Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers were a fairly stable franchise during the LeBron James era but now that the team is moving into life without the kid from Akron, things are not expected to be so solid.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that there are not any trades currently planned but if the team can not get itself above .500 at mid-season, there could be a lot of player movement.

The Dealer claims that if that is the case, the team will put Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Anthony Parker, and Jamario Moon up on the trading block and is betting 60/40 right now that Jamison will be gone before the deadline passes.

Yahoo Sports

Jay-Z, LeBron James

Did LeBron James run afoul of “old friend” Jay-Z?

The Internet is popping with a report that the hip-hop magnate, who is also a minority owner of the New Jersey Nets, is upset that James kept him out of the loop on his decision to join the Miami team.

The website Mediatakeout.com quotes an “EXTREMELY CREDIBLE insider” — the capital letters are meant to underscore the source’s supposed reliability — saying “Jay-Z felt disrespected that King James did not consult with him during the free agency process.

FanNation

The Cleveland Cavaliers completed their first post-LeBron James personnel move on Monday night, trading troubled guard Delonte West and point guard Sebastian Telfair to the Minnesota Timberwolves for pont guard Ramon Sessions, 7-footer Ryan Hollins and a future second-round pick.

Ramon Sessions

ESPN.com

LeBron James, Chris Paul

Nobody is blaming Chris Paul for wanting out of New Orleans. The roster is a wreck, the Hornets fired a coach he liked, fired their general manager and ownership is changing hands.

And today, CP3 got an endorsement for someone that may sour some on Paul’s demands. LeBron James tweeted: “Best of luck to my brother @oneandonlycp3 . Do what’s best for You and your family.”

Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer put it rather brilliantly in just 140 characters : “These days ‘brand management’ & ‘doing what is best for your family’ apparently means turning off as many of your fans as possible. ”

HoopsWorld

Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions is believed to be on the block after the Timberwolves signed Luke Ridnour last week.

The Cavaliers reportedly have interest in Sessions, as well as young center Kosta Koufos, who Minnesota acquired from Utah in the Al Jefferson trade.

Cleveland is in the market for at least one developmental big man now that it seems clear Sasha Kaun will remain in Russia for another year.

Real GM

Shaquille O'Neal

The Knicks have inquired about a sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers for free agent Shaquille O’Neal.

O’Neal, 38, played for Mike D’Antoni in Phoenix for half a season in 2008. Reports, however, have O’Neal headed to Atlanta for Marvin Williams.

A Knicks source said, “I don’t think it would work with us on many levels.”

HoopsWorld

Delonte West

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in Maryland on weapons and traffic charges.

A spokesman for Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey says West will plead guilty to carrying concealed weapons and carrying and transporting loaded handguns.

His deal says he will do court-supervised electronic monitoring, complete community service and undergo psychological counseling. While waiting before the hearing Thursday, West said he feels “blessed.”

ESPN.com

Kyle Lowry

The Cavaliers are attempting to make their first player acquisition of the summer. But like everything else during the past month, it is complicated.

According to multiple league sources, the Cavs signed restricted free-agent point guard Kyle Lowry to an offer sheet Tuesday night.

His current team, the Houston Rockets, will have seven days to match the deal from when they receive the paperwork, which likely will be today.

HoopsWorld

LeBron James

LeBron James did not feel comfortable coming to play for the Knicks, a source told the New York Post.

James was afraid of New York’s bright lights and the intense nature of the media, the source claims. Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni hinted that might be the case on Thursday.

“I think I was attracted to a lot of cities,” James told Michael Wilbon after his decision as he sidestepped a question about New York.

“I was attracted to a lot of cities, but it came down to where I can win and where my family would be happy.”

Real GM