Lebron James is a free agent once again though hearing about him opting out of his deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers is not really surprising.
Not that James is looking to jump ship and perhaps head to another club, the obvious reason behind the move is to re-negotiate for a new contract, perhaps a slightly longer one.
One thing that is for sure, James is not headed to any other team. The scenario right now is entirely different from 2010 where James transferred to the Miami Heat to join buddies Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
James still has unfinished business with the Cavaliers, that of which is to hand them an NBA title. As far as his next contract goes, expect it to be a max contract for two years.
Why just two years?
Come 2016, a dramatic salary cap increase is expected. It is believed that the salary cap will reach a record $89 million by 2016 meaning more money on the horizon. The salary cap for the coming season is pegged at $63 million and is expected to increase by $3 to $5 million next year.
Come 2016-17 however, the salary ceiling is expected to spike at a cool $22 million, more or less.
With that in mind, it should not be surprising to find most free agents signing up with teams for no more than perhaps two-years in preparation for that salary cap increase.
James of course is no exception and the case holds true as well perhaps for Kevin Love who had already opted out earlier. James will most likely get a better deal for the anticipated two-year contract which could likely include a player option on the second year.
Though the numbers have yet to be made official, it is believed that James will most likely earn more than $22 million.
With James expected to return, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and general manager David Griffin will be working on re-signing other players. That list includes Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert, key players from the squad’s previous NBA campaign.
Who says James and Love don’t jive?
It has been repeatedly made known that James is not exactly fond of Kevin Love. Love drew a lot of criticism last year for his style of play, some coming from the King himself. However all that could be doused with this image tweeted by user @JensenClan88 shows James and Love hanging out by the poolside of a hotel over in Los Angeles.
The meeting was a simple hangout and not a meeting as most people will immediately suspect.
Recall that just last week, James mentioned he wound not recruit Love back to Cleveland and convince him to stay.
Regardless of whether James convinces him or not, Love has reiterated he plans to stay in Cleveland. The best thing to do right now is wait and see what the Cavs will offer to the All Star forward.