Minnesota Timberwolves
Post by Walt Frazier on Jul 10, 2018 1:30:20 GMT
LeBron's decision was a bit more difficult than Giannis'. The first question I still ask myself is still "will this player leave this team?" In LeBron's case, the answer was a little more of a "maybe." LeBron once left Miami to go to Cleveland because it was his home. A professional decision based on personal factors. LeBron is unique in this way. Cleveland at that time did have Kyrie and a #1 pick to use, LeBron was a bit more focused on winning at that point in his career. This offseason in real life, LeBron left his childhood home to join the Los Angeles Lakers, the location of his new, adult home. Another professional decision based on personal factors.
All of that said, both teams he left looked over-matched versus a Western-Conference foe. It seems he felt he couldn't win with his current team, so he might as well join a new team where he'd be happier in his personal life.
Here in D5, LeBron's team IS that team that every other team looks at, throws their arms up, and says "how the hell can we beat these guys?!" Or at least, they have been for the past 2 years, and going back 4 years, have won 3 D5 Championships, having reached the finals every year since LeBron has been in Golden State. Year 1, lost in the Finals. Year 2, won in the Finals. Year 3, won in the Finals AND won the MVP of the league.
End of the day, the entire committee agreed that LeBron would stay in Golden State because this team is winning Championships.
That being said, a lot is happening in D5 right now. Kevin Durant just joined the Hornets. We haven't yet seen a healthy Bulls team featuring Kawhi, Wall, Cousins, and Butler (and now Dwight Howard...). The Celtics and Grizzlies are developing rapidly into what look like the next round of powerhouse teams.
With all of this in mind, D5's version of LeBron chooses not to sign as long of a contract as his real-life counterpart. He will sign the max, with max raises, for 2 years with a 3rd year Player Option. By that time, he can assess if the Warriors are still among the elite, consistently going to the Finals, or if he is ready to move on to Cleveland, Los Angeles, or some other location.
Year 1: $35,654,150
Year 2: $38,328,211
Year 3: $41,002,272 (Player Option)
Total: $114,984,633
Congratulations to Chris Mullin and the Golden State Warriors!
All of that said, both teams he left looked over-matched versus a Western-Conference foe. It seems he felt he couldn't win with his current team, so he might as well join a new team where he'd be happier in his personal life.
Here in D5, LeBron's team IS that team that every other team looks at, throws their arms up, and says "how the hell can we beat these guys?!" Or at least, they have been for the past 2 years, and going back 4 years, have won 3 D5 Championships, having reached the finals every year since LeBron has been in Golden State. Year 1, lost in the Finals. Year 2, won in the Finals. Year 3, won in the Finals AND won the MVP of the league.
End of the day, the entire committee agreed that LeBron would stay in Golden State because this team is winning Championships.
That being said, a lot is happening in D5 right now. Kevin Durant just joined the Hornets. We haven't yet seen a healthy Bulls team featuring Kawhi, Wall, Cousins, and Butler (and now Dwight Howard...). The Celtics and Grizzlies are developing rapidly into what look like the next round of powerhouse teams.
With all of this in mind, D5's version of LeBron chooses not to sign as long of a contract as his real-life counterpart. He will sign the max, with max raises, for 2 years with a 3rd year Player Option. By that time, he can assess if the Warriors are still among the elite, consistently going to the Finals, or if he is ready to move on to Cleveland, Los Angeles, or some other location.
Year 1: $35,654,150
Year 2: $38,328,211
Year 3: $41,002,272 (Player Option)
Total: $114,984,633
Congratulations to Chris Mullin and the Golden State Warriors!
LA Lakers
Golden State Warriors
Utah Jazz
