I’m No Punk I Just Want To Be Paid

Coming off something of a disappointing season and the losing of a series in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA . One can well understand the urgency of Danny Ferry as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers . Ferry knows that in order for the franchise to remain relevant and to be still in the good graces of their superstar , LeBron James . The GM will have to surround the player with talent that’s commensurate to James’ liking and his talent.

LeBron James (left) and Shaquille O'Neal seen here prior to the 2006 NBA All Star Game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ L . Otero ............

Now , while many might question the team’s acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns via a blockbuster trade, as seemingly is the custom concerning O’Neal. As of late the only thing that one can associate with O’Neal and his game . May well be the fact that he’s still somewhat quicker on his feet than that of former star of the ” The Golden Girls ” , Betty White . Agility and guile are no longer a part of Shaq’s repertoire. But Ferry’s presence of mind may well have been , that in order to keep his erstwhile star happy, he had to do something extravagant. O’Neal’s game though with flashes of brilliance still, as he deems fit to use it. It’s a long way off from what it once was. In Phoenix , he was ill-suited to the team’s up tempo style. And seeing him lumbering up and down the US Airways Arena like a pregnant pachyderm wasn’t at all how one likes to remember the once dominant superstar.

In the midst of this all we now have to remember that James is in the final year of his contract. And with the gluttony of elite free agents due in 2010 . It’s understandable that the player is hedging his bets at present. He’s stated that it is his wish to remain a Cavaliers’ player at present. But it wasn’t so long ago , he was stating that he could see himself spending his entire career with the franchise. That may well have been pleasing to ear of the franchise’s owner, Dan Gilbert . Bearing in mind, that Gilbert got a large cash infusion by selling a minority stake in the franchise, to a prominent Chinese businessman. And he no doubt views having James within the fold , will make the franchise much more of marketing tool for the Far Eastern market. And at the same time raise both theirs and that of James’ visibility, there also in that particular market.

James (center) seen here with Rich Paul (left) and and former high school teammate Brandon Weems (right) at an event for the launch of the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes , held at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron , Ohio . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jason Miller ................

Clearly this’ll be a make or break year , for not only James but also for O’Neal and the Cavaliers’ franchise. And if they’re to have any semblance of success. Then it’ll not only James and O’Neall but also the rest of the team to makes themselves all the more prominant in that success on the field of play. The nucleus of the team will be built around James , Mo Williams , Zydrunas Ilgauskas , Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. But much of that’ll also be predicated upon the benchwarmers also contributing to the productivity of the team as well.

And for coach Mike Brown , he too can ill afford to have this team underachieve this season. Anything short of an appearance in the Confernce Finals . And more likely than not , he’ll be out of his position as coach of the Cavaliers. The situation for the franchise is as grave as that !

Source Yahoo Sports in conjunction with AP :

LeBron says he wants to keep his options open

By Tom Withers AP Sports Writer

AKRON, Ohio-(AP) LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike , James , who has given no indication as he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comment yet about to his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a contract in 2006 with an option so he could have more flexibility once it expires . cont’d …………….

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In no uncertain terms, anything less than appearance in either the conference or NBA Finals. And a win of the latter and the probability will be that James will depart from the franchise , where he’s made it his home for the last six years. And as much as it might anguish the Cavaliers’ fans. The player has done as much as he possibly can, given the resources made available to him. That being said when one considers that this time around he’ll have O’Neal in his corner. If he should fall short of what had been previously accomplished by both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade , with Shaq as a partner . Then the daggers may well come out and questions’ll be asked if James is now merely cashing it all in , merely for the riches from a franchise willing to shell out a king’s ransom for his services.

Global icon or not at the end of the day if it ain’t about the success. Then it’s got to be about those lovely bones !

What Kobe Wants, Kobe Gets. Well, At Least Most Of The Time

Well the off-season proved to be an upheaval for a number of teams around the NBA . And that’s to be expected , as many teams felt that they had a rather disappointing season. For the Los Angeles Lakers who came off winning their 15th NBA title, it was something of a well executed season, all-round.

Kobe Bryant the Finals' MVP seen here in Manila , Philippines. While there , the player will be conducting several Nike sponsored youth basketball coaching clinics. The player will also be traveling to Tapei , China. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Richard Chao ............................

And for the team’s All Star guard Kobe Bryant , it was a for a prophecy fulfilled. Those who cast doubt as to whether or not he could win a title without Shaquille O’Neal. Finally saw that Bryant could do it without him, given a good complement players to surround the player with the facets needed.

Lakers' first round pick Chinemelu Elonu (left) and the Clippers' Marcellus Kemp battle for a loose ball during an NBA Summer League Game played in Las Vegas , Nevada. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Laura Rausch ............................

Well for the Lakers this off-season was no different with the departure of one their heroes in the postseason, in Trevor Ariza. The player seeking a commmitment from the team in terms of a long term contract paying him considerably more money. It was felt by the player that would be the Lakers’ form of showing loyalty to him for his contributions to the team’s success. Alas, it wasn’t to be as they were not prepared to acquiesce to his demands. He eventually signed as a free-agent with the Houston Rockets. And much to everyone’s surprise moving in the opposite direction from the Rockets was Ron Artest, who was signed by the Lakers.

Artest has let it be known that he has come to the Lakers to contribute further, to the team’s success and fulfill his ambition of winning an NBA title. Well that’s what he’s got to say at this juncture . But I guess we can believe him. For Bryant , he’s welcomed the player with open arms and admits that he’d rather have Artest as a teammate , rather than having to play against him on a regular basis within the Western Conference.

Free-agency and the problems that it can sometimes create. Well for the general manager of the teams, they’ve got to be financially prudent and at the same look to improve the team’s roster in the places necessary. At times it may well mean having to lose a valuable asset. But then it can mean having to acquire a player without having to overpay for that talent. However, when it comes to a situation that’s now fomenting with regard to Odom and his desire to be paid commensurate to what he believe is his perceived value. It in effect puts the Lakers and their GM Mitch Kupchak in something of a dilemma. Bryant is optimistic that the player will remain with the team. Odom is an unrestricted free-agent.

Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak who has worked closely in unison with the team's coach Phil Jackson in assembling the Lakers championship winning team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elisio Gonzalez .........................

Overtures have been made towards the player by the Miami Heat . And Dwyane Wade of the Heat has made it known that it his desire to see Odom become a Miami Heat player. It could very well become a tug of war for the player’s services. But much of that’ll be predicated on the deisres of both teams. The Heat for their part are also pursuing Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz . And it remains their number one priority at present. But that’s not to say that their interest in Odom is on the decline.

The perceived view is that Odom while a very good player. He remains an enigma for all who’ve seen him play. At his very best he’s player who can give you 20pts , 10reb’s on regular basis, were it his desire to do so. And it plainly comes down to <strong desire and his willingness to contribute to a team consistently. And therein lies the enigma with regard to Lamar Odom. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they might not defer to Bryant when it comes to a final decision on the issue. Although they’ll probably listen to any input on the matter from the player. Coach Phil Jackson for his part has kept his cards close to his chest. And for the Lakers’ fans it’s not really hard to see where their loyalties lie on this very issue. They’re probably 70-30 in favor of seeing Odom leave. He was viewed as a valid member of a championship winning team. But his time has come , and it’s viewed that he ought to be bid , a hearty farewell and thanks for memories. If nothing it’s the least that the fans could do for the player.

Kobe Bryant (left) and teammate Lamar Odom (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Odom will remain a Laker for the forseeable future. As it'd appear that contract negotiations have stalled. The player is also said a desired target of the Miami Heat. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elvis Takahida ...................

Possibly at the end of it all the player’ll remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not he’d be prepared to play for the team at a reduced salary remains to be seen. The mid-level salary cap would be the preferable option for the team. And at between $4.5m-$6m it wouldn’t appear to be an excessive amount to be playing a veteran such as Odom. Though the player himself. may well feel that he could be in line for a better offer from the Miami Heat. And it’s rumored that he’s looking for a long term contract of between 4 and 5 years paying $30-$35m at between $6-$7m per year .

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. It is Wade's desire to see the Heat reacquire the player. But it'd appear that the team's pursuance of Carlos Boozer is of the utmost priority for the franchise. That's not to suggest that their interest in Odom has waned . picture appears courtesy of weblogs.com @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .................

The business side of any sport is littered with decisions that’ve been to the detriment of a team , or what ultimately proves to be of benefit to them. As to the decision to be made by the Lakers’ hierarchy. They know that for all sense and purpose this just won’t be about positives far outweighing the negatives with regard to Lamar Odom. But more in line with what’s best for the team from a financial and competitive aspect.

It’s The NBA Cheerleaders! Guys You Just Gotta Love This Game!

It’s never a dull thing to see the cheerleaders of the franchises entertain the voiciferous fans of the NBA. In large part, besides the game itself, that may well be one of the primary reason why more than 60% of the males attend a game. Other than for the alcoholic beverages and the camaraderie of the male bonding that no doubt takes place. But then I digress, as it’d be totally impudent to think that’s the only thing on our mind when we attend a game ? We’re there to show our rabid support for our favorite NBA team, or for the band-wagon jumpers amongst us , our favorite teams.

' Come on and shake it , come on shake it like a Polaroid picture ! The Los Angeles Lakers Cheerleaders . Need one say anymore ?

I’m not saying that I’m an astute scout of the female form and talent. But I know what I like when I see it. And let’s just leave it at that. Those of you with a differing opinion , feel free to participate in the discussion. However, do remember to leave the smut at the door , as this still remains a public domain.

That's it girls keep those pointed assets upfront. You we like 'em ! The Boston Celtics Cheerleaders at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston, Mass,.

And off-course I know that we all have our favorites when it comes to the cheerleading teams. Those on the West Coast’ll no doubt favor the teams out west. Whereas those in the East may well show that East coast bias. Be that as it may, you’ve gotta’ love these girls ! Hey Bruno , we don’t need your type here ! LOL, LOL, LOL !!!

Well these young ladies from the 76ers' cheerleading squad certainly know their stuff. They've got the balls . Now let's see how far they're prepared to travel ?

Need I remind you that these are but my humble offerings to you all. You’re quite welcome to make your own suggestions in this instance. As they’re always welcomed.

Los Angeles Clippers Cheerleaders. Afterall they're the Clippers. And at least they did something right . You've got to give credit where it's due haven't you ?

Before , during the intervals at half-time and post-game , these are the girls that the organizations rely upon to provide us all with the majority of the entertainment. Nevermind the fact that they also work within their various communities providing assistance in a number of beneficial ways , socially and charitably.

When Nets' CEO Bruce Ratner moves the team to Brooklyn. I suppose the Nets' name may well be vanquished . But then again if Jay-Z has anything to do with it , they'll still be known as the Nets in form or another. The cheerleaders of the New Jersey Nets.

Now there those amongst who may well feel that this isn’t necessary and it has nothing at all to do with the game of basketball. But less we forget the business of sports is primarily about entertainment. And anything that’s gleaned from it financially is merely a bye-product of that success.

Well unashamedly proud as I am. I share the delight in bringing you the dancers of the San Antonio Spurs' cheerleading and dance squad.

As an avid and unabashed supporter of the San Antonio Spurs , I can’t go without showing you their cheerleaders. It’s not as if they aren’t glamorous enough to look at. But then again that’s the bias now coming out in me.

Well now that owner Dan Gilbert and GM Danny Ferry have seen fit to acquire 'The Big Aristotle' and then to sell a 25% equity stake in the team and Quicken Loans Arena to a Chinese entrepreneur. One has to wonder if members of the Cavaliers' cheerleading squad will begin to learn Mandarin ? It could very well help should the 'bottom' fall out for the Cavaliers this upcoming seasn

And what of the only professional NBA team in the state of Ohio , the Cleveland Cavaliers , I hear you ask ? Well as long as they’ve got LeBron James , that team will somehow still remain relevant. And now with the Shaquille O’Neal now in the mix, there. The expectations for the organization and the team is undoubtedly high. And I’d dare say that the team’s new-found Chinese investors are expecting an immediate return of dividends for that somewhat large investment. Team owner Dan Gilbert , may not have sold his soul to the Devil. But the feeling is, he might as well have.

Considered to be amongst the very best of the dance troupes in the NBA . The Miami Heat dancers take it to a level all of their own, and then some !

Within the state of Florida , where I reside . We have two professional NBA franchises, with two very distinct identities. But only of these two teams, only one can lay claim that they’ve been a champion. The Miami Heat are that team. Whereas, the Orlando Magic came close, but it was most certainly nowhere near close enough.

The Orlando Magic dancers performing at their home-court venue, the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.

For the Magic , though the season for them could be deemed a magical one . The fact that the disappointment of losing in the NBA Finals (2009) to the Los Angeles Lakers was deemed a tremendous blow for the organization and their very rabid fans.

So guys, as I close out this post. I hope that at least you’ve found it to be enjoyable , somewhat informative and refreshing. If not then I can only conclude that you live a very hum-drum life, without any real excitement within it. But then again, I’d like to think that my assumption is wrong. Hit me up with a comment concerning the piece. I’ll looking forward to reading them all with a great deal of intent. Thanks, as always !

Lamar Odom or Carlos Boozer To The Miami Heat? Sorry, I Can’t Dignify That With An Answer

So the free agency period is here and a number of teams around the league have begun to retool their rosters for next year. Now as much as it pains me to say this. The Miami Heat are doing little to persuade their All Star guard Dwyane Wade , that they mean business in strengthening their roster.

Lamar Odom (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carlos Boozer (right)of the Utah Jazz. Both players are said to be targets of the Miami Heat. There's a remote possibility that both players could be signed to complelment Dwyane Wade, the Heat's All Star guard. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Alastair Walsh ..........

Now far be it for me to suggest that the two players they’re said to be assessing with a view to signing are not worthy of playing alongside Wade. But in Carlos Boozer and Lamar Odom , you’re basically getting two players who consistently tend to underperform, given their undoubted talents.

But in all reality there’s no way that in viewing the addition of either Boozer or Odom, would one assess that the Heat would become a legitimate contender within the Eastern Conference of NBA . Not with the splash made by the Boston Celtics in signing Rasheed Wallace . Which in effect places them right back on top as the prohibitive favorite within the conference. Whilst the Cleveland Cavaliers believe that their fate may well lie in the fact , that in acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns , they can redeem themselves after their loss in the conference finals.

And whilst Wade is under no immediate pressure in signing a contract. He’s stated that he’d like to see the team improve the roster greatly, in order to become and remain more competitive.

Dwyane Wade seen here in a postseason playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images / Isaac Baldizon ..........................

Speculation is now rife that either of the two players will be making South Florida their home. And for the Utah Jazz’s Carlos Boozer , he’s made it known that he expects the team to make a sign and trade deal that’d create such a move.And with the state’s other NBA team , in the Orlando Magic aqcuiring Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets , the matching of the offer made to backup center Marcin Gortat. It can be said Miami team President Pat Riley is under due pressure to appease Wade and prove to him that he wants the player to remain and challenge for postseason honors.

The fans in Miami remain resolute in the fact that they’d like see Wade remain in a Heat uniform. And if anything play his entire career with the team. But as of now that may well be asking too much. Obviously with the unrelenting state of the economy , a number of teams around the league have trimmed their payroll and looked to get the best players available within what they deem to be fair market value . However, in the case of Wade how do you assess a player of his stature ? Much less players such as Carlos Boozer or Lamar Odom. Granted , Odom had a wonderful postseason in assisting the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title. Buth theirs was one of a concerted team effort , wherein Kobe Bryant willed and led the team with great aplomb to the series win and title. His teammates merely followed the example, with which he led.

The intricacies of the game as it now stands. It’s not now just about the talent on the floor. But even more so about the financial wizardry of the front executives and what they believe to be feasible and in the best interests of a franchise in order to attain success. Such are the vagaries of today’s game , that an executive is almost as important , if not more so than a player on the floor.

Yahoo ! Sports :

Heat targeting both Boozer and Odom

By Adrian Wojarnowski Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS- Pat Riley has listened to Dwyane Wade express his unease with the Miami Heat sitting out the Eastern Conference arms race this summer. As the Boston Celtics , Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic elevated themselves as championship contenders, the Heat president sold his superstar on patience, promising to surround him with talent for the long run.

Now the Heat are working furiously to deliver Lamar Odom and Carlos Boozer to the shores of Biscayne Bay. The Heat are trying to sell Odom on a five-year $34 million contract, at the mid-level exception, and a league executive with knowledge of the talks says Miami has also hatched a three-way proposal with the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies to secure Boozer.

The essentials of a possible deal would include Miami sending forward Udonis Haslem and Dorrell Wright to Utah. Because Memphis under the cap, Utah could move Wright’s $2.8million salary to the Grizzlies and save itself approximately $5.6million with salary and luxury-tax payments. Memphis could probably get cash and picks for its trouble. The Heat would have to then send one more small contract to make the math and salary exchange work.

Miami would pay Boozer his $12.7million salary this season and own his Bird rights to sign him to an extension next summer.

The deal isn’t considered imminent, but the Jazz are working hard to find a suitable trade forn Boozer. Utah is determined to match the Portland Trailblazers’ $32million offer sheet for restricted free agent Paul Milsap . Utah has until the end of the week to match or lose the young power forward to the Blazers. Most league executives believe they’ll match the offer , regardless whether they’ve moved Boozer.

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Financial expediency has to be the norm , given the state of play. And one has to consider that the NBA for all of its profound success in the marketing of its produt as a global brand. Even they now realize that budgetary belts need to be tightened. The franchises themselves can’t ever envisaged that this economic crisis would take such a toll on their patron, the fans. So much whatever gesture in terms of an altruistic nature may well be the only way that they can keep those interested in supporting their teams.

Bound For Glory But There Are Those Who Are Unable To Bask In The Limelight

There’ve been great players within the NBA. And there have been players that’ve proven to be woefully inept . Despite that having played in college, they ended up failing to live up to expectation. And yet a few players in college having had a successful collegiate career , their professional career has either been raised to superstar status or beyond. Or they ended up falling into an abyss , never to be heard from again.

Having only followed the game from afar until I came to live here in the United States some seventeen years ago. My first real encounter with the game of basketball was part of a phys. ed class in high school. Well bearing in mind that basketball to an English guy was about as welcoming being poked in the eye. For many of us it was primarily either soccer, rugby or cricket. And though the sport of boxing was my first love . I slowly found myself then gravitating towards the martial arts. In particular the art form of karate.

Karl Malone and John Stockton the indomiatable duo of the Utah Jazz. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo ..........

And the years that followed as I immersed myself in the sport , becoming proficient enough to earn a Black Belt 3rd degree . I then taught unarmed combat whilst serving in the military for a number of years. Well enough about that as it’s not the focal point of this article.

As I alluded to earlier, basketball wasn’t a sport that I immediately fell in love with. But having immersed myself in the nuances of the game. And having several of my new found American friends explain many of the finer points to me. I found that this was actually a sport that I really liked. So much so that when asked to play either at the local Bally’s gym or at a park. I was up for the task. Well initially at least I thought I was ! You really don’t know the physical demands of a sport until you’ve tried the first time and then note the demands of the physical exertion required. It is either you play the game or the demands of the game takes its toll and plays you.

The unthinkable would happen as the Los Angeles Lakers would succumb to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. That was the team that many believed had been in terms of sheer frontline talent alone would be deemed unbeatable. Alongside Malone on the team were Gary Payton, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. The fashion in which the team was defeated would augur the retirement of Malone not long afterwards. picture appears courtesy afp/ photo/ Marshall Hines .........

I’ve always liked the play of former Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone. A physically gifted specimen and a player who would give as good as he’d get. Malone was the type of player you had to respect because of those physical attributes. And above all his desire to win. His heyday and rightfully so , were the years spent playing in Utah. Where he formed an offensive tandem alongside point guard John Stockton . But it’d also be remiss in neglecting the contributions of Jeff Hornacek . The three as teammates led the Jazz under the coaching of Jerry Sloan to some of their most important success over the years.

Hornacek (14) and teammate Stockon (12) speak with Jerry Sloan on the sidelines during an NBA game . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Andrew D Bernstein ..............

They came close but were it not for the Jordan years the success of the Jazz may well have been much greater. But then again during those years Jordan and the Chicago Bulls reigned supreme over the entire NBA. The fate meted out to the Jazz in the NBA Finals of 1997 and ’98 were very reminiscent of the four other times that the Bulls raised the championship trophy. Six times in all during the nineties. So if anything for Jazz there was absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

And for Malone those heartfelt years may well have been too much to bear. As prolific as he was , it was the denial of winning a championship that made his thirst for that semblance of success even more voracious. Those years that Malone may have felt were a failure was rewarded with the undying devotion shown to he and his teammates. In particular the friendship and camaraderie he shared with Stockton. It was reciprocated by the duo towards the fans who showed their appreciation as to what the fans ultimately meant to them and their careers.

Malone had that unquenchable thirst to succeed. And for him it meant the winning of an NBA championship and the adjoining ring that went with that, in signifying the event. And given the chance to join the Los Angeles Lakers , alongside such venerable stars as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Gary Payton. The notion was that this team would be deemed unbeatable and a foregone conclusion to win the NBA title in 2004. And given the fact that they also had Phil Jackson at the helm as the team’s coach. If only all dramas would follow the given script at the time.

Somehow, some way, someone had forgotten to mention that to the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers’ opponents in those eagerly awaited NBA Finals(2004). And one ought to bear in mind also that here we had a quartet of stars on this Lakers’ team that were sure fire certainties to become members of the Hall of Fame. What took place in that much heralded series ought to remind us that one ought to never underestimate the underdog. The Pistons summarily destroyed the Lakers (4-1) with an effortless display of team basketball. They showed cohesion, whereas the Lakers showed complacency and a complete lack of respect for their opponent. The disappointment was there for all see not only on the faces of the fans . But also on the Lakers’ players and in particular that of Karl Malone’s. To say he wasn’t completely disappointed would be an understatement in the very least.

Malone in the second row far right, as a member of the Original Dream Team. The US men's basketball team for the Olympic games of Barcelona in 1992, has been often described as the greatest assembly of talent put together on a basketball court for international competition. The team was coached by the legendary Chucy Daly. picture appears courtesy of afp/photo/ Anthony Rassmussen ..............

For all of the accomplishments of Malone as a player . Having won a League MVP award , an Olympic gold medal as part of the Original Dream Team in Barcelona in 1992 . The one missing adornment for the player was that of an NBA ring. He’s still viewed as perhaps the greatest player to ever play the position of power forward in the NBA . He has the respect of his peers and the fans alike. And even if at times he’s alienated some with his off the cuff remarks. There’s no denying that Karl ‘Anthony’ Malone has the admiration of the NBA fans across the globe who happen to know something about the game.

Karl Malone’s career stats :

Career points total: 36,928 Assists: 5,238 Rebounds:14,968
League MVP: 1997, 1999 All Star: 13 times All NBA First Team Selection: 11 times All NBA Second Team Selection: 2 times All NBA Third Team: 1 time selection All Defensive First Team: 3 times All Defensive Second Team: 1 selection
NBA All Rookie Team: selection in 1988
Named as one of the 50 Greatest Players of Alltime in The NBA .

Report: Varejao Gets $50 Million From The Cavs (Seriously)

No, the headline is not a joke. Anderson Varejao, the power forward who started a little more than half of the Cavaliers games last season, has reached a 6-year deal to remain in Cleveland. The contract is worth up to $50 million. SI.com:

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Anderson Varejao reportedly have agreed on a six-year contract that could be worth as much as $50 million.

Agent Dan Fegan told The Plain Dealer late Wednesday that the club and Varejao have agreed on a new contract. The team would not confirm the report Thursday morning.

General manager Danny Ferry had earlier stated his intent to re-sign the 6-foot-11 Brazilian.

Varejao did not exercise his option on a $6.2 million contract for next season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Can someone explain to me what the Cavaliers are doing this offseason?

Trading for Shaquille O’Neal was not a good move. The Cavs will need to be playing their best basketball all season long in order to try and get home-court advantage in what is sure to be an incredibly difficult Eastern Conference. If Shaq has to play full-speed for the entire season, he will surely be worn out by the time the playoffs come around. He’s 37-years-old, and the Cavs may be better off resting him a few game here and there in the regular season to save him for the playoffs, but that could end up costing them valuable playoff position. Then there is the question of whether Shaq and LeBron can coexist in Cleveland. Both have big egos, and both like getting their share of touches. When Shaq was in Los Angeles with Kobe, the steadying force that kept the two calm enough to win three championships was Phil Jackson. Does Mike Brown have the ability to keep the two from colliding?

From  a pure on-court standpoint, how will Shaq being in the middle affect the Cavs? Every season of LeBron’s career, he never has had a big center clogging the lane — Zydrunas Illgauskas typically plays on the perimeter. This allowed LeBron to drive to the basket with the only thing ahead of him being the defender. Will Shaq’s presence not allow LeBron to drive full-speed to the basket every possession?

Then, the Cavs courted free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza, which were interesting decisions, to say the least. Both are small forwards — doesn’t LeBron play small forward? — and certainly would want to be a starter wherever they went. The Cavs had a  solution, which was to give them a chance to start at shooting guard. The key word there being “chance.” Is it hard to surmise why neither Artest or Ariza didn’t go to Cleveland.

The Varejao signing takes the cake, though. In this, the summer of the mid-level exception, the Cavs have gone beyond the call of duty, and grossly overpaid for Varejao. Does 8.6 points per game warrant $50 million? Absolutely not. It is just another strang decision in a strange offseason in Cleveland.

Sources: Shaq Traded to Cavs for Wallace, Pavlovic

This deal will surely help the Cleveland Cavaliers since they get a big man who isn’t a jumpshooter (Ilgauskas) or someone with no offensive game (Wallace and Varejao).  As long as Shaq doesn’t clog the lane and slow down LeBron, this should really help the Cavs.

ESPN: The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns have come to an agreement on a blockbuster trade that sends Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland to team with LeBron James, according to league sources.

The deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized Thursday according to sources.

Cleveland will send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for the future Hall of Famer.

The trade gives the Cavs a player they’ve coveted since February. With center Zydrunas Ilgauskas starting to break down, adding Shaq to the roster gives them a dominant force in the middle. The Cavs were obviously unhappy with their ability to defend Dwight Howard in the playoffs and bringing Shaq into the fold should help.

For the Suns, the move is a straight salary dump. Pavlovic’s $5 million dollar contract next season is only partially guaranteed for the amount of $1.5 million. Factor in the disparities in the contracts between Wallace, Pavlovic and Shaq and the team will save $4.5 milliion next season. However, when you factor in the savings they’ll reap on the luxury tax, it will be closer to $10 million in savings. That savings can be amplified if Wallace decides to retire and the Suns buy him out of his contract for less than the $14 million he’s owed next season.

The trade is a pretty strong admission by the Suns that they screwed up when they traded Shawn Marion for Shaq in February of 2007. Marion was a free agent this summer and, had they let him walk, their savings would’ve been $21 million not the $5.5 million they’re saving in this deal.

When the Suns made the trade they had the best record in the Western Conference. This year they finished in the lottery. With Shaq gone, the question is … are the Suns finally rebuilding?

Sources say that the team would still like to compete. They still have veterans Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa. They also have the 14th pick in the draft this year and second year player Robin Lopez.

Chris Broussard is a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine. NBA reporter Chad Ford contributed to this report.

Everyone’s A Winner Baby, Especially in LA!

Well the Los Angeles Lakers have proven to be triumphant in securing their fifteenth NBA title. It is also Phil Jackson’s tenth title as a coach and his eleventh overall over the course of his professional career within the NBA.    

Finals MVP holds both the Larry O'Brien Trophy as well of the award given to the Finals' MVP. For the player it was his 4th professional NBA title but his first Finals series MVP award. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah D Bernstein

For the Orlando Magic this was something of a disappointing way to end their season in what one might describe as something of a blowout. victory for Los Angeles.

Rafer Alston of the Orlando Magic looks somewhat disappointed after the team's 99-86 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the game 5 of the NBA Finals played at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant

The Lakers’ 99-86 triumph over the Magic secured a 4-1 series’ win and all the adulation one could come to expect that’d be poured upon perhaps the NBA’s most storied franchise. And even though the feat was achieved away from home at the Amway Arena in Orlando. It didn’t however make the victory anytheless sweeter. And for Finals’ MVP Kobe Bryant it may well have brought the redemption he’d finally sought. The talk of him not being able to land and win the Big One without Shaquille O’Neal finally becomes mute.

Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol celebrate after the team's victory over the Orlando Magic in game five of the NBA Finals played at the Amway Arena in Orlando , Florida. With the victory the Lakers secured their fifteenth NBA title as a franchise. Picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant

If ever there was to be an indication that last night wasn’t to be the night where the home team may well have felt that there could somehow be some jubilation on the part of their fans. Then one had to look no further than the performances of their main triumvirate of Dwight Howard , Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Who for all sense and purpose were weighed down with the undue pressure of expectation. Their’s was the daunting task of trying to keep the team in contention against the Lakers and perhaps force them to win the title on their home-court. Alas it wasn’t to be ! They came up short when it mattered most.