
Tribe makes roster moves
Cleveland Browns:
Lewis doesn't like boycott
Kent State Sports:
Kent State @ Akron | Preview
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cavs at Knicks
Buckeye Blogging:
Weekly ‘B’ Deck Report – New Mexico St.
Varsity Letters:
Wrestling, bowling teams prepare for season
All Da King's Men:
Bigger And Better Boondoggles
Blog of Mass Destruction:
The Shooter
Akron Law Café:
NEW U.S. Supreme Court Database
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Perfect Weather for an Autumn Drive
Let's Talk Real Estate:
RUMORS: Downtown Restaurant Explosion
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
The Black Keys to perform benefit concert at Musica on November 27
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
New 'Call of Duty' could set entertainment record
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports columnist
POSTED: 02:38 p.m. EDT, Jul 08, 2009
ESPN produced an interesting story about the NBA's salary cap, which probably will have a lot more to do with the future of LeBron James than anything he said or didn't say or might have said to Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets or his friends or sources of his friends who live across the street from other sources who deny being sources of Ariza.
The most interesting salary cap news was not about this upcoming season, but the next one. ESPN got hold of some double-secret league memo warning that the cap for 2010-11 could drop from $57 million to as low as $50 million next year.
That's a drop of between $10 and $15 million from what was expected, caused by an expected drop in revenues. And it adds up to one star's salary.
This does all sorts of things, like reduce the threshold for the luxury tax. Plain and simple it also means there will be less money available for next summer's free agents.
These would include James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudamire and Chris Bosh.
Which puts James in the interesting position of leaving money on the table if he does not sign the max extension that the Cavs will offer him this month.
I've never doubted that James would like to finish his career in Cleveland.
He loves it here, loves living near his hometown of Akron, loves being able to go to St. Vincent-St. Mary games, loves being close to Keith Dambrot at the University of Akron and loves the fact he could bring the MVP Award ''home.''
The fans have treated him fabulously, the team does not operate on the cheap (Dan Gilbert will pay a luxury tax of $13.7 million for this past season) and things have progressed well, even with the disappointment of the loss to the Orlando Magic still fresh.
These are all reasons to believe that James will go nowhere.
However, James is his own man. He seems very determined to play this thing out as long as possible. Why he's doing that is anyone's guess, but nobody is going to tell LeBron James what to do on this front.
We can all wish he would sign before the end of this month, but it might not happen. And nothing we say will change his mind.
But . . . all the chatter that James' uncertain future is affecting the signing of free agents in Cleveland is just that. Chatter.
Free agency for a player comes down to one primary thing: Money.
Did Mickael Pietrus sign with the Magic a year ago thinking it would get him to the NBA Finals? No. He signed because the Magic gave him an excellent offer.
If the money is the same, it comes down to shots and stats.
Promise a guy enough money and enough shots and he'll sign with anyone — witness Hedo Turkoglu going to the Toronto Raptors, a 33-49, nonplayoff team. Toronto is a great city, very underrated, and a tremendously cosmopolitan place.
But it's hard to think the extra money Turkoglu got in Toronto did not play a factor in his backing out of an agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers.
It's probably safe to say that James likes and enjoys his wealth. He does not seem to be the kind of guy who will leave money on the table. And no matter where he plays, his team will be in the championship chase — because he's that good.
But right now there's a bit of a guessing game going on. What's certain is that James can earn more money by staying with the Cavs, and he would earn more staying with the Cavs if he signs this offseason.
His option next season is for $17 million.
The Cavs can offer him an extension worth about $130 million over six years (yes, the staggering numbers could cause a person to regurgitate his or her Wheaties). He could also sign a shorter extension.
But . . . if he waits until next summer, he'll face a market where teams might no longer be able to sign him (i.e. the New York Knicks) because of the lower cap.
He also faces the double ''whammy'' — which, in this instance, is a financial term with great relativity given the money involved — of taking less to play for another team during a summer when the salary cap could drop significantly. Never discount how important it is to an athlete to say he is the highest-paid in his craft.
The only reason it makes economic sense to leave money on the table would be because James has enough money to make the extra meaningless.
If the extra money means that little, there's probably little the Cavs could do to keep James because he has made his mind up that he's leaving and his words about Cleveland are empty.
I don't believe that to be true. I believe what he says about enjoying himself here.
The other theory that he's waiting to try to put pressure on the Cavs is kind of silly, too.
It reminds me of the old ''everyone has to step up'' statement when a player gets hurt. This is poppycock, of course, because it implies guys weren't doing their best before a guy got hurt. Of course they were.
Organizations try to win. Some succeed, some don't. The Cavs are trying to win, period. To think they're trying harder to win because they think James might leave is pretty insulting when you think about it, insulting to the owner, the front office, the other players.
They are trying to win.
So is James.
But he's not going to sign because you, me, Mrs. O'Reilly or the man on the moon want him to sign. He's going to stay because he wants to stay. He will decide himself, based on what he perceives is best for him.
The NBA, though, just gave him something pretty serious to consider with its financial forecast for the future.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohio.com/mcmanamon/. Follow Pat on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/patmcmanamon.
ESPN produced an interesting story about the NBA's salary cap, which probably will have a lot more to do with the future of LeBron James than anything he said or didn't say or might have said to Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets or his friends or sources of his friends who live across the street from other sources who deny being sources of Ariza.
The most interesting salary cap news was not about this upcoming season, but the next one. ESPN got hold of some double-secret league memo warning that the cap for 2010-11 could drop from $57 million to as low as $50 million next year.
That's a drop of between $10 and $15 million from what was expected, caused by an expected drop in revenues. And it adds up to one star's salary.
This does all sorts of things, like reduce the threshold for the luxury tax. Plain and simple it also means there will be less money available for next summer's free agents.
These would include James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudamire and Chris Bosh.
Which puts James in the interesting position of leaving money on the table if he does not sign the max extension that the Cavs will offer him this month.
I've never doubted that James would like to finish his career in Cleveland.
He loves it here, loves living near his hometown of Akron, loves being able to go to St. Vincent-St. Mary games, loves being close to Keith Dambrot at the University of Akron and loves the fact he could bring the MVP Award ''home.''
The fans have treated him fabulously, the team does not operate on the cheap (Dan Gilbert will pay a luxury tax of $13.7 million for this past season) and things have progressed well, even with the disappointment of the loss to the Orlando Magic still fresh.
These are all reasons to believe that James will go nowhere.
However, James is his own man. He seems very determined to play this thing out as long as possible. Why he's doing that is anyone's guess, but nobody is going to tell LeBron James what to do on this front.
We can all wish he would sign before the end of this month, but it might not happen. And nothing we say will change his mind.
But . . . all the chatter that James' uncertain future is affecting the signing of free agents in Cleveland is just that. Chatter.
Free agency for a player comes down to one primary thing: Money.
Did Mickael Pietrus sign with the Magic a year ago thinking it would get him to the NBA Finals? No. He signed because the Magic gave him an excellent offer.
If the money is the same, it comes down to shots and stats.
Promise a guy enough money and enough shots and he'll sign with anyone — witness Hedo Turkoglu going to the Toronto Raptors, a 33-49, nonplayoff team. Toronto is a great city, very underrated, and a tremendously cosmopolitan place.
But it's hard to think the extra money Turkoglu got in Toronto did not play a factor in his backing out of an agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers.
It's probably safe to say that James likes and enjoys his wealth. He does not seem to be the kind of guy who will leave money on the table. And no matter where he plays, his team will be in the championship chase — because he's that good.
But right now there's a bit of a guessing game going on. What's certain is that James can earn more money by staying with the Cavs, and he would earn more staying with the Cavs if he signs this offseason.
His option next season is for $17 million.
The Cavs can offer him an extension worth about $130 million over six years (yes, the staggering numbers could cause a person to regurgitate his or her Wheaties). He could also sign a shorter extension.
But . . . if he waits until next summer, he'll face a market where teams might no longer be able to sign him (i.e. the New York Knicks) because of the lower cap.
He also faces the double ''whammy'' — which, in this instance, is a financial term with great relativity given the money involved — of taking less to play for another team during a summer when the salary cap could drop significantly. Never discount how important it is to an athlete to say he is the highest-paid in his craft.
The only reason it makes economic sense to leave money on the table would be because James has enough money to make the extra meaningless.
If the extra money means that little, there's probably little the Cavs could do to keep James because he has made his mind up that he's leaving and his words about Cleveland are empty.
I don't believe that to be true. I believe what he says about enjoying himself here.
The other theory that he's waiting to try to put pressure on the Cavs is kind of silly, too.
It reminds me of the old ''everyone has to step up'' statement when a player gets hurt. This is poppycock, of course, because it implies guys weren't doing their best before a guy got hurt. Of course they were.
Organizations try to win. Some succeed, some don't. The Cavs are trying to win, period. To think they're trying harder to win because they think James might leave is pretty insulting when you think about it, insulting to the owner, the front office, the other players.
They are trying to win.
So is James.
But he's not going to sign because you, me, Mrs. O'Reilly or the man on the moon want him to sign. He's going to stay because he wants to stay. He will decide himself, based on what he perceives is best for him.
The NBA, though, just gave him something pretty serious to consider with its financial forecast for the future.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohio.com/mcmanamon/. Follow Pat on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/patmcmanamon.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Akron, Oh
Posted 03:14 PM, 07/08/2009
Go Cavaliers !
Posted 04:26 PM, 07/08/2009
With the staggering problems this country faces trying to exist until we can rid ourselves of possibly the most destructive administration in our history, what some overpaid jock will or will not make to put a ball in a basket is of absolutely no importance or concern. Professional sports across the board will be doing a lot of belt tightening in the near future if they wish to survive.
Uniontown, OH
Posted 04:58 PM, 07/08/2009
I assume we are trying to rid ourselves of the Obama administration as they move us deeper into debt everyday
Posted 04:59 PM, 07/08/2009
Jack Hill-
Life isn't all about politics. If everyone were completely focused on politics, life wouldn't be worth living. People need to enjoy themselves, and basketball brings relief in these difficult economic times.
And I hate to tell you, but this is a capitalistic society. That means that supply and demand applies to everything economically, even sports. Therefore, I would argue that LeBron is NOT overpaid; he simply makes what the market demands.
Also, I think it's quite funny how you act like all LeBron does is "put a ball in a basket." Have you ever watched basketball before? LeBron James is perhaps the most talented athlete on the entire planet.
Here's a suggestion -- if you don't want to watch him play, then don't. But don't come on here and tell other people what to do. Along the same lines of what you said, if politics is so important to you, then why aren't you out campaigning or doing something about it? You're just as bad as everyone you're complaining about, posting comments on a newspaper article. Wake up.
mogadore, oh
Posted 05:17 PM, 07/08/2009
Dear Delonte13: Now settle down....don't get your panties in a bunch. I think Mr Hill was trying to make the point that our society values entertainment and sports as more important than good jobs...health care...education...etc. I happen to agree.
Posted 05:22 PM, 07/08/2009
Truth Sought,
If that were the case, don't you think we'd be having a lot more problems than we are now? And, who is he to prioritize people's values? No one is stopping him from contributing to the political arena. The only reason I get upset is because I come across these curmudgeon types all the time on these sites, and it's typically people who think they know what's best for everyone else, but are hypocritical themselves. Like I said, if watching sports is a waste of time or if everyone's time should be spent helping a political cause, then what is Hill doing on his computer? Get out there and "save" this country!
Uniontown, OH
Posted 05:32 PM, 07/08/2009
the market pays employees based upon the value of there service and availability of their talent, LeBron can do something no one else can, he is therefore paid like no one else, there are millions of teachers, police officers etc., we still live in a capitalist market driven society, at least for a little while longer
Posted 05:41 PM, 07/08/2009
Thank you, Bob. Exactly the point I was trying to make.
Posted 06:00 PM, 07/08/2009
Jack Hill,
You sound like another disappointed republican who is still mad that your guy didn't win. GET OVER IT!
Like others have pointed out, market principles are at work in sports. People are paid what the management feels is fair, given the return they get.
People like you would have us living in a society where all we do is work, eat, sleep. Sounds like the good ole USSR, Vodka was everybody's friend.
Posted 06:46 PM, 07/08/2009
Excellent column!
wadsworth, oh
Posted 06:51 PM, 07/08/2009
Bob...my thoughts exactly, but I was thinking that for the previous 8 years. Bush Sucks !!!
Kandi, SL
Posted 06:57 PM, 07/08/2009
But... is that a GOOD thing?
Posted 07:38 PM, 07/08/2009
Great posts bob, steve, delonte and molson, wow !
"the market pays employees based upon the value of there service and availability of their talent, LeBron can do something no one else can, he is therefore paid like no one else,"
This is one of the clearest quotes I've read, thanks.....
Go Cavs !!
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:43 PM, 07/08/2009
Throwing chalk says volumes! Can we say superficial hero boys and girls?
AK, Oh
Posted 07:59 PM, 07/08/2009
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/9784408/Nike-takes-tapes-after-collegian-jams-on-LeBron
Lebron Got Dunked on.....
Posted 09:15 PM, 07/08/2009
Cleveland.com reporting Cavs will sign Parker and are very close to resigning Andy.
Stow, OH
Posted 09:51 PM, 07/08/2009
The salaries paid to professional athletes is one of the purer forms of capitalism. Players, who are the commodity, get what the market will bear. Right now, the market for NBA caliber basketball players is willing and able to bear quite a lot. This kind of situation is one that should delight those conservative types who believe in deregulation and the free market.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:25 PM, 07/08/2009
Delonte13. Good work
Why are the athletes the bad guys for TAKING WHAT IS OFFERED TO THEM!
How come people whine and cry about athletes and still go see $9 movies where actors are paid $25 million for one movie?
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 05:39 AM, 07/09/2009
Let LeBoob try the free agent market. I think he will find out how the salary cap will impact him if he doesn't sign with the Cavs next year. He's one injury away from a career ender.
Posted 09:13 AM, 07/09/2009
Most talented athlete in America? Sorry, but if you've never won a championship then you're not that.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 09:49 AM, 07/09/2009
I admire the talent that Mr. James has. I also am glad that he chose to remain in Cleveland, his home team, with the people who have always supported him, even as a high school player.
However, how many millions does one need? Everyone has had to tighten their purse strings these days. So he only makes $50 million for one season... I won't even make that in my lifetime, let alone in one year. He already has enough money to live the rest of his life without working one more day, as long as he doesn't spend like MC Hammer. Is there anything to be said for loyalty these days?
Come on LeBron, stay in Cleveland. We've been behind you all along.
Hiram, GA
Posted 11:17 AM, 07/09/2009
There you go again grump, calling him names. How do you sleep at night? Your act has long ago gotten old, very old, just like you. A mind is a terrible thing to waste!
Akron, OH
Posted 11:49 AM, 07/09/2009
OldManGrump is a Trivissano dittohead.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:22 PM, 07/09/2009
LeBron James with no regard for human life!!!!
Favorite broadcaster quote of all time right there!
Oh, and see you in a Cavs uniform in 2 years LeBron :)
akron, OH
Posted 02:02 PM, 07/09/2009
Pay LeBron enough to keep him employed so that he doesn't start to organize mobs to beat up on whitey and cause the newspaper to be labeled censors because they won't publish every black and white racist fool's comments on the website where they have the discretion to publish or block any old thing they want.
Cleveland, OH
Posted 02:40 PM, 07/09/2009
Minna Wade,
You may be the most ignorant individual in existence. What a horrible day your birth must have been.
Cleveland, OH
Posted 02:41 PM, 07/09/2009
Hannaman,
What does winning a championship have to do with it? I could put a bunch of preschoolers around him on the court -- he won't win a championship, but he's still the best athlete in the world. Now analyze the flaw in your logic, please.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:30 PM, 07/09/2009
Thats right Delonte!!
wadsworth, oh
Posted 03:58 PM, 07/09/2009
Awww poor over-payed athlete. such a shame.
Tallmadge, OHIO
Posted 04:43 PM, 07/09/2009
@delonte:
You may be the most ignorant individual in existence.
I-R-O-N-Y
You should read more than one post before you publicly shoot the toes off your own feet.
You and dds18 should get along very well ...
Posted 05:48 PM, 07/09/2009
Michael Jackson King of Pop???? LeBron James King of Akron???? I don't think so. These are just names they have given themselves! The only King I've ever heard of only lived to be 33 and died on a cross! Give these guys an inch and they turn it into a mile. I personally wish LeBron would leave this area for good. Kolbe sure put him in his place! Didn't see Lebron at Jackson's memorial service!
Cleveland, OH
Posted 07:16 PM, 07/09/2009
nottheusual1,
If I was supposed to feel highly insulted after that post, it didn't work.
Retired,
You sound like a Bible beater, which means most reasonable people will automatically discredit your opinion. Also, it's Kobe, not Kolbe. See what I mean about your credibility?
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:42 PM, 07/09/2009
Voice of Truth and Reason, know what ELSE is a terrible thing to waste? Those two big stadiums in Cleveland where they try to play professional ball.
Kandi, SL
Posted 10:31 PM, 07/09/2009
As I've been saying all along, "Thank the gods for this recession!" Now, if we get a depression, we may be able to afford to buy Kobe, Magic AND Michael Jackson.
AK, Oh
Posted 12:02 AM, 07/10/2009
Let Crybaby stay in Cleveland..... That way he'll always be remember as a barkley, ewing, CRAIG EHLO (LOL). Aint nobody gonna come to cleveland (worth having).... Tell the boy to Man up and stop crying....
