Franchise Notes

Advisers for Bucs Owner Malcolm Glazer Thursday delivered his “formal proposal to buy Manchester United to the club’s representatives.” The plan is “said to contain more detail” than an earlier proposal denied in February and “is effectively a final attempt to win support” from the ManU BOD. Glazer “may be prepared to launch a full bid even without a recommendation” from BOD that shareholders should accept a cash offer of US$5.64 per share (Manchester GUARDIAN, 4/15).

CAVALIERS: Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert addressed the media before Cavs-Knicks Thursday and addressed rumors spurred by Spike Lee that Cavs F LeBron James “would sign with the Knicks when he becomes a free agent.” Gilbert: “LeBron is here for three more years minimum. We hope he’s here his whole career, and we’ll do everything to make that happen. We haven’t done any less or more talking because of what Spike Lee says or anyone for that matter.” Gilbert said of hiring a new coach, “We’ll get input from LeBron and other players. As for decision-making, I don’t think that’s the role of players no matter who they are. I think it’s an unfair burden to put on players. That can backfire and not be a good thing” (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 4/15).

HAWKS: In N.Y., Peter Vecsey reports Hawks co-Owner Steven Belkin “is attempting to buy out” the team’s other two ownership groups (N.Y. POST, 4/15).