Cleveland ? General manager Danny Ferry and Cleveland Cavaliers fans are not alone when it comes to waiting on LeBron James’ decision to sign a five-year extension with the Cavs.

James’ decision could also determine the future of Cavaliers forward Drew Gooden, a restricted free agent.

“I can’t say if LeBron’s not going to re-sign that Drew isn’t going to re-sign, but one of the main reasons why Drew wanted to go to Cleveland is because of LeBron,” said Calvin Andrews, Gooden’s agent.

“Drew thinks the Cavaliers are a championship-caliber team. If LeBron’s not in the mix, that will impact how Drew views the team.”

The Cavs offered James a five-year contract extension worth about $80 million on Saturday. That was the first day NBA teams could negotiate contract extensions with free agents.

July 12 is the first day players can sign. So far, there has not been any word from James or from his agent Leon Rose on whether James intends to sign sooner or later.

Andrews, who also represents Carmelo Anthony, said Anthony intends to sign a five-year extension with the Denver Nuggets.

The league does not allow teams to make any public statements during the free-agent signing period. Organizations can confirm their intent to begin discussions, and the Cavs have made their intention clear for weeks.

If James does not sign, he would become a restricted free agent next summer and an unrestricted free agent in 2008.

James has made recent comments about his desire to remain with the Cavs.

Ferry also has made comments about his desire to keep Gooden, a former Kansas University standout, but the Cavs did not make Gooden an offer on Saturday.

Because Gooden is a restricted free agent, the Cavs can match any offer made to Gooden.

“We had good conversations with the Cavs on Saturday,” Andrews said.

“They called shortly after midnight (last Saturday) and expressed an interest. We’re working pretty hard, especially this coming week. We know they have to take care of LeBron first.”

While the Cavs wait, Andrews will seek a long-term deal for Gooden: six years in Cleveland or five years at another address. A long-term deal could mean $8 million to $10 million a year. If that scares the Cavaliers, Gooden could receive that money from Phoenix, Atlanta or Chicago – teams in need of a low-post scorer.

However, the waiting game continues until James makes his intentions known.

“We almost have to wait because the Cavaliers want to see if (James will sign), and we understand that,” Andrews said.

“We’re not going to say we’re not doing anything until LeBron makes a decision, but we obviously can’t wait too long.

Gooden, is not the only big man in whom the Cavs have interest.

They contacted Portland Trail Blazers free-agent center Joel Przybilla on the first day. The six-year veteran is one of the most coveted free agents on the market, because he’s a versatile big man, a valuable commodity.