LeBron James spends time with campers while rumors continue to swirl.
Breaking: Chris Bosh will join Dwyane Wade in Miami, ESPN reports
AKRON, Ohio -- For many months NBA players, executives and fans looked forward to these days in July for their spectacle and tantalizing possibilities. They aren't being disappointed.
The first week of the hyped July 2010 free agency period has been light on hard facts but heavy on hope and, of course, the Cavaliers are right in the mix. Not only for the franchise player, LeBron James, but now perhaps for another mega free agent.
ESPN reported Tuesday that the Toronto Raptors would be willing to do a sign-and-trade deal that would send Chris Bosh to the Cavs. Without cap space, that is the only way the Cavs could get Bosh. And without a sign-and-trade, Bosh can't get the extra $27 million for the full max deal he wants.
It is all predicated on James re-signing with the Cavs and recruiting Bosh, the report said. James, who worked out with several of his Cavs teammates at his Nike camp at the University of Akron for a second straight day Tuesday, did not speak to reporters about the rumors.
It does seem like a delirious situation for the Cavs, who could position themselves ahead of teams with huge cap space like the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets.
But this is called silly season for a reason.
While the Cavs and Raptors have had discussions about the possibility of a deal involving Bosh, nothing is close to happening, according to sources. One source denied the Cavs had even gotten serious with Toronto.
A league executive familiar with the Raptors' plans said Tuesday that Toronto is attempting to decide how they want to proceed with Bosh. There's a chance they will not participate in a sign-and-trade, which could cost Bosh up to $30 million. But if they do, the source said the team is torn on whether to attempt to shed salary and rebuild with the deal or attempt to pick up some quality players that would help replace Bosh.
The Cavs could offer a package of players and savings and the Raptors would likely give a combination of veterans, prospects and savings.
The Heat and Bulls would also have interest in completing a sign-and-trade for Bosh.
Ultimately it would come down to Bosh's preference of where he wants to play and then it would be up to Toronto to decide if they wanted to work with him.
Several weeks ago, Bosh reportedly gave the Raptors a list of teams he would consider being traded to and the Cavs were not on it. In recent days, however, Bosh has not been in communication with the Raptors' front office.
On Tuesday, James had meetings with Nike officials and then played pickup ball with Cavs players/free agents Jamario Moon, Christian Eyenga, Daniel Gibson and Jawad Williams against some high school stars from across the country.
Sources told The Plain Dealer earlier this week that James would not announce a decision of his personal free agency until after the camp concludes today. However, there is no indication that James has a timetable.