It’s everywhere you look.
Whether on mainstream ESPN, or internet media outlets, or your local radio shows, the topic that is trending on Twitter -Â and is sadly overshadowing the NBA Finals – is Tom Izzo, LeBron, and the Cavs.
It was reported first by Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer that Izzo is the Cavs’ top choice, but even then things seemed like a long shot. As the weeks passed though, more insiders began shedding light, breaking some news, and getting the story.
Then, came the official announcement from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and newly announced GM Chris Grant:
Tom izzo and the Cavs have been flirting quite a bit in the past week, especially since the firing of Brown and resigning of Ferry, but today could be the day that it becomes official:
Tom Izzo could be the new head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But there is always the IF factor…
[Editor's Note/Update: Our friends at Waiting For Next Year were the first ones to report that Tom Izzo had already informed his team that he intended to take the Cavs job. They, of course, took heat for this, but I thought Denny did a great job defending their decision to report this anonymously sourced story.]
It was first reported today in the early morning today by Windhorst, that Tom Izzo and the Cavaliers would have a meeting today to discuss everything Cavs.
Then more insight came in the early morning, as Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reported that today’s meeting is indeed the deciding factor for Izzo, and that the topics to be discussed are the following:
A huge part of the deal is obviously and without question going to have to include the staying of LeBron, right?
Wrong! Sources close to Izzo, say that while LeBron is a savory part of the deal, it is not going to be the deciding factor for Izzo. Sources close say that Izzo has been looking more closesly at what the Cavaliers would do if the star never returned, and how they would revamp the roster for a plan B. While others say that Izzo, and the Cavs both strongly believe that LeBron would return to his Cleveland throne.
But another huge factor, is money.
Plain and simple amigos, money talks in this world, and when Dan Gilbert – whom has attempted to pry Tom Izzo from the MSU faithful since 05 – is offering Izzo a a 5-year, $30 million dollar deal, you’d have to imagine that Tom is strongly considering the deal this time around. There has been word of other perks, such as use to one of Gilbert’s private jets, and a couple others. Also note that Gilbert is a MSUÂ alum, and – as I said – has been trying to pry Izzo from the Spartans since ’05!
So can today’s meeting be enough to bring Izzo to Ohio? It just might.
While as of late Dan Gilbert has been talking to the media, Izzo and his reps, and the others in the Cavs front office, there has been one person that he is primarily trying to get his word out to. Not you, not me, not even Tom Izzo, but…
…LeBron James.
Dan Gilbert has been playing his cards well, and now that he might be closer than ever to bringing in the MSU coach, he might, just might, giving The King one more reason to stay home.
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Tom Izzo photo courtesy: Sparty and Friends
Dan Gilbert photo courtesy: Cleveland.com
