This is not your typical, "I am a free agent, I am going for the money" move. This was one of the most betraying moves I have ever heard of in sports.
I am not a huge Cavs fan, but obviously was interested because of Lebron and watched some games, it seemed like Boozer was a character guy but after hearing this story this is sick.
Gordon Gund and John Paxson had their usual season ending meeting with every player. Boozer came in and they had a great talk about him and his character and the future he and Lebron would have. Boozer expressed how he felt insecure in his deal, and the cavs and him talked his 695,000 dollar deal. Boozer wanted Security, and the cavs did too. Boozer was worried if he tore his knee up or had a bad season, etc. He wanted to be ok, the cavs agreed and said they would think about offering him their max, 6 year, 41 million dollar deal, with an out clause after 3 yearsfor CARLOS. an unbelieveable deal for Carlos.
He acknowledges that of course if he were a FA he could get more, but he put his "word" with the cavs, and told them organization and their fans he would be back. He also expressed his utmost respect for Gund in showing class and "He wasn't going to let him down".
So the cavs and Boozer had the contract set, and Boozer said it was as good as signed, sealed, and delivered. Boozer and his agent would not even listen to other offers.
Well that all changed when utah offers LOOZER 68 million. This thug committed one of the worst acts of betrayal that we have seen in sports in a long, long time.
It is a sad story, and is going to ruin the image of sports for a lot of youngsters that see this. What is even crazier is that there are basketball players saying how wrong this was, you will never hear another player comment on contracts of other NBA players, that is an unwritten rule. It will hurt the game, the players, and the fans. A sad sort of affairs when you have people like this.
According to a source who was in the room at the time the verbal deal was struck, Boozer told Gund, "If you respect me by not picking up the option, I'll show trust and loyalty to you by signing with you."
HE SCREWED A BLIND MAN!!!!!!!!!!
source- RealGM forum- Rookie15