While LeBron James‘ upcoming free agency will be the biggest storyline of the NBA offseason, James himself has avoided discussing his future all season long, and the Cavaliers – including owner Dan Gilbert – are following suit. After the Cavs’ Game 7 win over the Celtics on Sunday night, Gilbert told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the organization is completely locked in on its next series, not on the summer.
“We’re just focused – and it’s the truth, it’s not avoiding the question – we’re literally focused on (the now),” Gilbert said. “It’s just so intense in the playoffs and getting to the Finals and now the Finals, I don’t think – and I know he doesn’t – I don’t think even our guys are talking (about anything other than) what’s in front of them. … So, everybody knows, obviously what we want to happen and we’ll take the Finals first and take it from there.”
While the Cavaliers will head into the Finals as the underdogs, pulling off the upset could have a major impact on the club’s upcoming offseason plans — it would be hard for James to leave Cleveland right after leading the Cavs to another championship.
Here are a few more items worth rounding up from the Eastern Conference Finals:
- Jayson Tatum couldn’t lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals, but he received plenty of praise from James as his impressive rookie season came to an end, per Chris Forsberg of ESPN. “I just love everything about (Tatum), the way he plays the game, his demeanor, where he comes from,” James said. “I just know he’s built for stardom. He’s built for success. And that’s both on and off the floor.”
- James was also complimentary of the Cavaliers teammates who are headed to the Finals despite hearing for weeks that they weren’t doing enough to help LeBron. “I know I get a lot of the headlines – win, lose or draw, whatever the case may be – but in order to be successful, it’s a team game,” James told ESPN’s Doris Burke after the Game 7 win (link via Andrew Joseph of USA Today). “That’s why we’re going to another Finals — because my teammates played a hell of a game.”
- One of those teammates, Jeff Green, spoke after the game about not taking anything for granted after undergoing open-heart surgery in 2012. Jeff Zilgitt and AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today have the story on Green, who was the Cavaliers‘ second-best player in Game 7.
- Their disappointing Game 7 performances will likely haunt Celtics youngsters Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown for a while, but that may not be the worst thing in the world, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston, who writes that this year’s loss can be a learning experience for Rozier and Brown as they continue to develop.
Mr Dilbert: you should have got more for Kyrie….signed Pacers fans. He is a jerry jones mimic…I don’t need a GM here…
We’re fine with the trade.
Sincerely,
Celtics fans
Lebron has the most ridiculous beard
To the salty pacer/Celtic fans, good season but enjoy the Cavaliers in the finals.
Gilbert/Altman should have gotten at least an option on Rozier too, but I’m not sure that’s what you meant.
Rozier and Brown might be out of Boston this summer, along with Hayward who will block Tatum’s ascension. Kyrie,Tatum, and Horford are just fine but Danny should make a push for Davis by moving Hayward,Rozier,Brown, and a pick or two.
Not sure that’s the move, but I won’t put anything past ainge.
Brown possibly, Hayward isn’t going anywhere
Hayward would have to for cap purposes based on the proposal above.
First off, they could demand Tatum. Secondly, I would think they’d ask for a big in return – hence Horford. Rozier would be the icing on the cake, with possibly a conditional pick going back to the Celts if you’re talking Davis.
If they made a trade for AD it would likely be Brown or Rozier and Horford and a 1st for Davis
I am not sure Boston got the best from the Kyre for IT deal. I think Kyrie is a walking trouble, he wants to be the man, but he is just a good all-star player, not a top 20 in the league, if I was Boston I would move him before the end of his contract… or letting him walk, wouldn’t want him anywhere near my team. Cleveland where smart enough to get rid of him & look they are in the same place as always, the NBA Finals.
I agree 100%. What the trade was to the Cavs: they gave up Kyrie and got clarkson, nance Jr hill and hood in exchange for some crap players. In the end. The Cavs are in the finals and Kyrie wasn’t even at the game. Most likely looking for the edge of his flat earth. He’s certified goofy.
Jeff Green was probably not a lock to be re-signed, given the Cav’s $103mil payroll for 9 nonBrons, $138if he stays. But after gm7 he might be due a raise besides.
For 19/20 the roster really clears out so maybe Gilbert won’t mind spending for 18/19. Calderon & White also deserve returns.
Yes. I think LeBron deserves a supermax deal. Agree with you on Calderon, but who is white? The only one I know is Okaro and who knows what he could add as he’s never suited up for the Cavs.
Benefit of the doubt! And promise. Good numbers for a youngster who plays D by reputation.