LeBron James will not go on a free agency tour, according to ESPN.com, which cited Maverick Carter, the longtime manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar.
"LeBron is not going on a tour," Carter told the web site, referring to when the free-agency period begins on July 1. "He never planned to go on a tour and has not been a part of any team's plans for a recruiting trip."
Carter's statement is contrary to popular belief, which had the superstar forward poised for a whirlwind trip to different NBA cities, where courting teams could have wined and dined James. Instead, the report said that James will meet with individual teams at a neutral site -- most likely, his home in suburban Akron, Ohio.
Perhaps the most ballyhooed free agent in NBA history, James will have to make his decision while considering issues both on and off the court. In the past, he has said that he intends on trying to become the first billionaire athlete, making a move to a big market all the more tempting.
The New York Knicks -- located in the league's biggest market -- apparently will have to quickly reverse course in their recruitment due to the aforementioned development. ESPN.com reported that the Knicks had planned to throw James a lavish dinner party prepared by a celebrity chef, where famous New Yorkers would try to sell the city to the King.
According to ESPN.com's sources, the Knicks still will bring free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in for visits, though it has been clear for over two years that James is their main target.
As he is for everyone else.
The Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets and Wade's Miami Heat are among the other teams who have maneuvered for cap space for a chance to sign James. The Cavs, however, have the upper hand, at least monetarily, seeing as though they can offer James $30 million more than any other club.
The Bulls and Heat have the superior rosters, while the Nets can offer a global marketplace thanks to the presence of their new Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The perpetually cursed Los Angeles Clippers have even thrown their hat in the ring.
So, it all begs the question -- what is more important to LeBron, an immediate chance to win or a move to brighter lights and bigger headlines? Maybe, he thinks he can do both at the same time.
One thing is for sure, a neutral-site meeting with James is not ideal for clubs, like New York, that are trying to sell their cities just as much as their teams. While it's clear that was the plan for several suitors, the Cavaliers remain coy about their plans to keep their Ohio native at home.
"We have a plan and we will execute it," Cavs general manager Chris Grant told ESPN.com.
James has not indicated which way he is leaning, though he told veteran talk show host Larry King earlier this month that the Cavs have the inside track. According to the report, LeBron already has met with Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert, who traveled to Akron to meet with his prized possession last week.
Bridge Collapses In Washington State
Eric Holder Personally Approved Controversial Fox News Warrant
Senate Confirms Key Obama Nominee As Filibuster Fight Looms
Warren's First Bill Already Seeing Strong Wave Of Support
'Well That Was Actually Pointless'
Hospital Prices Explained: How Charges For Medical Care Got So Crazy
Emergency Landing Prompts Closure Of Heathrow Runways
Are You Inhaling Pesticides With Your Pot?
McCain: We Should Only Have To Pay For Cable Channels We Watch
Sequestration Hits National Parks Just In Time For Tourist Season
Polls Show How Americans Targeting Ire Over Gun Checks
Steve King Points Finger At Reagan For Helping Obama Get Elected
This Major Stock Collapse Is A Serious Warning For The U.S.
Horror In Bethesda
McDonald's Quietly Offers Ohio Hero Free Food For Year
Powerful Earthquake Hits Russia's Far East
Senate GOP At Odds With Tea Party On Budget Negotiations
Anti-Abortion Leader Compares Rape And Incest To Accidents
Ex-Student Allegedly Planned 'Columbine-Style' Attack At School
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
Could Miscarriages Become Criminal?
Farm State Senator Defends 'Monsanto Protection Act'
NOAA Releases 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions
Tom Coburn Ratchets Down Opposition To Tornado Relief Bill
Bill O'Reilly: 'I'm The Fairest Guy On The Planet'
Obama, Chris Christie To Reunite
Boy Scouts To Allow Gay Youths
U.S. Drone Guidelines Could Reduce 'Signature Strikes'
Newtown Gets Major Gift From The Government
Elite Colleges Accused Of Mishandling Sexual Assaults
