LeBron James (Photo : REUTERS)
LeBron James opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers to become a free-agent again this offseason. The chances of LeBron bolting of Cleveland is slim per report, but owner Dan Gilbert would need to prepare a gargantuan deal heading his way two years from now if he wants to retain the service of the best player in the world in the long run.
In a report by Business Insider Tony Manfred, James is reportedly hatching a coup that would make him the highest-paid athlete to ever play in the NBA. The plan would require him to sign one-year contracts in the next two summers before signing a whopping five-year, $205 million deal in 2017.
"In 2015, LeBron can sign a four-year, $94.4 million contract. In 2016, he can sign a four-year, $125.3 million contract. And in 2017, he can sign a five-year, $204.4 million contract," according to Manfred.
James, who returned to Cleveland last summer and led the Cavaliers to its second finals appearance, has been pushing to increase the salaries of NBA players especially following the multi-billion deal between the NBA and its TV partners, ESPN and TNT, last year.
The four-time NBA MVP averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game last season with the Cavaliers, earning All-Star and All-NBA first team honors once again. But despite taking his talent back to Northern Ohio, James came short in leading the Cavaliers to its first championship after succumbing to the eventual NBA champions Golden State Warriors in six games.
However, the Cavaliers are determined to retain its core at all cost after reportedly reaching an agreement with free-agents Tristan Thompson (five-year, $80 million) and Kevin Love (five-year, $110 million). According to league sources, James is expected to re-sign with the Cavaliers later this week or early next week.
