Daily News - July 8, 2014

**NOTE: The news clips and articles listed don't necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of the Cleveland Cavaliers or their Basketball Operations staff, partners, or sponsors.**

Demand of a maximum contract has Cleveland Cavaliers in free agent game for LeBron James
Author: Terry Pluto
Publication: The Plain Dealer

"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you're the Cavaliers, you have to wait for LeBron James to make his decision.

And, yes, you have to clear salary cap room.

And, yes, you may have to feel a bit frustrated because some of the free agents that you like -- Channing Frye and Spencer Hawes -- will sign elsewhere.

But the Cavs appear have a serious chance to convince James to return home. His demand of a maximum contract keeps the Cavs in the game for the NBA's premier player."

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LeBron's return to Cleveland Cavaliers a done deal, say cupcake maker and fitness trainer as media war pits underdogs vs. ESPN
Author: John Petkovic
Publication: The Plain Dealer

"CLEVELAND, Ohio – Done deal. Per source, LeBron James will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That source is Caroline's Cupcakes.

No one will confuse the Canton bakery with ESPN, the self-anointed worldwide leader in sports. But that isn't stopping Cleveland sports fans from wading through the dough of social media in search of morsels of info.

"Just texting with a friend who is directly tied in with Lebron and his camp, and he swears on his life #TheReturn to Cleveland is a done deal," said a post on Caroline's Cupcakes Facebook page.

The post went viral on social media after it was posted Sunday afternoon. It also scooped national pundits, which started reporting the possibility of James' return hours later.

"Natn'l media is about five steps behind on the whole story," said Joshua Teplitz, in a July 4 Twitter post.

Perhaps. But, um, one question: Who is Joshua Teplitz?"

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On the four-year anniversary of 'The Decision,' the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James are different
Author: Chris Fedor
Publication: Cleveland.com

"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are certain dates that are ingrained into our memory banks. I will never forget where I was or what I was doing on September 11, 2001 when a series of coordinated terrorist attacks left Americans stunned. It's hard to forget what happened on December 7, 1941 when a surprise military strike was conducted against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor.

While not on the same level, sports have moments like that as well. For Cavs fans and people around the NBA, July 8, 2010, is one of them. It's when the game's biggest star, LeBron James, uttered these famous words: "This fall, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat."

James did it on national TV, ending his time in Cleveland and crushing its fans. Jerseys were burned, the super sized mural in downtown was removed and James' name was mentioned in the same breath as Cleveland villain Art Modell.

Fans were floored, in shock that the one time fan favorite would stick the dagger in while on national television. Emotions of shock and sadness quickly turned to anger. James was labeled a "traitor" and "quitter."

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