#Mike Ransom Getty

[artphotographyofmen]

Power Man by Mike Ransom Getty

[junker-town]

The Bears offered EVERYTHING for Russell Wilson before settling for Dalton

Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images

The Bears are going into next season with Andy Dalton as the likely starter after they were rebuffed for Wilson.

It’s a sobering morning for Bears fans waking up to the reality that Andy Dalton will likely be the team’s starting quarterback in 2021. Images of Russell Wilson dominating in navy blue and orange are now replaced with the acceptance of mediocrity — but that doesn’t mean Chicago didn’t try everything to trade for Wilson.

The Bears were on a short list of teams Wilson was reportedly open to be traded to, so it seemed a case of whether the Seahawks were willing to budge, and what Chicago was prepared to give up. Now it’s reported that the team was offering a king’s ransom. According to Dan Patrick, the Bears offered:

Three first round picks

One third round pick

Two starting players

This would have been the largest player trade in recent memory, a league-defining move Chicago obviously thought would take them from fringe playoff team to potential Super Bowl winner. The reality of that possibility is up for debate, but it’s moot. The Seahawks didn’t accept the offer, and appear to be rolling into the season with Wilson as starter, trying to make repair the fractured relationship with the quarterback, and make amends for their mistakes.

"It's not like they didn't try to get Russell Wilson. They did. They swung as big as you could swing but it went nowhere. He wasn't being traded. At some point, you move on to the next option, & in this case, it was Andy Dalton."-@PSchrags on the Bears' pursuit of Russell Wilson pic.twitter.com/8Fm39yGICf

— GMFB (@gmfb) March 17, 2021

Giving Chicago credit for this extends only as far as pushing their chips to the middle of the table. Signing Dalton as their alternate option underscores how dysfunctional the Bears front office has been when it comes to finding quarterbacks. To this end the buck begins and ends with GM Ryan Pace, whose tenure with Chicago has been marred by missteps while trying to find passers.

The core issue is this: If Pace and the Bears ever really believed Dalton could be “the guy” they would have pursued him a year ago. Instead the team elected to trade for Nick Foles, a terrible move for a guy now poised to be their backup. Meanwhile Dalton signed a 1-year, $3M deal with Dallas last season. Now the Bears have signed Dalton, paying him over three times what he made with the Cowboys, and losing a fourth round pick in the trade for Foles.

Chicago has become a revolving door for quarterbacks since Pace took over the front office in 2015. Taking over at the tail end of the Jay Cutler era, Pace traded up to draft Mitchell Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick, who is now a free agent after his rookie contract. They also signed Mike Glennon and Chase Daniels, both failing. Trading for Foles and now signing Dalton is just the icing on an extremely disappointing cake nobody wants to eat.

Normally I’d say Bears fans can look on the bright side and at least be confident the team didn’t mortgage the entire future, even if missing out on Wilson is a bummer, but there’s no evidence the Chicago front office could do anything of note with those picks anyway. Outside of David Montgomery in 2019 the Bears have struggled to find any help on offense in the draft in recent years.

Simply put: It’s a mess.

[actutrends]

5 Knicks head coaching options after firing David Fizdale

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Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

David Fizdale has finally been fired as head coach of the New York Knicks after eight consecutive losses. Here are the five best candidates to replace him.

The New York Knicks were always going to fire head coach David Fizdale. Barring some miraculous turnaround, the Knicks’ 2-8 start and an impromptu press conference from team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry indicated Fiz was on the hot seat, even before ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that they were angling for his release.

To be fair, the front office didn’t do its part in constructing a functional roster over the summer. Missing out on the big fish like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and Kemba Walker was a massive letdown after trading away Kristaps Porzingis in a move that cleared out max cap space, but failing to upgrade the roster in any significant way while holding half the league’s power forwards for ransom was just as vexing.

With that being said, Fizdale — who was fired Friday after eight straight losses, including the last two by a combined 81 points — also did a crummy job. His rotations were highly suspect, and despite all the positional overlap, New York still has enough established veterans to at least be somewhat competitive.

A 4-18 record with a conference-worst minus-10.8 point differential was unacceptable, especially since his 21-83 record in less than two seasons at the helm gives him the fifth-worst winning percentage over the last 30 years among coaches with at least 100 games.

Both can be true: The Knicks did a poor job assembling their roster this summer, and Fiz did a poor job trying to manage it.

The question, then, in the wake of Fizdale’s firing, is who will be the next head coach of the Knicks? Let’s take a look at the best potential candidates.

Honorable Mentions:

Jay Wright — Wright has thrived at the college level with a modern, NBA-caliber offense, but he’s not leaving Villanova after winning two championships in the last four years.

Mike Woodson — Woodson served as head coach of the Knicks from 2011-14, most recently serving as an assistant with the LA Clippers, but fresh blood should be the priority over a retread, even if he was at the helm during the Knicks’ most successful season since 1997.

David Blatt — An underrated option who had to take the fall in Cleveland, but his struggle with Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis could make a return to the NBA tricky.

Becky Hammon — Hammon should (and will) eventually get her shot, and she’s reportedly interested, but the media storm this would conjure up might prove to be more of a distraction than anything. Plus, Hammon actually deserves nice things and a competent roster when she finally makes the jump as the NBA’s first female head coach.

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The post 5 Knicks head coaching options after firing David Fizdale appeared first on Actu Trends.

[thepurplesnakeera]

The Best New Rap Music To Have On Your Radar

The Best New Rap Music To Have On Your Radar http://bit.ly/2YTpnGP,

Getty Image

This week, we received videos from Megan Thee Stallion and DJ Khaled, who both released albums last Friday. Meek Mill and Lil Baby’s resilient “Weather The Storm” has a different tone than the Cardi B and 21 Savage-featuring “Wish Wish,” reflecting the versatility of Khaled’s Father Of Asahd album.

Elsewhere, south Florida rapper Denzel Curry had a busy week, dropping the first single from his upcoming Zulu album and dropping vivid bars on “Black Balloons Reprise” from Flying Lotus’ upcoming Flamagra album. Open Mike Eagle collaborated with Method Man on the latest track from The New Negroes, the Beast Coast rap collective dropped off a reggae-tinged single, and Ty Dolla Sign linked with J Cole for his first solo release in years with “Purple Emoji.”

Rick Ross, “Port Of Miami 2” Freestyle

Rick Ross is getting the world ready for Port Of Miami 2, the sequel to the debut album that made him a rap star. He dropped off a freestyle to whet fans’ appetite, dropping his drug baron ideations over an apropos flip of the Scarface theme iconically tackled by Mobb Deep and Nas on 1999’s “It’s Mine.”

O.T. Genasis Feat. G-Eazy, Rich The Kid, & E40, “Bae”

OT Genasis got up with a slew artists for the pleasantly self-absorbed “Bae.” The title would have one thinking that he’s about to rhyme sweet nothings, but the track was instead a self-congratulatory affirmation of the artists’ eligible bachelor status.

Mozzy, “Shine’N For Diamond”

Mozzy’s upcoming Internal Affairs album is drawing closer to its June release, and he’s been steadily dropping tastes of what to expect from his latest effort. His latest track, “Shine’N For Diamond,” shows him sticking to the script, weaving a gritty street narrative over a wailing vocal sample.

YBN Nahmir, “Tweak”

YBN Nahmir’s “Tweak” single is a thumping bid for a summer anthem, as the 19-year-old rides a mysterious synth melody and quaking 808 with the bravado and tough talk that his fans have come to love.

Doja Cat, “U w U”

Doja Cat’s “U w U” single is a romantic, at times raunchy ode to romance. The self-produced single is the prolific artist’s latest effort, hilariously categorized as “hoe trash” on her SoundCloud. But the talented Doja is anything but trash, as the dreamy record demonstrates.

Moneybagg Yo Feat. Blac Youngsta, “Blac Money”

Two of Memphis’ finest hook up on “Blac Money,” a name-fusing single where the two call out rhymers who “ain’t livin what they rappin’” and drop braggadocious bars over an ominous, churning Dmactoobangin and Drumgod co-production.

Blocboy JB, “Ric Flair”

Sticking with Memphis, the ever-busy Blocboy JB released “Ric Flair” this week, a nod to the legendary wrestler who’s currently dealing with some health issues. Flair is a beloved figure in the rap community, particularly with Migos and now Blocboy JB, who delivers “woos” over a minimalist, key-driven instrumental.

Yella Beezy, “Rich MF”

Yella Beezy is celebrating his rise in the rap game on “Rich MF,” a Pharell-produced, not-so-subtle ode to his expanding bank account and all the trappings it can afford. Pharell’s presence isn’t just felt through the bouncy percussion and hypnotic synth, but his impassioned vocals on the song’s chorus.

Max B Feat. French Montana, “Hold On”

The currently incarcerated Max B released “Hold On” this week, the first official single he’s dropped since beginning his 75-year prison sentence for murder conspiracy and robbery. The man known as Biggaveli dropped the single to commemorate his 41st birthday. He seems in good spirits — and good form — on the melodic, feel-good track, which also features his right-hand man French Montana.

Lil Tecca, “Ransom”

Long Island upstart Lil Tecca dropped off the video for “Ransom,” a fun single that shows his gifts for melodic trap. The Cole Bennett-directed video demonstrates Tecca’s sense of humor, with colorful effects and shots of the slight rapper deadpanning into the camera while rhyming about guns, girls, and the like.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

May 24, 2019 at 09:36AM via ThePurpleSnakeEra source https://thepurplesnakeera.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-best-new-rap-music-to-have-on-your_24.html

[theconservativebrief]

A Tijuana official gave an update on the recent increase in the local crime rate during an interview with Tucker Carlson on Thursday night.

Genaro Lopez was on Carlson’s show about two weeks ago and shared that there were 6,200 migrants staying in Tijuana at that time.

“There have been like 280 arrests. Before it was only for drug possession and being drunk in the streets. Now it’s for breaking and entering into the homes. People have made citizens arrests,” Lopez stated.

“So you’ve had home break-ins. Are you certain it was migrant caravan members who broke into those homes?” Carlson asked.

Lopez responded, “Yeah. There’s a video on Facebook and in the video he says his name and says he’s from Honduras.”

“How are the police handling them?” Carlson followed up.

Lopez added:

“Also we had — the police are on 24 hour alert on this end. They’re worried about this. We don’t want the crime rates to go up here in Mexico. We’re tourist town. We live on tourism and Christmas season is one of our best times for tourism here and for sales. Things are not very good right now.

Also, we don’t want the migrants to make the U.S. nervous. They have two marches this Sunday from the other, the new shelter. They made a march to the U.S. Consulate. They delivered two letters. One was directed directly to President Donald Trump. They were demanding that he didn’t give them — they didn’t get political asylum from the U.S., he should pay them to $50,000 to go honorably back home.”

Carlson said, “So they’re demanding money or they won’t leave. That sounds like an extortion attempt.”

TIJUANA, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 18: Anti-immigrant protesters take part in a demonstration on November 18, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. (John Moore/Getty Images)

The issue of the caravan and border security reached a new peak on Tuesday when President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi held a televised meeting in the Oval Office.

“Sounds like a ransom, yeah. You want them to go back, you have to give them $50,000 to each one of them. Like 700 have been,” Lopez continued. ‘Tijuana is a great town. It opens its arms to anyone that wants to come here in peace. And to live here, no problem. If you come here in a violent mood, if you come here against our sovereignty, you’re not welcome here. We dont’ want this problem, we have our own problems.”

via The Conservative Brief

[playavacationblog-blog]

Mike's Movies – All the Money in the World

Ridley Scott delivers up another gem with All the Money in the World, or as it was released here in Mexico – Todo el Dinero del Mundo. Over the years I have come to expect quality and thoughtful storytelling when I see my fellow Brit's name attached. What else would you expect from a director that in the past has given us such treasures as Alien, Black Hawk Down and Gladiator?

All the Money in the World is the true story of the kidnapping in the early seventies of John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) from the breathtaking Italian city of Rome. John Paul is kidnapped because he has one of the richest, but unfortunately, meanest grandfathers in the world – J Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer).

The kidnappers demand a ransom of 17 million US dollars. We follow the Getty family's trials and tribulations as Gail (Michelle Williams), John Paul's mom, tries to persuade her ex father-in-law that his grandson's life is worth this amount, which he can easily afford but refuses to pay. He does however agree to send his security consultant Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg) to Rome to delve into the situation.

Scott delivers a gripping tale with more twists and turns than any Italian country road. Each time you relax into the film, there is another development in this expertly paced story that fills every one of its 132 minutes well.

This movie had to undergo extensive reshoots as Kevin Spacey was originally cast as J. Paul Getty. Due to serious sexual allegations against the Hollywood heavyweight the director chose to recast Christopher Plummer in the role. Having now seen the film I wonder why the Canadian was not the original choice. A basic to intermediate level of Spanish would be useful as there are several scenes in Italian which only have the subtitles in Spanish.

This week's star of the show is Christopher Plummer as the miserly grandfather whose captivating performance has been rightly nominated for a best supporting actor award at this year's Oscars – an honor he previously walked away with in 2012.

In summary – definitely worth YOUR money.  8 out of 10.

The post Mike's Movies – All the Money in the World appeared first on The Playa Times.

[othersportsnews-blog]

Zach Lowe on Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers and potential trades

New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/zach-lowe-on-kyrie-irving-the-cleveland-cavaliers-and-potential-trades/

Zach Lowe on Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers and potential trades

The Cavaliers are projecting self confidence they can snare a king’s ransom for Kyrie Irving, and more than that, they are performing — for now — as if a trade is virtually inevitable, and that there is minimal opportunity of salvaging their connection with him, according to quite a few sources familiar with the scenario.

Issues can constantly transform, but that is the temper around these tense talks now.

Irving is not the initial sidekick to request a bigger role, or the initial celebrity to engineer his way out of town. This is the most up-to-date model of Carmelo Anthony and Paul George telling their groups, “I will not arrive back again,” only Irving is executing it early more than enough — with two certain several years still left on his offer — for Cleveland to desire a haul. James Harden — a identify Irving’s camp has mentioned — yearned to run his possess present, and then chafed when Dwight Howard homed in on his territory. Kobe Bryant famously clashed with Shaquille O’Neal, forcing the Lakers to select a person or the other in the conclude.

Coaches do it, much too. Most just lately, Dave Joerger basically bought himself fired from Memphis so that he could indication a richer, lengthier offer in Sacramento.

James is liable for the empowerment of the fashionable basketball celebrity, and Irving is showing how properly he has uncovered to dictate conditions right before they’re dictated to him.

Kyrie Irving expressed a willingness to return to the NBA Finals with LeBron James just two months back. Paul George was approximately a Cavalier. Now, Irving’s trade desire has thrown Cleveland for but an additional loop this offseason.

What will the Cavs do now right after Kyrie Irving’s stunning trade request? Kevin Pelton breaks down Cleveland’s four solutions heading ahead.

2 Relevant

What helps make this different, and so stunning, is Irving’s rejection of LeBron James and the certain championship contention that will come with him. Pretty much no player has at any time turned down winning at that amount. Even superstars spend an moi charge to perform in June. That is how you gain rings.

Possibly this is the hubris of a chucker doomed to .500 seasons as a No. one possibility. Possibly Irving is unwell of James. LeBron is a person of the two or 3 best gamers at any time. He helps make anyone around him greater. He can also be a glowering, intimidating, biting chief. Some role gamers — from Mike Dunleavy to J.J. Hickson — have quaked beneath the pressure of pleasing the King. Kevin Adore absorbed the glares and rolled eyes and subtweets that arrived right after every blown defensive rotation during the uglier weeks of 2016, held on to some reserve of self confidence, and stood to fight in their Sport 7 triumph. It was contact and go for a while.

Irving tailored properly, and reaped the gains of taking part in with James: a title, iconic Finals performances, an all-time shot, and advertising and marketing fame. The tradeoffs of taking part in with LeBron are constantly value it.

Possibly Irving senses James could go away, and does not want his initial shot at currently being a veteran alpha doggy to arrive amid the wrecked remains of a roster tailored for James. LeBron was never the team’s GM, as the globe joked. But every final decision was about him — about the leverage he held on quick-time period promotions, his gain-now timetable that rendered draft picks meaningless, discovering gamers that in shape him finest.

Whether Irving appreciated it or not, LeBron’s greatness deserves these types of organizational fealty.

Steady franchises tamp down these forms of moi conflicts. You have meetings, massage some personalities, tweak the playbook, gain a bunch of online games, and anyone feels greater. You empower the aggrieved, make them really feel involved. David Griffin, the Cavs deposed GM, did his finest with Irving, James, and Adore. Dan Gilbert’s inexplicable final decision to enable Griffin go produced a energy vacuum at the erroneous time.

Continue to: This is an audacious go from Irving. He led the staff in scoring and photographs past time. He held the ball lengthier than James, and touched it virtually as typically. He was much closer to LeBron in role than to Adore. He is a obtrusive minus on defense, and the Cavs have been horrific when Irving has to perform without the need of James.

He may well be in for a rude awakening now, but that is his decision, presented the Cavs honor his request.

They are performing as if they intend to. Cleveland is searching for a bundle of belongings, but the highest priority suitable now is snagging a blue-chip young player, according to sources across the league. That is not necessarily a signal they think James is leaving. They would like to get everything: a person or two veterans who can support LeBron dethrone Golden Condition, that blue-chipper, and picks. They want to put together for a worst-circumstance state of affairs of LeBron leaving without the need of shoving him out the doorway by attaining gamers he deems unready. Even so, the blue-chipper appears to be their guidepost, sources say.

The Cavs recognize DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, and Paul George fetched what was considered disappointing return. They know potential targets who signed new promotions this summer can not be traded till December or January. They appear unfazed. Irving is twenty five, about two-and-a-half several years more youthful than Butler. He has more time still left on his offer than George, and carries none of Boogie’s baggage.

If the Cavaliers are heading to trade Kyrie Irving, it seems to be like a blue-chip young player is their key goal. Gregory Shamus/Getty Pictures

Since Irving made his request privately on July 7, Cleveland’s revamped entrance office beneath incoming general supervisor Koby Altman has studied every star trade of the past 10 years-plus, sources say. They took distinctive be aware of Phoenix flipping an disappointed Goran Dragic on an expiring deal for two initial-round picks, which includes Miami’s unprotected 2021 pick. They are capturing for the mom lode.

Most groups, which includes the asset-prosperous Celtics, have positioned the compulsory simply call allowing Cleveland know they would like to be retained in the loop, sources say. Boston could offer Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and a person of their golden picks — Brooklyn’s pick future time, or the Lakers/Kings pick they bought from Philly in the Markelle Fultz offer. It’s unclear if they would dangle all of that, but all those picks could characterize the young stud Cleveland demands. Regardless, a offer among the East’s two finest groups would seem not likely.

Everybody would like to swap Irving for Eric Bledsoe, a good alternative who shares an agent with James. But what else is Phoenix sending? The combination of Jared Dudley, a cosy in shape around LeBron, and a potential initial-round pick almost certainly just isn’t receiving it finished — even if the Suns swallow Iman Shumpert. Phoenix just isn’t tossing in Devin Booker. Josh Jackson could be the swing piece right after Phoenix and Cleveland in fact talked around the draft about a swap involving the No. 4 pick, but the Suns had been thrilled Jackson landed there. If the Suns relent on Jackson, Cleveland and Phoenix may well capable to do the job a straightforward two-staff offer.

Tons of individuals have prompt 3-staff promotions in which the Cavaliers conclude up with both of those Bledsoe and Formal Team Banana Boat Photographer Carmelo Anthony, with Irving heading to New York, and Shumpert and Channing Frye traveling around to many non-Cleveland individuals.

It will be challenging to make all those promotions value Phoenix’s while. Potentially Frank Ntilikina and an unprotected Knicks pick would be more than enough. But the Suns presumably would like to have at minimum a person or two rotation gamers of ingesting age. Which is why the third staff in any trade is so typically a wage-dumping floor: It is challenging to incentivize 3 groups all hoping to gain the offer from a expertise point of view.

Anthony and Bledsoe also make $40.7 million blended, about $4.one million more than the Irving/Shumpert/Frye trio. That $4.one million counts virtually quadruple for a staff as significantly above the tax line as Cleveland. Lance Thomas would be a delicious side dish in any Melo offer, but he only adds more wage and tax.

We have bought you covered with the most up-to-date information, evaluation and buzz. Comprehensive coverage

• Latest buzz | Just about every offer | No cost brokers • Trade Tracker: Bradley, PG-13, more • George comes, recruitment begins • Lowe: No cost agency winners, losers • Where’s Miami heading with the promotions? • Ranking contenders on star energy • Just about every offer all thirty groups can nonetheless make • Lowe: OKC gambles massive and wins • Pelton on Larkin, Chalmers promotions

Miami could conserve Cleveland dollars by giving Dragic, Wayne Ellington, and Justise Winslow for Shumpert and Irving, but Cleveland would most likely turn up its nose except the market proves awesome. Miami can not trade any initial-round pick which is before than their 2023 assortment. Just after two bricky, injuries-riddled seasons, Winslow has to perform his way back again into blue-chip position. LeBron has minimal use for non-facilities who are not able to shoot.

Atlanta has 3 extra initial-round picks, but not the sort of roster expertise that would entice Cleveland. You could develop some exciting Atlanta-Phoenix-Cleveland mega-promotions with Bledsoe heading to the Cavs and Irving to Atlanta, but, again, the Suns constantly arrive up on the quick conclude except they have a weird jones for Dennis Schroder.

The Bucks could dangle Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, and two unprotected initial-rounders. Brogdon and Middleton are switchy defenders who both of those shot 40 per cent from deep past time — tailor-made for the Warriors. Irving would thrust Giannis Antetokounmpo off the ball, but Antetokounmpo can be effective in that role with Thon Maker spacing the flooring at middle visualize an Irving-Antetokounmpo pick-and-roll, with 3 capable shooters around it.

There are much too many pitfalls. James demands a next bucket-getter who can crack down the defense Middleton and Brogdon can do a minimal of that, but not more than enough above long stretches versus elite postseason defenses.

The Bucks will constantly be Antetokounmpo’s franchise, and he demands the ball a large amount. Is Irving Alright with that? He need to be. The two men need to be clever more than enough to lean on every single other in just a bigger system of ball movement.

That is what helps make Denver these types of an intriguing companion. The Nuggets put the ball in Nikola Jokic‘s hands in mid-December, and found out they had been sitting on the league’s most strong offense. The actualized model of Jamal Murray is the fantastic issue guard to orbit Jokic: slash all above the put for Jokic’s sling passes, run zig-zaggy handoffs with him, and place the flooring.

The recent model of Irving is a pretty different sort of player. He would like the ball. He would like the amount of regulate Jokic enjoys — and even a amount over and above that. There would be a distressing adjustment period.

But it’s possible adjustment gets to be transformation, which gets to be basketball magic. The Cavs have been terrible whenever Irving performs without the need of LeBron. Irving’s scoring in all those minutes has soared in any case, in component because he never stops capturing. Around the past two seasons, Irving has jacked about 26 photographs for every 36 minutes he performs without the need of James, per NBA.com. Only 6 gamers have at any time topped twenty five field-goal makes an attempt per 36 minutes in any time, and only a person of them — Wilt Chamberlain — did it 2 times. Even Kobe Bryant never pulled it!

In the meantime, Irving’s assist figures in all those minutes scarcely ticked up.

That sample of course captures Extreme Kyrie. But if that is the sort of player he hungers to be, he will never gain massive. Nobody would like to perform with that guy, specially when that guy provides you pretty minimal on defense.

Possibly expanding alongside a go-initial savant like Jokic is particularly what Irving demands to broaden his game. The Nuggets are developing a system around Jokic. The Cavaliers have never truly had a person, over and above asking James and Irving to do transcendent things. Folks in just the staff think that is a person reason they flat-line when James sits. He is the system. Without him, they just kinda make stuff up till he will come back again in.

And the Nuggets, determined to make the playoffs, may perhaps need to have an upgrade at issue guard except Murray is completely ready for large starter minutes. Toss apart the in shape difficulties. Murray is 20. Irving is a celebrity offensive player. Tilt his game a minimal bit more towards passing — an evolution that may well transpire naturally with Jokic and Paul Millsap flinging the ball around — and it’s possible he gets to be a person of the league’s half-dozen or so finest offensive gamers. He would also offer tickets in market that terribly demands a jolt.

The selling price would be steep. Cleveland would most likely request for Wilson Chandler, Gary Harris, Murray, and a initial-round pick. Dealing both of those Harris and Murray would blow a gap in Denver’s thrilling young main if Irving signs somewhere else in two several years, what do they have still left? They would definitely fight to retain a person, and may well even make executing so a offer-breaker.

Flipping Chandler, an essential ingredient in any Denver-Cleveland offer, would open up a void at compact ahead. Denver may well be capable to scramble with Will Barton, Juancho Hernangomez, and a minimum amount-amount no cost agent like Gerald Henderson or Arron Afflalo. Continue to: That is a issue for a staff hell-bent on generating the playoffs.

That theoretical Denver package deal isn’t going to web LeBron a common issue guard completely ready to manage as much of the large lifting as Irving has. The Nuggets could rope in Brooklyn for a 3-staff trade in which Cleveland would acquire Jeremy Lin, Chandler, Harris, and a pick — with the Nets gobbling up unwanted dollars, which includes Shumpert, for draft belongings. Denver may well retain Murray in this state of affairs, but they’d have to mail out picks.

There have been no rumblings but about Lin, or the Nets participation as a third wheel in any Irving offer, league sources say. The bond among Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn’s coach, and Lin runs deep, and the Nets want to see how D’Angelo Russell seems to be future to Lin.

Acquiring a third staff is essential for Cleveland to acquire an additional goal that helps make sense: outdated pal Andrew Wiggins.

Wiggins helps make about $11 million fewer than Irving. Minnesota has no desirable contracts to make the dollars match, or to mail to a third staff like Phoenix that could provide Cleveland a issue guard (Bledsoe). LeBron may perhaps desire a more seasoned veteran along with Wiggins, who has never sniffed the playoffs. Minnesota can not go Jeff Teague till Dec. fifteen, which is an either an intractable challenge or an inconvenience to be waited out.

Lin could be the lever that activates 3-staff promotions in this article, much too, with Brooklyn extracting draft picks to take up Cole Aldrich and maybe a person other compact wage. Minnesota has only 11 gamers beneath deal, meaning a three-for-one offer would go away them with half a roster. Possibly that is Tom Thibodeau’s fever dream, so that he can perform anyone 40-plus minutes.

Philly’s amount of interest is unclear, but the wager in this article is that they want to settle in and see what they have. Utah’s article-Gordon Hayward roster isn’t going to offer an quick trade in shape. San Antonio’s route to a offer is murky.

I am maybe unnaturally intrigued with pairing Irving and Anthony Davis in New Orleans. Davis is virtually the perfect co-pilot for a ball-dominant issue guard. He’s a pick-and-roll dance companion who can isolate and article up when Irving demands a respite, and use the risk of his bounce shot to draw defenders out of the lane. He isn’t going to have the ball-dealing with to initiate belongings, but places his mark on them every phase of the way.

He is in essence a initial possibility without the need of all the dribbling — a trick that convinces Irving the staff is his. For this to do the job, Cleveland would have get DeMarcus Cousins as a Golden Condition bully-ball destroyer for LeBron, and a potential centerpiece who would re-indication if LeBron bolts. That leaves a large amount to opportunity.

Chicago has absolutely nothing (and never truly did over and above Jimmy Butler), and the Chris Paul dream is dead.

This is a enormous final decision for the Cavs, and for Altman — his Masai Ujiri into-the-fireplace minute. What they get for Irving, if they offer him, could outline the course of their franchise for the future half-10 years.

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[imissgrantland]

Mike Will Made-It on Pharrell, Beyoncé, and His Favorite Arctic Monkeys Song

Mike Will Made-It on Pharrell, Beyoncé, and His Favorite Arctic Monkeys Song

Mike WILL Made-It, Your Favorite Rapper Slayed ItThe prolific Atlanta super producer sits down to talk about his newest project, ‘Ransom 2,’ collaborating with Gucci Mane and Pharrell, plus recording voice notes for Beyoncé(Getty Images)On May 26 of last year, exactly one hour after he was released from the United States Penitentiary… Source: Mike Will Made-It on Pharrell, Beyoncé, and His…

[junker-town]

The NFL’s top trade candidates, broken down into 4 groups

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

It could be a busy trade market ahead of the Oct. 29 deadline and we’ve got a list of players who could be on the move.

Not all trades are the same.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Rams because he was fed up with playing for the Jaguars. Emmanuel Sanders was sent to the 49ers because the Broncos knew the 32-year-old receiver was going to leave in free agency anyway. The Falcons shipped receiver Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots so they could start to dig their way out of a tricky salary cap situation.

With the trade deadline coming on Oct. 29, more deals are undoubtedly on the way.

Some teams need to get younger, others need to save money, and there are a few that just want value for players who won’t be on the team much longer.

Here are a couple dozen players who could be on a different roster when November begins:

Players headed for free agency

The trade deadline comes right around the midway point of the NFL season. For players on the final year of their contract, that leaves them less than 10 games away from becoming a free agent.

For some, it’s inevitable. Last year, Golden Tate was on the final season of his contract with the Lions and an extension looked unlikely. His 31st birthday was on the horizon and the younger duo of Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay was filling the rest of the depth chart. It made sense for Detroit to send Tate to the Eagles for a third-round pick rather than wait for him to leave in the offseason.

Here’s a list of players set to hit free agency in March, who might not be in the long-term plans of their current team:

Robby Anderson, WR, Jets

New York’s inconsistent deep threat has been tough to figure out so far in his career. Now, he’s averaging just 2.8 receptions per game in 2019. That lack of production may push the Jets to move on from Anderson. The booming market for receivers makes now a good time to do it.

Vic Beasley, DE, Falcons

In 2016, Beasley was an All-Pro with 15.5 sacks. In the 37 games since, he has 11.5 sacks. He’s set to hit free agency in the offseason, but the Falcons are mostly trying to trade Beasley because he just hasn’t been very good. Perhaps another team can convince itself that the 2016 version of Beasley can return.

Kenyan Drake, RB, Dolphins

Miami is ditching players left and right, so it wouldn’t be surprising if it decided to do the same with Drake. He’ll be a free agent in 2020, and hasn’t scored a single touchdown in 2019. He finished 2018 with 1,012 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns. If the Dolphins don’t plan on re-signing him, he should be another tank casualty.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers

A long holdout that began in the summer didn’t end until Gordon reported to the team in the last week of September. Prior to that, Gordon was allowed to pursue a trade, but couldn’t find a viable option. Now that he’s averaging 2.3 yards per carry, the Chargers may be more willing to play ball with a team interested in acquiring the two-time Pro Bowl running back.

Chris Harris, CB, Broncos

Harris could fit in a few different categories here, but the No. 1 reason the Broncos should part with the 30-year-old cornerback is that he’s probably leaving after the 2019 season anyway. Harris even seemed to say as much to reporters earlier this year. A lot of teams could use secondary help, and the Broncos aren’t contending for a Super Bowl this year anyway.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jaguars

Joey Bosa and Ngakoue are the only two players from the 2016 draft class with more than 30 career sacks. Ngakoue held out for a contract extension in the offseason and didn’t get one. He later told reporters “[the Jaguars] had a chance to sign me for a long-term deal but it didn’t get done.” With his contract expiring in March, Jacksonville could add even more draft capital by trading the 24-year-old pass rusher for a king’s ransom.

Leonard Williams, DE, Jets

Quinnen Williams is the future of the Jets defensive line and that makes a big extension for Leonard Williams unlikely — especially when he has zero sacks through six games. The 1-5 Jets could look to get what they can get for the former top-10 draft pick.

Players who are too expensive

It’s always smart to see the big picture. Spending to acquire or keep talented players is usually a good idea, but eventually the money runs out. Even if a team isn’t near the salary cap limit, it still makes sense to cut down on expenses whenever possible.

For teams that are especially strapped for cash — or maybe just ones that are thinking about the long haul — the trade deadline can be a good way to get rid of their most cumbersome contracts.

Geno Atkins, DT, Bengals

Atkins has been to the Pro Bowl seven out of the last eight years, so the Bengals probably don’t want to see him leave Cincinnati. But the defensive tackle will also be 32 in March and he’s due to count $14.2 million, $14.8 million, and $16.05 million against the salary cap in the next three seasons. A rebuild is on the way for the Bengals and getting value for a great player while ditching his contract could be a starting point.

Le’Veon Bell, RB, Jets

New Jets general manager Joe Douglas wasn’t the one who thought a four-year, $52.5 million deal for Bell was a good idea. That was Mike Maccagnan, who was fired as GM in May. Jets coach Adam Gase reportedly didn’t like the price tag of Bell. That’s why it wouldn’t be that weird if the Jets shipped away their prized free agent after only a handful of games.

Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets

Crowder was another Maccagnan acquisition earlier in 2019 on a three-year, $28.5 million deal. That’s a lot for a receiver with a career-worst 9.3 yards per reception and still no touchdown receptions. Considering the return Emmanuel Sanders and Mohamed Sanu got on the trade market, the Jets could be better off sending Crowder’s contract somewhere else.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons

Only four running backs have a higher average salary than Freeman, he’s not playing up to that price tag. Freeman’s averaging 3.5 yards per carry and hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rushing season since 2016. With salary cap hell coming soon for the Falcons, it’d be a win for the team if it could find a team willing to take a chance on Freeman.

Von Miller, LB, Broncos

Denver would be wise to burn things down and start over. It already traded Sanders, but the real swing for the fences would be dealing away Miller. He’s due to count more than $25 million against the cap next season and $22.125 million in 2021. Miller turns 31 in March and only has 2.5 sacks so far in 2019. If a team comes with a lofty offer for the Super Bowl 50 MVP, the Broncos could really kick start their rebuild.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Jets

The third Jets player in this section is the hardest to trade. Johnson got a five-year, $72.5 million deal fr in 2018, but now he has a tenuous grasp on a starting role in New York. If the Jets can convince a team to take on Johnson’s salary, they’d likely take peanuts in return just to ditch the contract.

Josh Norman, CB, Washington

The days when Norman was considered one of the premier shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL are long gone. Now he struggles to stop anyone and is costing Washington points. He’s due to count $15.5 million against the team’s cap in 2020, but will likely be cut before he ever sees that salary. Washington would love if it could get another team to take on that problem instead.

Desmond Trufant, CB, Falcons

Another solution to the Falcons’ aforementioned upcoming salary cap disaster would be to trade Trufant. Unlike Freeman, the veteran cornerback is still playing pretty well. He’s just not playing well enough to warrant eating cap hits between $14.15 million and $16.15 million in the next three seasons. Plenty of other teams would be capable and willing to pay that price, though.

Players who are too old

It always feels awkward calling someone old when they’re only around 30, but the sports world is a weird place.

You: "I'm only 35, I have my whole life ahead of me." Sports Broadcaster: "Here comes the oldest player in the league. He's 32. A miracle."

— Troy Johnson (@_troyjohnson) December 6, 2016

For many teams — especially ones that know they have rebuilding to do — the trade deadline can be the right time to offload aging veterans and see what their young replacements can do.

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Bengals

Spoiler alert: Here’s the first of three consecutive Bengals on this list. The team’s Super Bowl window is 100 percent closed, and there are a few older players on the roster who could fetch value on the trade market. Dunlap, who turns 31 in February, is one of those players after six straight seasons with at least 7.5 sacks. He’s not going to make the Bengals a contender, but a team already set up for a playoff run could use his help.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals

While he’s only 29, the 2015 Pro Bowler is about 38 in football years. Eifert missed 15 games in 2014 due to an elbow dislocation, six games in 2016 with an ankle injury, four more games in 2016 due to back injuries, 14 games due to another back surgery in 2017, and 12 games in 2018 with an ankle fracture. He’s been healthy in 2019, but not very productive. The Bengals would be fine moving on with C.J. Uzomah and Drew Sample at tight end.

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals

The last of the Bengals trio is the one they insist isn’t for sale. Green doesn’t quite have Eifert’s injury history, but he’s now missed 20 games (and counting) since the beginning of the 2016 season. Green turned 31 in July and is probably the most valuable asset on the Bengals roster. If Cincinnati decides it’s rebuild time, trading Green makes sense.

Reshad Jones, S, Dolphins

The only other player on the Dolphins roster with at least 10 seasons under his belt is Ryan Fitzpatrick. Miami is tanking and there’s not much logic in keeping around aging veterans. There aren’t many tradable players left for the Dolphins, but Jones is one. Dumping his $15.63 million and $14.55 million cap hits in the next two seasons is just a bonus.

Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals

Around this time last year, Peterson requested a trade out of Arizona. He has since apologized and the Cardinals have turned away callers interested in trading for the eight-time Pro Bowler. Calling him old is a stretch, considering he’s 29 and has never missed a game due to injury, but getting younger would be the only reason for the Cardinals to move on from Peterson. He’s still a great player and a relatively affordable one too.

Players who just don’t fit

Sometimes a player just doesn’t work on a certain roster. A scheme change could make someone a square peg trying to fit in a round hole, and a crowded depth chart could force a player out of town.

The Patriots didn’t really want to trade Jimmy Garoppolo in 2017, but Tom Brady wasn’t going anywhere, so eventually their hands were tied.

Here are a few players who just don’t fit into the plans of their current team and would be better off somewhere else:

O.J. Howard, TE, Buccaneers

The 2017 first-round pick looks like the odd man out of the Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich offense in Tampa Bay. After scoring 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons and recording 56.5 yards per game in 2018, Howard’s numbers have tanked in 2019. He’s only averaging 29.3 yards this season and hasn’t caught a single touchdown. The Buccaneers would benefit from sending Howard to an offense that actually uses tight ends.

Josh Rosen, QB, Dolphins

Miami gave up a second-round pick during the 2019 NFL Draft to see if Rosen could develop into its quarterback of the future. It’s hard to imagine the Dolphins still think that’s a possibility. They’re careening toward the top pick of the 2020 NFL Draft (or at very least, close to the top) and will probably take a quarterback there. While Rosen’s value is hurt by his 52.0 passer rating in 2019, there are certainly teams that wouldn’t mind seeing what they can get out of a top 10 pick who’s still just 22.

Solomon Thomas, DE, 49ers

The San Francisco defensive line is really freakin’ good and it’s not because of Thomas. The No. 3 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is just a rotational player with DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, and Ronald Blair all outplaying him. Thomas is expendable and could have a bigger role in a defense that isn’t so stacked up front.

Trent Williams, OT, Washington

Washington doesn’t really want to trade Williams, but it doesn’t have much of a choice. The left tackle appears content to sit out for as long as it takes for the team to send him elsewhere. Washington isn’t in a rush to get a deal done, but sooner is better than later.

[junker-town]

The Rams played their last card by trading for Jalen Ramsey

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Rams are betting it all on a five-man core. If that doesn’t work out, they’re screwed.

The Rams�� defense was lost. A 3-0 start had devolved into a 3-3 record by mid-October, and suddenly Los Angeles was left staring up at the Seahawks and 49ers in their own division. If the season ended today, the reigning NFC champions would be stuck on the outside of the playoffs looking in.

Head coach Sean McVay is hoping one of the league’s best cornerbacks can help his team find its way.

Los Angeles swung the biggest trade of the 2019 regular season to date by freeing Jalen Ramsey from Jacksonville’s football purgatory. He now stands as the crown jewel of a secondary that has allowed more than 290 passing yards per game in a three-week losing streak. His presence gives the team an immediate replacement for boom-or-bust corner Marcus Peters, who was traded to Baltimore hours earlier, and aging veteran Aqib Talib, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.

The Rams’ theory is that Aaron Donald will be able to pressure opposing quarterbacks into mistakes downfield, then Ramsey — or the extra help defense available to shadow receivers Ramsey isn’t covering — will clean up that mess. It’s an idea that sounds great in theory. Los Angeles will pair two of the league’s most dominant defenders in hopes they’ll be able to hold things down long enough for a dormant offense to roar back to life.

But if that doesn’t add the extra gear that turns an NFC Champion into a Super Bowl one, LA doesn’t have many other options to find the missing piece that could push them from good to great. Adding Ramsey means the Rams’ core is effectively set for the foreseeable future. If this group can’t bring a title to the west coast, it may be a long time before Los Angeles contends again.

This is what the Rams are now, because there aren’t many other ways to add high impact help

Ramsey is an inexpensive addition, salary cap-wise, in 2019. The fourth year of his rookie contract only pays him $2.3 million this fall. But that number jumps to $13.7 million in 2020, and that’s only in the unlikely scenario the team doesn’t sign him to the market-setting contract extension he’d been angling for in Jacksonville. Instead, he’ll likely be paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $16 million annually starting next season.

The Rams will have no choice but to pay up after sending a Khalil Mack-esque ransom to Florida for the All-Pro corner. And that means cap space is going to be a rarity in Los Angeles for the next three seasons.

Depending on the terms of Ramsey’s extension, the Rams will likely have five different players who will make $13 million or more next season. Donald, Ramsey, Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Brandin Cooks are slated to take up nearly $109 million in cap space next spring. Using a salary cap estimate of $204 million and Ramsey’s current contract, that means more than 53 percent of the team’s space will be devoted to just five players. Factor in outstanding cap hits for Robert Woods ($9.17m), Tyler Higbee ($8.6m), and Rob Havenstein ($7.8m) and you’ve got just $70 million left for the 45 other guys on the active roster.

And that’s without re-signing veterans like Talib, Michael Brockers, or Andrew Whitworth, all of whom will be free agents in 2020.

How can the team fill those gaps? They’ve only got an estimated $22 million to work with in cap space as is next season, though releasing some combination of Woods, Clay Matthews, and Eric Weddle could push that number over $30 million. Per Spotrac, that’s only the 27th-most spending room in the league for the upcoming season. Ramsey’s sure-to-be-costly extension will only further stuff a cap situation that ranks 23rd and 28th in 2021 and 2022, respectively, when it comes to available cash.

So adding high impact free agent help is out. The Rams’ meager spending money will instead go toward filling the gaps left by the starters who are set to depart in free agency in the immediate future.

That leaves the draft as LA’s primary talent pipeline. Rookie contracts give teams an inexpensive way to add vital players to the lineup. The Rams’ best shot at adding an impact starter the next two seasons now belongs to the Jaguars, who hold their first-round picks in 2020 and 2021 (as well as their 2021 fourth-round pick). This hasn’t held Los Angeles back in recent years — they also traded away Day 1 selections in 2017 (to draft Goff a year earlier), 2018 (to acquire Cooks), and 2019 (a trade back from No. 31 that eventually net a second-round pick and two third rounders).

This strategy worked out for McVay’s team, so they dialed it up again. The Rams have found useful talent in Day 2 and beyond by adding starters like Cooper Kupp, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, John Johnson, and Sebastian Joseph in recent years. Their upcoming exodus of free agents will likely deliver a handful of compensatory picks in 2021 and beyond as well. The bad news is those selections are no sure thing (depending on who the team signs the next two offseasons) and wouldn’t come until the end of the third round at the earliest.

With few reliable options left to acquire impact players, the Rams you see now are the Rams you’re going to get, more or less, through 2020. And while there’s no doubt Ramsey’s addition will help, he may not be the panacea this struggling team needs to rise back to the top of the NFC.

A smothering defense might not be enough if the offense remains stuck in neutral

From Week 1 of 2018 to that year’s conference championship game, the Rams scored 33.4 points per game. In their seven games since — Super Bowl 53 and Weeks 1-6 of 2019 — they’ve averaged 22.3 points per game.

There are several concerning factors behind LA’s fall back through the stratosphere. Todd Gurley has battled a handful of injuries that threaten his status as an every-down back. His 4.2 yards per carry is more than a half-yard dropoff from his previous two seasons. His 15.6 touches per game are a career low.

His inability to break open defenses has had an effect on his quarterback’s play. Jared Goff spent much of 2018 as a legitimate MVP candidate, but he’s backslid considerably since then.

This has happened even after Kupp has returned from a torn ACL to emerge as one of the league’s most reliable targets. So what’s to blame?

A leaky offensive line is a good place to start. The Rams’ pass blocking ranks 31st in the league through six weeks, per PFF — ahead of only the hapless Dolphins this fall. After a stellar 2018, right tackle Rob Havenstein’s blown block rate has increased by 250 percent. Interior lineman Austin Blythe’s outlier 2018 has led to a major regression in 2019. Joseph Noteboom was useful at guard, but he’s out for the season with a torn ACL. He may soon be replaced by a newly-acquired backup from another struggling offensive line, former Brown Austin Corbett.

Getting Noteboom back in 2020 will help, but left tackle Andrew Whitworth is 37 years old and, as previously mentioned, not under contract after this year. The Rams may be in the market for a blindside protector soon. That’s typically a need filled on the first day of the draft or with an expensive foray into free agency. Neither is an option for the Rams, and the offensive line woes that have kept Sean McVay’s offense stuck in quicksand may not only be an early 2019 problem.

Give Los Angeles credit; they’re going for it. The Rams have sold off some blue chip stocks — i.e. a growing list of first-round picks — for the assets needed to keep riding the momentum of their recent breakthrough. There’s no questioning the team’s talent on both sides of the ball. Adding an All-Pro cornerback, however, may not be the cure-all LA needs to plug up the growing number of holes that threaten to sink its Super Bowl hopes.

Adding Jalen Ramsey is, objectively, a good thing for McVay. But it’s an expensive acquisition any way you look at it. Los Angeles is building its present by mortgaging its future. If that doesn’t pay off in 2019 or 2020, this whole deal could go bust for the Rams.

[junker-town]

7 LeBron James trade ideas for the most untradeable player of all time

These are very serious suggestions. We promise. (Fingers crossed)

During a quiet moment on a nondescript offseason night, NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant and advertising-copywriter-turned-moderately-successful-rapper Lil’ Dickey engaged in a casual conversation about the Cavaliers possibly trading LeBron James. It was civil, sincere, and engaging, a total rarity for Twitter.

The conversation was topical in that LeBron is a free-agent-to-be that’s reportedly frustrated with the Cavaliers’ dysfunction. It was also a complete fantasy because LeBron James cannot be traded — legally because he has a no-trade clause, and functionally because no team would ever trade LeBron freakin’ James.

Still, it got us thinking: what if the Cavaliers actually could trade LeBron and decided they needed to do so? What could possibly be fair value for the greatest basketball player of this generation?

Behold, our ideas:

WE’RE ACTUALLY KINDA SERIOUS ABOUT THIS ONE

The trade

LeBron James and Channing Frye to Boston

Al Horford, Jae Crowder, one of Jaylen Brown OR Jayson Tatum, and either the 2018 Nets pick OR the 2018 Lakers/2019 Kings pick from the Markelle Fultz deal to Cleveland

This trade fails only because LeBron has a no-trade clause. We’re assuming he waives it, for whatever reason.

WHY THE CAVS DO IT

There’s a perfect storm of circumstances brewing between Boston’s current place in the NBA hierarchy, their absurd treasure trove of assets, the Cavaliers’ dysfunction, and the threat of James bolting for nothing next summer. In any other year, Dan Gilbert would automatically lean on LeBron and friends for a final title run, but the superteam in the Bay Area changes that dynamic.

If the Cavs are resigned to losing LeBron next summer anyway, netting a haul like this sets them up well for an entire generation moving forward. A potential lineup of Kyrie Irving (should he want to stay with Bron gone), J.R. Smith, Jae Crowder, Kevin Love, and Al Horford with Derrick Rose, Kyle Korver, Tristan Thompson, and one of Brown OR Tatum coming off the bench also ensures the Cavaliers’ short-term prospects won’t be nearly as dark as the last time the King walked.

WHY THE CELTICS DO IT

The same concern that LeBron would leave next summer exists for Boston, but the Celtics have a deeper roster now than Cleveland does and would be a much bigger title threat. LeBron surrounded by Isaiah Thomas, Gordon Hayward, and Brad Stevens would be a lot more likely to knock off the Warriors than LeBron surrounded by a disgruntled Kyrie (or whatever pennies-on-the-dollar return they’d get for him), Kevin Love, and Ty Lue. Getting that ring would be worth it even if LeBon leaves.

There’s also a non-zero chance that LeBron would embrace his situation and sign another contract in Boston. But even if he doesn’t, the Celtics are still set up nicely into the future with 2 blue-chip players (assuming Thomas re-ups), plenty of promising young players and picks, and one of the best coaches in the league.

-Alex Rubenstein

BIG BALLER SCENARIO

The trade

LeBron James to the Lakers

The entire Ball family to Cleveland

WHY THE LAKERS DO IT: It’s LeBron-freaking James. You get to put the biggest star in your city since Kobe, and you get to remove a potential headache in LaVar. It’s perfect. Now we don’t just get LeBron gets to go to the most-marketable city of his career, giving him the opportunity to start not just “Is LeBron better than MJ?” talk, but also “Is he the best Laker ever?” chatter.

WHY THE CAVS DO IT: Young talent and a new beginning. You trade off LeBron here, Kyrie in a separate deal and suddenly you’ve gone from having a point guard who thinks the world is flat to a family who thinks it revolves around them.

Meanwhile, the Ball family will never reach the heady heights of popularity they crave in Los Angeles. Too many fish, even for a big pond. They can walk in and totally own Cleveland. Big Baller sausages, the Browns will be re-named the “Cleveland Balls,” and in time the city will become “Balleveland.” The sky is the limit for their marketing genius. Also you know LaVar would write passionate letters in Comic Sans as well.

-James Dator

BANANA BOAT REUNION

The trade

Just look at the image.

WHY THE BANANA BOAT DOES THIS

The banana boat has been patiently waiting since 2015 for its crew to finally reunite. Honestly the boat has been waiting since the 2003 NBA Draft for LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade to play together, but it wasn’t public knowledge until the banana boat photo leaked a couple summer ago.

This isn’t just about basketball. This is bigger than the game. This is about brotherhood. This is about family. This is about a bunch of old-ish NBA players finally teaming up because it just feels right.

WHY THE OTHER TEAMS DO THIS

Because the NBA has completely lost its mind trying to beat the Warriors.

-Whitney Medworth

TO THE U.S. SENATE

The trade

LeBron to Washington, D.C.

A congressional seat for LeBron in the state of Ohio, Gogo music, fried chicken with mumbo sauce and Otto Porter to Cleveland.

Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Why the D.C does it

Look, I know what you’re thinking: That’s way too much. Nothing in this world is worth the wholesome taste of good chicken drenched in pristine mumbo sauce. Don’t even get me started on the Gogo. Seriously, don’t get me started, because I won’t stop.

But it’s also LeBron James. He’s the greatest player of this generation and D.C. hasn’t seen a title in any sport in 25 years. It’s time for the capitol city to be a contender again, even if that means giving up things we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Why the Cavs do it

This would be the greatest transaction in NBA history. It would finally catapult Cleveland somewhere on the list of places people actually want to visit. “We have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” locals will tell you, but rock hasn’t really been in for almost two decades. What about the lakes? Ain’t nobody worried about no lake, Cleveland.

But good fried chicken? People travel for that. And what goes best with some good chicken? Some mumbo sauce and a bit of percussion on a beat.

Plus, LeBron still gets to make political decisions for the state. It’s a win-win.

-Michael Sykes

BRING THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO CLEVELAND

The trade:

LeBron James to New York

Actual Nightlife, 47 Bodegas, the J train, 4,721 pizzas, 10,000 pounds of Oxtail, 1,950 cheesecakes, and 1,458 slices of chopped cheese to Cleveland.

Why New York does it

It’s LeBron James, the greatest basketball star this generation coming to the biggest market on the planet. There’s no explanation necessary for this one. With LeBron and the players that will flock to join him in New York, the Knicks can see their first championship since 1973 and bring true joy to a fanbase that’s been neglected for decades.

Why Cleveland does it

Let’s face it. Some of the best food you’ll find in this country is in New York. It’s called the melting pot for a reason: you get food from everywhere on Earth here. How many Clevelanders have salivated over a plate of braised oxtails that’s been slow-cooked for 12 hours, served with rice and peas, mac and cheese, cabbage, plantains and sorrel?

They probably don’t understand the gratification that comes with lifting your aluminum tray — one side much heavier than the other — knowing full well your server has blessed you with a copious helping of this sacred dish. With this trade, at the low cost of a 32-year-old LeBron James, Dan Gilbert can bring real happiness to a community that’s been deprived of good food for centuries.

What’s a championship when you can bring cheesecake to The Land?

-Kristian Winfield

THE GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY

The trade

LeBron James to the Empire

Darth Vader, the Death Star plans, 12 stormtroopers, and two Super Star Destroyers to the Cavs

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

“LeBron, you don’t know the power of the dark side.”

WHY THE EMPIRE DOES IT

The Emperor is always secretly on the lookout to replace Vader with an apprentice that can be more powerful. This is a person that goated Anakin to behead Count Dooku just for the chance that Anakin would take his place. So sacrificing Vader and a series of other goodies for the opportunity to corrupt LeBron is very much in Sidious’ character.

WHY THE CAVS DO IT

Vader isn’t Bron, but he’s a star in his own right and a marketing machine that’ll keep fans engaged during a rebuild. The Death Star itself is obviously off limits, but the plans could be useful to ransom if LeBron wants to return one day. (Think of them like the Heat sending over two draft picks in a LeBron sign-and-trade, which helped the Cavs rebuild to recruit James back later on). The Super Star Destroyers can be quality rotation players for a couple years, and while the stormtroopers are disposable, it’s possible one develops into something useful.

-Mike Prada

AND THEN ... HOODIE MELO

2:34 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22

(We’re in an office somewhere in New York City. A whiteboard with names of NBA players stretches across one wall. The faint scent of peyote still lingers, but it’s weeks old. Knicks general manager Scott Perry dials Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman.)

PERRY: Koby! I heard you might be trading LeBron.

ALTMAN: Actually, yeah. NBA Reddit is convinced that James is leaving next year, and so if they think so, it must be happening. We might as well get something in return.

PERRY: Oh that sucks. Well, I’ve got an offer for you.

ALTMAN: Like ... for LeBron? You’re going to offer someone on your roster for ... LeBron?

PERRY: Yeah. How about Melo for LeBron straight up?

ALTMAN, in his Cleveland office: —an you hear me? Can yo— Scott, I think I’m losi- ... I’m going through a tunnel, it must b— ... —ell phone cutting out.

[the phone call cuts out]

11:32 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 3

(We’re in that same New York City office. Empty Monster energy drinks litter the floors now. The peyote smell is back, and it’s fresh. Weird, right? Maybe someone left a stash of it in here. Scott Perry, red eyed and in a crumpled dress shirt, wearily types a number into his phone.)

PERRY: Hey, Koby? I’ve been trying to reach you for a couple weeks. Our conversation got disconnected last time?

ALTMAN, to himself: Why did you answer this phone call

ALTMAN, to Perry: Oh yeah man! I, uh, don’t think that we’re interested in that tra—

PERRY: Carmelo is going to play every game in a hoodie.

ALTMAN, voice rising: —de beCAUSE WE’LL DO IT.

PERRY: Well, I was also going to call the Kin—

ALTMAN: OK WE’LL INCLUDE KEVIN. AND KYRIE, TOO.

PERRY: Oh, wow. Well, I guess ...

ALTMAN: I’M CONNECTING ADAM SILVER RIGHT NOW

SILVER, with what sounds like Migos in the background: um hey guys what’s up

ALTMAN: Hi Adam we’re making a trade please approve it

Takeoff, faintly over Silver’s phone line: —nd did it look like black olives was left off of our pizza orde—

SILVER: Oh shoot, sorry fellas, I’m hosting a few friends for some wine and cheese tonight. Let me go into the other room. OK, OK, I’m good now. What’s the trade?

ALTMAN: It’s Kyrie, Kevin, and LeBron fo—

SILVER: um

ALTMAN: —r Melo who’s gonna wear a hoodie all season

SILVER: OH

ALTMAN, dropping a photo into the NBA general manager Slack channel: Here it is

SILVER: I’m not sure the money or like literally any other rule you have to follow when you make trades matches up but ...

[small pause]

SILVER: Approved. Congrats, fellas.

[Perry hangs up. Silver is still stunned. Altman grins in satisfaction.]

ALTMAN: I told you I’d get these guys traded before the season starts.

SILVER: Wow. Just wow. I can’t believe you fleeced the Knicks like that.

-Tim Cato