Post by John Stockton on Nov 3, 2015 18:47:06 GMT -5
Seattle Supersonics decline LeBron James’ team option, parties optimistic in working out long-term contract
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – In the midst of the highly anticipated first off season here at D720, breaking news released regarding the Seattle Supersonics’ decision to go into contract negotiations with James a year earlier than expected.
“It’s something LeBron and I have been discussing for a while,” says John Stockton, the Supersonics GM, “he has done so much for our city and organization, we want to secure his future in Seattle. We want him to retire here.”
The Supersonics underwent plenty of roster turnover throughout the regular season, struggling to find its identity and crawling to a 40-42 to finish as the 8 seed in the Western Conference. However, the team finally found its stride in the playoffs, taking the #1 seed and eventual Western Conference champion to game 7 before being eliminated 104-93. Looking ahead, the team will bring back one of the most feared front court on great contracts with Conley and DeRozan costing Seattle only $19M. Young core of talent that included Dieng, Nurkic, Vonleh and Burke, made significant contributions during the playoffs and should only continue to improve onward.
“Once we decided this was where we wanted to take our team, we cleared enough space to resign LeBron and also bring in another player on a max contract.” The Supersonics currently have ~$20m in free cap space, and will have ~$17m in cap space once LeBron’s new contract is finalized.
When asked about free agent targets, there seemed to be little doubt in Stockton’s mind regarding their top guy. “You’re fucking kidding, right? It’s Greg Monroe,” he exclaimed without hesitation while rubbing his nose, “we almost accomplished what only 5 teams in the NBA have ever done with our current roster (beating the #1 seed). Adding a true back-to-the-basket big to this team will curb stomp everyone.”
With a strong returning cast, addition of a potential star free agent and an organization that has shown loyalty to him since the start by picking him 8th in the D720 Fantasy Draft, it’s easy to see why the Seattle Supersonics remain thoroughly optimistic in their efforts to bring back James. While LeBron has declined to comment on this situation, the direction this franchise is headed is something that has to excite the 4-time MVP.
LeBron James
2014-15 All-D720 1st team
2014-15 All-Defensive 3st team
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – In the midst of the highly anticipated first off season here at D720, breaking news released regarding the Seattle Supersonics’ decision to go into contract negotiations with James a year earlier than expected.
“It’s something LeBron and I have been discussing for a while,” says John Stockton, the Supersonics GM, “he has done so much for our city and organization, we want to secure his future in Seattle. We want him to retire here.”
The Supersonics underwent plenty of roster turnover throughout the regular season, struggling to find its identity and crawling to a 40-42 to finish as the 8 seed in the Western Conference. However, the team finally found its stride in the playoffs, taking the #1 seed and eventual Western Conference champion to game 7 before being eliminated 104-93. Looking ahead, the team will bring back one of the most feared front court on great contracts with Conley and DeRozan costing Seattle only $19M. Young core of talent that included Dieng, Nurkic, Vonleh and Burke, made significant contributions during the playoffs and should only continue to improve onward.
“Once we decided this was where we wanted to take our team, we cleared enough space to resign LeBron and also bring in another player on a max contract.” The Supersonics currently have ~$20m in free cap space, and will have ~$17m in cap space once LeBron’s new contract is finalized.
When asked about free agent targets, there seemed to be little doubt in Stockton’s mind regarding their top guy. “You’re fucking kidding, right? It’s Greg Monroe,” he exclaimed without hesitation while rubbing his nose, “we almost accomplished what only 5 teams in the NBA have ever done with our current roster (beating the #1 seed). Adding a true back-to-the-basket big to this team will curb stomp everyone.”
Potential roster with addition of Greg Monroe
PG: Mike Conley (71)
SG: Demar Derozan (72)*
SF: LeBron James (84)*
PF: Greg Monroe (66)*
C: Gorgui Dieng (64)*˚
Bench: Trey Burke*˚ (62), Larry Sanders* (58), Jusuf Nurkic*˚ (57), Noah Vonleh*˚ (56)
˚Denotes RFA
*Denotes bird rights
PG: Mike Conley (71)
SG: Demar Derozan (72)*
SF: LeBron James (84)*
PF: Greg Monroe (66)*
C: Gorgui Dieng (64)*˚
Bench: Trey Burke*˚ (62), Larry Sanders* (58), Jusuf Nurkic*˚ (57), Noah Vonleh*˚ (56)
˚Denotes RFA
*Denotes bird rights
With a strong returning cast, addition of a potential star free agent and an organization that has shown loyalty to him since the start by picking him 8th in the D720 Fantasy Draft, it’s easy to see why the Seattle Supersonics remain thoroughly optimistic in their efforts to bring back James. While LeBron has declined to comment on this situation, the direction this franchise is headed is something that has to excite the 4-time MVP.
LeBron James
2014-15 All-D720 1st team
2014-15 All-Defensive 3st team
Toronto Raptors