SH Blog: LeBron tried to recruit Taj Gibson, D’Antoni explains Howard’s lack of touches

Here’s a little something LeBron James may not have wanted Taj Gibson to share with the rest of the world: he tried to recruit the Chicago Bulls power forward during the summer to join forces with the Miami Heat.

This was likely nothing but playful chatter between the two players in reality, given the amount of money Gibson was going to command – he was given a four-year, $38 million contract at the start of the season. That’s just too rich for Miami’s blood.

It is interesting to note, though, that LeBron likes Gibson enough to even bring up such a conversation, given his own free agency situation – even if it seems unlikely that he would ever leave the Heat after winning a championship with them. Here’s how the talk went between the two, from Joe Cowley of Chicago Sun-Times:

Then again, it isn’t often LeBron James tries to recruit you to join him with the Miami Heat.

‘‘We talked about it a lot because I was coming up on my contract, possibly becoming a free agent,’’ Gibson said. ‘‘We were kicking it around, and [James] was saying: ‘Come to Miami. Come in, and we’ll treat you right there.’ I was like, ‘Nah, I’m cool with the Bulls.’ ’’

At the time, he really wasn’t.
Gibson entered training camp with an uncertain future. The Bulls had until Nov. 1 to give him a contract extension or allow him to become a restricted free agent after this season. James knew that and was planting the seed.

‘‘Very flattering,’’ Gibson said of James’ offer. ‘‘I mean, that shows that there is a sense of respect about your game. It means that there are other guys around the league watching you, other than just going up and down the court and banging bodies against each other.’’

Maybe it soon will be time for Gibson to return the favor. Not Wednesday, when the Heat comes to town looking for its 28th consecutive victory, but after the 2013-14 season, when James can opt out of his contract.

Coincidentally, the Bulls will have forward Luol Deng coming off the books and likely will be seeking amnesty on the final season of forward Carlos Boozer’s contract. In other words, there will be cap space for at least one max player, as well as at least one other major piece.

The Bulls were one of the teams on James’ list in 2010, and coach Tom Thibodeau was impressed with his IQ when the two met that offseason.

‘‘I just respect the way he competes,’’ Thibodeau said of James last month.

Gibson said he would have no problem playing recruiter in the process, but it would carry a lot more weight if Bulls star Derrick Rose joins in — a practice he has said he wouldn’t take part in when asked in the past.

‘‘Of course, I would try,’’ Gibson said of talking with James. ‘‘But at the same time, guys have to want to come here. There are a lot of different elements that come with it. Guys want to be able to play in different locations, play in front of certain crowds, play in places with certain weather, so you have to look at all those different aspects.

‘‘But you know what? You never know.’’

LeBron wants to play with Gibson, and the feeling is apparently mutual. Again, all of this is nothing but speculation. Still, you hear stories of this nature, and can’t help but think that things could get quite interesting when the summer of 2014 arrives. Like Gibson said, you never know.

Onto other news from around the league: