If LeBron James ends up returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, it will have to be under a new contract.
According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, LeBron’s agent has informed the Cavs that the four-time NBA MVP will decline his $35.6 million player option for the 2018-2019 season and become a free agent. The deadline to make a decision on the option was 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, but LeBron’s agent Rich Paul gave Cleveland the news on Friday morning.
The Cavs are in a position to offer LeBron a five-year, $207.4 million contract this offseason, while other teams can offer a maximum of four years and $152.3 million. That probably won’t be a major factor in LeBron’s decision, as he has opted for short-term deals in recent years anyway to have more control over his future. If he does end up re-signing with Cleveland, it will almost certainly be on another two-year deal that allows him the ability to opt out after next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are considered the favorite to sign LeBron, but returning to Cleveland could be the next most likely scenario. James has been creating all kinds of buzz with every move he makes on social media, and no one would be surprised if he leaves the Cavs once again.
