LeBron James and Chris Bosh together with the Cavs? It may be up to Bosh to make it happen.
Dear Chris Bosh:Now you are getting a peek at some of the ideas the Cavaliers discussed with LeBron James.
Starting with, "LeBron, you want to play with Chris Bosh? How about doing it at home?"
I'm not sure if the reports of James actively recruiting you are true. I do know that Toronto (your team) and the Cavs have had significant talks about a sign-and-trade deal that would bring you to Cleveland.
Yes, I've heard you don't want to play for the Cavs.
Chris, do you want $30 million more than any other team can pay you -- except if you stay in Toronto? Other teams may try for a sign-and-trade deal, but the Cavs are best equipped to make it happen.
So if you like the idea of that extra $30 million, you need to warm up to Cleveland in the wintertime.
Do you want to play with a two-time MVP in front of sellout crowds?
Then you want Cleveland.
Do you want to play on a team where you won't be the focal point of opposing defenses?
Then you want Cleveland.
Yes, Cleveland, even more than Chicago, New York or any of the other teams with salary cap room. That's because none of those teams -- not even Miami with Dwyane Wade -- has a star that demands so much defensive attention as James.
And Chris, do you want to win?
Think about it. It's James. It's you. It's an owner willing to outspend anyone in the NBA. It's Byron Scott, who has been to The Finals twice as a coach. Since 2000, the only other active coaches who can make that claim are Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Larry Brown and Doc Rivers.
But in the end, it usually comes down to money.
You are 26 years old. Only once in the past five years have you appeared in more than 70 games (77 in 2008-09). You're not falling apart. You usually play 65 to 70 games. But you've had to carry a huge load in Toronto, and there are days when your body feels it.
There is relief in Cleveland.
And that extra $30 million at age 32, if you sign with Toronto.
Then the Raptors ship you to Cleveland for a package built around Anderson Varejao and some expiring contracts belonging to Jamario Moon, Delonte West or Anthony Parker. Both teams will be fighting over J.J. Hickson, so it's hard to know where he'll end up. While ESPN has reported the trade is in place, all waiting for your approval -- I'm not sure they are that far along.
But Chris, if you give the Cavs and James a signal that you are open to teaming up in Cleveland, the deal will get done.
You could end up on a team where Antawn Jamison comes off the bench. It could be a team with a front line of James, yourself, Jamison, Leon Powe and perhaps a center such as Brendan Haywood added in another deal.
Chris, think about your career. Seven years in the NBA, a grand total of 11 playoff games.
Never out of the first round. Think about Wade. Since he won that 2006 title with Shaquille O'Neal -- well, Miami has not made it out of the first round in the past four years.
You know how you averaged career highs in points (24.0) and rebounds (10.8) and missed the playoffs? Seven years in the NBA, and only one regular season with a winning record?
In the past five years, the Cavs have never lost in the first round, and made the NBA Finals once. Their average record is 54-28 in that span.
So Chris, it will be a whole new ballgame for you in Cleveland, and you will really like it if you give it a chance.