Change is welcome in Chicago after a 3-13 season, its worst in more than 30 years, and a third consecutive last-place finish in the NFC North. And change is what the Bears will get.
The eight-year Jay Cutler era, sprinkled with sparks but drenched in disappointment, ended when the Bears released the quarterback at the start of the 2017 league year — right before they signed Mike Glennon to a 3-year, $45 million deal.
“On the afternoon of June 30, the sides thought they had a deal. On a conference call between the teams, everyone tentatively agreed. George to the Cavs, (Kevin) Love to the Nuggets, (Gary) Harris and other pieces to the Pacers, sources said… But then (Pacers GM Kevin) Pritchard, who had been on the conference call when the deal was tentatively agreed to, sent the message that his team was backing out, sources said. There was no deal.”
Instead of that three-teamer, Pritchard instead chose to send George to the Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Perhaps Pritchard was hesitant to send his biggest star to a team within the Central Division. Maybe the other pieces beyond Harris simply weren’t enough for Pritchard’s liking. Regardless of the reasoning, the bottom line is George ended up in Oklahoma City, and Cleveland continued its downward offseason spiral.
James can become a free agent after next season. Irving is under contract for the next two seasons with a player option for the 2019-20 season, but he’s intent on leaving. Love is under contract through the 2019-20 season, but it’s clear the Cavs are willing to part ways with him if the deal is right.
There is a huge minefield around Quicken Loans Arena at the moment. New Cavs GM Koby Altman has to tread lightly.