Salfino: Follow the money trail
But this is a business. So follow the money. Forbes said it best, through Interbrand (a company whose business is valuing brands like the one James wants to become). The bottom line: James should expect to make $983 million if he signs with the Knicks and finishes his career here — that’s $284 million more than second-place Cleveland. (Cleveland beats Chicago because Michael Jordan already owns Chicago, so winning a title there is worth far less than winning one in New York or even Cleveland.)…
But the biggest reason why it’s the best basketball decision for James to come to New York is Curry — the secret weapon. He comes off the books after this year. So he can be traded at any point to a team seeking future cap relief or let go in June to create more cap room for next year’s free-agent class. New York would have almost enough for another max contract. Most importantly, he protects James from a change in the collective bargaining agreement that creates a hard cap. James knows that the Knicks will go over the cap if nothing changes. But only the Knicks from among all his suitors can also stay within the cap to get a third big player (or fourth if you count Danilo Gallinari).
The NBA free agency hype has grown so monstrous that I’ve sort of stopped paying attention, but Mike makes the most comprehensive case I’ve yet seen for why LeBron James should and will end up a Knick.
Also, it’s hilarious that anyone besides Isiah Thomas and Greenburgh-area fast food restaurants might consider Eddy Curry “the secret weapon,” but it’s a good point.
And furthermore, the Greenburgh area could use a lot more variety in its fast food restaurants. McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King? What is this, 1989?
