Well, as I suspected, yesterday brought forth a little more news than usual:
-Chris Duhon agrees to a 4 year, $15 million deal with the Orlando Magic.
-Lebron James announces he will hold a hour long segment on ESPN on Thursday night to announce his decision.
-Vinny Del Negro becomes the L.A. Clippers' new head coach (I'm seriously so happy for him, I don't think overall he did that bad of a job with the Bulls and I think had it not been for internal problems, he would have stayed a bit longer).
However (hence the joint post, and don't worry, I will update this again tonight if more news breaks out) today's headlines are what have my heart pounding:
-Dwyane Wade is staying in Miami (I think hes very talented, and really do like him as a person, hell I was even him for Halloween this year, but I have to say I think its pretty lame that he tugged at Chicago's heartstrings like that, as I don't think he had any intention of leaving...)
-Chris Bosh is joining Dwyane Wade in Miami (so many teams, probably including the Bulls, were so focused on Lebron, that they didn't realize Bosh was the X-factor...)
-Kevin Durant has just extended his contract with the Thunder, 5 years, $86 million (huge disappointment to a lot of franchises as he is clearly on his way up, and would be an incredible asset...)
As a Chicago Bulls fan, I'd like to take a moment to mourn this Miami Heat news. Not that it matters whose fault it is, and in theory, Lebron could still come our way (I'm trying my hardest not to get my hopes up though, this summer has been a joke thus far and theres no real reason for it to change now), but I really don't understand why the Bulls have such a horrible front office. First of all, though Pax got bumped, hes still running the show, and not only does this anger me because Forman should have more of a backbone, but Pax is bad at what he does. Second of all, I'm not going to make a list, cause this post is really about overall free agency news, not the Bulls, but if one looks back on the last few seasons, the Bulls' management team has messed up a handful of key deals. Chicago is an amazing city, and the Bulls, as a team, are a great franchise, so really, there should be no reason for people not to want to come play here. However, like anything in business, no matter how great an offer, its the pitch that counts. And sadly, the people in charge of that, don't have any idea of how to accomplish such a thing.
Do I feel somewhat hurt by Dwyane Wade? Surely. If he knew he wasn't going to leave, and my gut says he never had the intention of doing so, he shouldn't have taken a meeting with the Bulls, let alone two. On top of that, he shouldn't have gone around saying hes still deciding, or that its totally up in the air. He should have said hes pretty sure he knows his next move, but he wants to keep his options open, just in case. That would have made it more than clear we have no chance. I have a feeling that this stunt, on top of his harsh anti-Chicago comments, are going to leave many Chicagoans hating their native, and are going to turn away many Miami Heat fans.
Bosh made it clear that he had his sights set on Miami, Chicago or New Jersey, so I've got no hard feelings against him. I knew he wouldn't end up somewhere alone, and I do think that him and Dwyane together are going to be quite a force to be reckoned with, so I wish him all the best. I wish he would have chosen Chicago but hey, shit happens.
Will Chicago be left out of the loop? I guess by tomorrow night we'll know. Come on Lebron. Its all on you. Follow in the footsteps of your idol MJ. Theres no greater city in the world.
*Updates*:
-Many sources say Lebron will end up with the New York Knicks (and I believe them).
-Chicago Bulls pick up Carlos Boozer for an estimated $80 million for 5 years (however Gar Forman later stated that the final deal will be less than reported).
I'm disgusted. On both accounts. Lebron picking the Knicks is ridiculous. And the Bulls signing Boozer is desperate. At least for $80 (or close to it) million. I just hope the Bulls also sign another free agent, a shooter. Cause Boozer alone won't change a thing.
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