Leadoff with Lee 9.25.15 #TristanThompson #Cavs #MWP #Lakers

By @cleeverizon

- What's the latest Tristan Thompson news? NOTHING!

Here's the story. This time last summer, Tristan Thompson turned down the Cavaliers offer of four years, $52M. Thompson chose to gamble on himself and it paid off by the Cavs reportedly offering him five years and $80M at the end of last season. Now, knowing that the NBA salary cap will increase and additional TV money given to teams, Thompson's new demands turned into five years and $94M.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Thompson's new proposal is three years $54M which will coincide with LeBron's contract ending once he extends. Akron Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd quickly reported via Twitter:

I've been told reports of extension for Tristan Thompson inaccurate. No deal struck, nor do #Cavs seem interested in reported 3/$53 million

— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) September 24, 2015

So as of now, there is no deal that looks imminent. Since lowering the demand of the contract length and years this maybe a deal that will be complete before training camp starts. Of course, Thompson can sign the qualifying offer, but why would he not want more than double his salary and leave the money on the table this year? Thompson is putting himself at risk of injury or a drop in production if he does not take the deal. This is going to go down to the wire with a deal being struck at midnight in my opinion. This story is far from over. Make sure to follow @TripleThreatCLE On Twitter for all the latest updates.                                                    

- Forward Metta World Peace will be returning to Los Angeles next season to play for the Lakers. The one year, $1.5M non guaranteed contract was signed on Thursday and World Peace is scheduled to take his physical and formalize the contract today. Last season, he played in Italy and China. In his 15 NBA seasons, the formerly named Ron Artest has averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. He had stops with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and the Lakers.

- Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh says he has been taken off blood thinners and is cleared for contact. He does not have the gene that makes it more likely for blood clots to recur. Bosh said he added a little weight to be stronger and sustain contact but hopes to lose the weight and keep the strength.                                    

- After spending 14 seasons in the NBA, Jason Richardson announced his retirement via Instagram. Richardson had right knee pain 4-5 days ago and an MRI revealed he had bone spurs. He feared his knee would become as bad as his left, which caused him to make the decision to retire. Most notably known for winning back to back NBA slam dunk titles (2002&2003), Richardson averaged 17.1 points per game and finishes scoring 14,644 career points. After being drafted in the first round out of Michigan State in 2001 by the Golden State Warriors, he also played for the Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers.

- The Pittsburgh Pirates clinch a playoff birth and are in the postseason for the third straight year. The Pirates are the second team to qualify for postseason this season play after the St.Louis Cardinals.

- The Boston Red Sox promote Mike Hazen to senior vice president and general manager yesterday. Hazen 39 in his previous role as senior vice president/assistant GM, Hazen assisted Ben Cherington (who resigned upon Dave Dombrowski’s hiring) in player acquisitions, player evaluation, contract negotiations, and scouting.

Leadoff with Lee 2.22.15 #ChrisBosh #Perkins #Cowboys #MarshawnLynch

By @cleeverizon

- Miami Heat All-Star forward Chris Bosh will miss the rest of the season with blood clots on his lungs. Bosh was admitted into a Miami hospital after meeting with a doctor Thursday night. His initial test proved to be inconclusive. Further testing took place and showed clots on his lungs. He will be treated with blood thinners for pulmonary embolism. Here is a great article by Alex Kennedy about his experience and the Cavaliers own Anderson Varejao.

- Kendrick Perkins will officially become a Cavalier tomorrow! Perkins accepted the buyout from the Utah Jazz after being traded there on Thursday and with the encouragement from LeBron James, agreed to sign with the Cavs. I can see Perkins help spell Timofey Mozgov and will provide extra depth to the Cavs frontline.

- NASCAR Sprint driver Kurt Busch has been suspended indefinitely for smashing his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll's head against the wall of his home on September 26, 2014 at Dover International Speedway. Busch appealed his suspension but the ruling was upheld.  He will continue to peruse his return to racing by exhausting every avenue possible. I don't know much about racing but is he really suspended forever or just for a season?

- The Seattle Seahawks have offered running back Marshawn Lynch a contract extension that will pay him $11-$12 million the first year, and $9 million in years two and three. Lynch's agent, Doug Hendrickson, has said the framework of the contract are close but no deal has been reached. The reports of Marshawn Lynch, approaching 29 in April, possibly retiring may have some truth to it, but I can't see Lynch turning down that money. Even though the circumstances are different, Jim Brown retired at 29.

- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reportedly requested or demanded to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Peterson may be feeling uneasy with the organization following his child abuse case. Dallas would be an ideal location, considering the uncertainty of the future of DeMarco Murray. But before any trade can be made, Peterson needs to be reinstated by the NFL. Peterson was in Minneapolis on Feb. 6 for a hearing in federal court, as the NFL Players Association sued the league in hopes of gaining Peterson's immediate reinstatement. But unless Judge David Doty rules in the NFLPA's favor, Peterson cannot be reinstated until April 15.

- In a fight that will either be billed as 5 years in the making or 5 years to late. Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Paciao is official.

Mayweather announced the fight with Pacquiao via selfie app Shots. With the SD (standard definition) pay-per-view going for $89.95 and HD format going for $99.95, this fight is expected to generated $400 million dollars. While both boxers are expected to make over $100 million apiece, the purse will be split 60-40 with Mayweather claiming the majority. This will be the highest grossing boxing match in history. Floyd Mayweather's record is 47-0, 26 K.O and Pacquiao is 57-5-2, 38 K.O

- Major League Baseball announced Friday their ideas for the pace of play rule changes to help speed up the game. The average baseball game lasts 3 hours and 8 minutes,with most games starting between 7:05pm-7:10. MLB experimented with the speed up rules in the Arizona Fall League and it was found successful in shortening games.

1. Managers must challenge replays from dugout.
2. Batters must keep one foot in box unless an established exception occurs
3. Play to resumes promptly once broadcast returns from commercial break.

Full details on rule changes can be found HERE.

I'm totally for anything to speed up the game of baseball. The Cleveland Indians are also experimenting starting games at 6:05pm in April and May. Hopefully this increases attendance for the early season games, while allowing parents to take their kids to weekday games during the school year.

The Raven Report 7.14.14: NBA Free Agency & More

-As everyone knows, LeBron James announced Friday that he is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James has agreed to a two-year, $42.1 million deal with the team with the goal of re-signing with the Cavs before the 2016-17 season when a new television contract is expected to create a large jump in value of the maximum.

As part of the deal, James will have an option to become a free agent next summer but is fully committed to the Cavs long term.

Depending on how the new television contracts are put together, the salary cap is supposed to leap to as high as $80 million in 2016. There is also uncertainty with the current collective bargaining agreement starting in 2017, another reason James wanted to keep his long-term options open when it comes to the structure of his contract.

Because of James' off-court earnings, which top $40 million per year according to some estimates, allows for him to take some short-term risk to maximize long-term earnings.

As for the rest of the free agent movement, it goes as follows:

Carmelo Anthony agreed to a 5 year, $122M deal to stay with the New York Knicks
Chris Bosh agreed to a 5 year, $118M deal to stay with the Miami Heat
Dirk Nowitzki agreed to a 3 year deal to remain with the Dallas Mavericks
Pau Gasol agreed to 3 year, $22M with the Chicago Bulls
Luol Deng agreed to a 2 year, $20M deal with the Miami Heat
Gordon Hayward agreed to a 4 year, $63M offer with Charlotte that was matched by Utah. He will return to Utah.
Chandler Parsons agreed to a 3 year, $46M deal with the Dallas Mavericks
Nikola Mirotic will come from Real Madrid to sign with the Chicago Bulls for 3 years, $17M
Isaiah Thomas signed with the Phoenix Suns for 4 years, $27M
Mario Chalmers re-signed with the Miami Heat for 2 years, $8M
Trevor Ariza agreed to a 4 year, $32M deal with the Houston Rockets
Paul Pierce signed with the Washington Wizards for 2 years, $11M
Caron Butler is expected to sign a 2 year, $9M deal with the Detroit Pistons
Chris Anderson agreed to re-sign with the Miami Heat
Kirk Hinrich re-signed with the Chicago Bulls
Richard Jefferson agreed to a 1 year deal with the Dallas Mavericks
D.J. Augustin agreed to a 2 year, $6M deal with the Detroit Pistons
Vince Carter signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for 3 years, $12.2M
Nick Young re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for 4 years, $21.5M
Jordan Hill re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2 years, $18M
Devin Harris agreed to a one year deal with the Dallas Mavericks
Brian Roberts signed with the Charlotte Hornets for 2 years, $5.5M
Anthony Morrow will sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder for 3 years, $10M
Greivis Vasquez re-signed with the Toronto Raptors on a 2 year, $13M deal
James Johnson agreed to a 2 year, $5M deal with the Toronto Raptors
Steve Blake agreed to a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers
Beno Udrih agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies
Marvin Williams agreed to a 2 year, $14M deal with the Charlotte Hornets
P.J. Tucker signed a 3 year, $16.5M deal with the Phoenix Suns
Kent Bazemore signed with the Atlanta Hawks for 2 years, $4M
Matt Bonner re-signed to a the San Antonio Spurs with a 1 year deal


-Germany won the 2014 FIFA World Cup! It's the 4th World Cup title for the Germans. Mario Gotze scored the game-winning goal in the 113th minute of extra time.

-"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" made an estimated $73 million this weekend domestically, making it the number 1 movie of the weekend. The sequel to 2011's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is looking to be on its way to gross over $200 million this Summer.

Leadoff with Lee 7.5.14

-Here's what I know and have been told. Rich Paul, who is Lebron James' agent, has spoken and met the Mavericks, Suns, Rockets and Cavaliers. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak actually flew to Cleveland to meet with Paul on Friday. With that being said, my "source" who gave me the tip about all of the big 3 opting out days before ESPN or the big networks told you they would, told me "It's 80-20 he goes back to Cleveland". LeBron wants to cash in on a max deal. Chris Bosh wants a max deal for the first time in his career. Dwayne Wade wants the most money he can get. Miami can't get key free agents due to salary cap restraints unless they unload talent. But that's not giving the Heat the personnel that they need to win a championship.

LeBron's kids will attend Akron city schools this year. Do you think LBJ wants to miss any or all his kids events? Or be without his wife for most or all the season while he is in Miami? Do you think LBJ trusts his mom to handle all of his kids school, personal and home life? After all was said, my answer to all questions was NO! Now even if he stays in Miami, James will take a 1-year deal with a 2nd year option or 2 year deal with a option to opt out. If Lebron and Bosh decide to stay for a year or two, neither will see a max contract. Furthermore, if they want or need to add pieces of the puzzle to get them past the San Antonio Spurs, they will need to take a further pay cut. So how does Cleveland really sound to LeBron James? Remember the Cavs were right there for the 8th seed in the playoffs. James can take them right to a 3rd or 4th seed immediately, if not higher. This team is better than the team he took to the NBA Finals in 2007.


-Former Cavs center Spencer Hawes agreed to a 4-year, $23 million dollar with the LA Clippers. He averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game last season and on top of that, the 7 footer shot 42% from three point land. He can really stretch a defense and open up lanes for his guards. Funny part about this all, he's making all this money as a bench/role player...WOW!

-Joey "Jaws" Chestnut wins his 8th straight hot dog eating contest eating 61 Nathan's hot dogs, but falling short of the 69 hot dog record he set. He slowed up in the final 3 minutes or so but according to him it was due to the rainy Brooklyn weather. Prior to the event, he proposed to his girlfriend and she said "Yes"! Good for you Joey, on both parts.

-I love my Cleveland Indians but they fell to the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Not much to write home about, I just wanted to give you the score. The Tribe will be in action at home for the next 9 games prior to the upcoming All-Star game.

-Josh Gordon's appeal hearing has been set for late July, but a deal could be negotiated before then. Deal? Negotiation? What does that tell you? 0,4,6,8 games? Doesn't sound like a season to me. Roger Goodell has been handing down suspensions like white or brown on rice, but none have taken this long.

Leadoff with Lee 7.3.14

-The Cleveland Indians rallied in the 8th inning to beat the Dodgers 5-4 in L.A. After being behind 3-2, the Tribe scored 3 times to take the lead and keep it. Trevor Bauer got the start going 5 2/3 innings giving up 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 strikeouts and 2 walks in a no decision. Bryan Shaw got the win with the Tribe's rally and Cody Allen recorded his eighth save of the season. The Indians went 4-4 on their recent road trip and return home Friday to start a three game series with the Kansas City Royals.

-The Cavs have met with restricted free agent small forward Gordon Hayward. It is believed the Cavs will offer him a max contract of $15 million per season, but there are some conflicting reports that say otherwise. Hayward averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the Utah Jazz last season.

-Former Cavs guard CJ Miles visited the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night and was offered a contract Wednesday afternoon. Miles and the Pacers agreed to a 4 year deal worth $18 million dollars. NBA contracts can't officially be signed signed until July 10th.

-Free agent forward Carmelo Anthony was in Chicago Tuesday, and visited the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks Wednesday. Amoung the people who met him in Houston Dwight Howard, James Harden, coach Kevin Mchale and Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler were there to help pitch the Rockets to Anthony. Guard Jeremy Lin would have to be traded to clear enough cap room to sign Melo. Lin tweeted a bible verse yesterday morning and was feeling disrespected by the Rockets as they showed Anthony wearing a number 7 jersey, the same number Lin wears currently. Carmelo Anthony will meet with the LA Lakers today.

-What will happen with the Heatles? Lebron James is reportedly looking for a max deal. Chris Bosh is looking for a deal upwards of 15-18 million and not the rumored 12 million. Dwayne Wade won't get a max deal because he can't stay healthy. Miami targeted center Marcin Gortat and Kyle Lowry, who both re-sign with their current teams in Washington and Toronto, respectively. So what does that do to the big 3? How can they improve and get the key free agents they need to make it past the Spurs next year? All these questions will be answered once Lebron James returns from vacation and figures out what the best option is for him. There is no way they can bring in free agents if LBJ signs the 5 year max contract and if James doesn't sign one Bosh won't get one either. That's if they choose to stay in Miami. So what will they do? Could this be Lebron's homecoming? We shall see..

-New Orleans Saints hybrid tight end Jimmy Graham lost his appeal on being franchise tagged as a wide receiver rather than tight end. Graham played two-thirds lined up as a wide receiver in 2013 rather than on the offensive line as a traditional tight end. Graham will be paid under the tight end franchise tag at $7 million per year as opposed to the wide receiver tag which would have paid him $12 million per year.

Leadoff with Lee 5.9.14

-Be on the lookout later today for Browns React where we cover the Cleveland Browns draft picks in the 2014 NFL Draft.

-The Miami Heat beat the Brooklyn Nets 94-82. King James had a game high 22 points, Chris Bosh added 18. Deron Williams couldn't hit a shot, going 0-9 from the field with 0 points for the Nets. Mirza Teletovic set a Nets playoff record, hitting six 3-pointers scoring a total of 20 points off the bench. Miami leads the series 2-0. Game 3 will be Saturday in Brooklyn.

-The Spurs topped the Blazers 114-97 to go up 2-0 in the series. As always, the Spurs played a great overall team game with Kawhi Leonard leading the way with 20 points. San Antonio had 7 players score double figures. Other notables for the Spurs, Tony Parker had a double-double scoring 16 points and 10 assists. The Blazers shot a dismal 43% from the field. Nicolas Batum had a team high 21 points for the Blazers. Game 3 will be on Saturday.

-The Indians racked up 15 hits in their 9-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins yesterday afternoon at Progressive field. Asdrubal Cabrera, Michael Brantley, David Murphy and Mike Aviles all had 3 or more hits in the game. Cabrera and Brantley both hit home runs for the Tribe. Justin Masterson improved to 2-1 on the season with the win. He went 6.1 innings giving up 4 hits and 2 earned runs in the series finale. The Indians open up their weekend series versus the Rays in Tampa on Friday at 7 PM.