Sport
LeBron James opts to become a free agent
James, a high school star near Akron just south of Cleveland, could attract other talented players alongside him after his stellar stint in Miami. Opting out of his contract makes the price tag much higher for Miami to keep the 4-time NBA Most Valuable Player, who was set to make US$42.7 million in the final 2 years on his old contract.
The Heat would be able to offer more money and a longer-term deal to James than any rival club, but other teams would likely bid high for the chance to land James, who also was the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2012 and 2013.
Miami can pitch James a 5-year deal worth approximately US$127 million while the best other clubs can do is pay him about US$95 million over 4 years. James could also sign with another club for less than the maximum, freeing up salary cap funds to attract other talented players in hopes of building a title contender as he did with the Heat.
But the Heat must also consider guard Dwyane Wade and forward Chris Bosh, the other members of the “Big Three” who also could opt out of their Miami deals by Monday.
The talented trio could reunite in Miami or for another team if the price was right, or the opt outs would give the Heat greater room to boost the roster of players around them. Or James could be joined by other free agents such as Carmelo Anthony in forming the foundation of a contender at Miami or some another city.
Much of the talk about potential rival suitors for James has centered on a return to Cleveland, the city whose fans felt betrayed when he spurned them to take his talents to Miami.
James averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 77 games last season for the Heat.
Source: AFP
