LeBron James is set to become the NBA's highest paid player following his new $100 million three-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo : Getty Images/Kevin Winter)
Lebron James officially signed his new deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday which makes him the NBA’s highest paid player. The new deal is worth $100 million and includes the usual player option on the third year.
It was a known fact that James would eventually sign a new pact with the Cleveland Cavaliers though there was no timetable. But the surprise was really the length of his contract.
The past years saw James agree to one-on-one deals, the latter being a player option which James usually exercises when he opts out. It is the normal standard that allows him to negotiate for a bigger pact.
With the new deal, James tops the previous earnings that NBA great Michael Jordan had. This was back in 1997-98 when “His Airness” was still actively playing for the Chicago Bulls. He earned $33 million back then.
For James, he will earn $31 million for the 2016-17 NBA season, making him the highest-paid player this season. Looking ahead to the 2017-18 season, he will top $33 million and officially become the highest-paid player in a single season besting Jordan, ESPN reported.
Before officially signing the contract Friday, James already made it known that he would re-sign with the Cavs. He showed lots of enthusiasm with the deal which was first brought out in the open by his agent Rich Paul.
Upbeat and recharged, he did add an interesting take towards the end of his message. This was in connection to J.R. Smith who has yet to be re-signed by the Cavs.
A photo posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Aug 12, 2016 at 9:47am PDT
Similar to his predicament last year, Smith will be among the last players to be re-signed. According to Complex, the veteran swingman was seeking a $15 million a year deal to stay on in Cleveland.
Smith’s value to the franchise was seen last year and the dish of James is likely to add more pressure to Dan Gilbert and company. According to Basketball Insiders, Smith was previously offered a $10 million multi-year contract.
On the case of Smith, it may all be down to the final numbers the Cavs are willing to shell out. Either way, he is highly expected to return for the team this coming season.
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