As many expected, LeBron James has informed the Cleveland Cavaliers that he is opting out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports.
James opts out of his $21.5 million player option, but he is expected to re-sign with the Cavaliers. However, James will wait and see what the team does through the first couple weeks of free agency.
The Cavaliers have plenty of things to take care of this summer. Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedova, and Iman Shumpert are all restricted free agents, while Kevin Love and J.R. Smith are unrestricted free agents.
The team is still adamant on re-signing Kevin Love to a maximum deal worth $110 million for over five years. Even though Love will most likely meet with other teams, his intention is to remain with the Cavaliers as well.
Re-signing the restricted free agents mentioned above will be tricky and difficult for the Cavaliers. Last summer, Thompson requested $12 million annually but did not get it. After magnificent play during the playoffs, Thompson has proved his value and will surely hear offers from other teams as well. Meanwhile, Dellavedova may receive some promising offers, too.
Once those pieces fall into place, the Cavaliers are expected to offer James a four-year, maximum deal. But James’ intent is to sign the same deal he did last offseason, a one-year contract with a player option for the following year to become a free agent next summer when max salaries and the salary cap make a leap.
According to reports, James does not even plan on meeting with any other teams this summer, further confirming his stance to re-up with the Cavs.
James led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals this past season despite injuries to major players on the roster. Throughout the playoffs, he averaged 30.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. The Cavaliers are confident that they can make another trip to the NBA Finals next season with a healthier roster, and James is still extremely determined to win a title for the city of Cleveland.
But before they can make that happen, they have a lot of work to do this summer.