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 James is not planning to entertain other offers and the Cavaliers
have been busy as they attempt to solidify their roster.
James' agent, Rich Paul, has made it known to the Cavs that serious
talks on a new deal for James will not take place until a new
contract for restricted free agent Tristan Thompson is in place,
according to ESPN.com. Paul also represents Thompson.
James is widely expected to re-sign with the Cavs and the contract
reportedly will be straightforward -- one year, $22 million, with a
player's option for next summer.
The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player elected to decline the player
option he held as part of the two-year contract signed last summer
with the Cavs to do another one-year pact covering the 2015-16
season and re-enter unrestricted free agency again next summer.
Based on new revenue from television and digital rights contracts,
James could receive a five-year deal worth up to $200 million in
2016 because the Cavaliers hold his Larry Bird Rights, the clause in
the current collective bargaining agreement that entices players to
re-sign with their current team.
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The Cavs also have been courting free agent forward David West, who
opted out of his $12.6 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. West
reportedly is willing to take less to play for a contender.
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After striking out in their attempts to land several high-profile
free agents, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of acquiring
center Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers.
According to multiple reports, the Pacers and Lakers reached
agreement on a deal Saturday that can not be completed until the NBA
moratorium on signings ends after July 9.
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Free agent guard Lou Williams, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in
2014-2015, agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract with the
Lakers, multiple media outlets reported Sunday.
Williams played last season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging a
career-best 15.5 points in 80 games.
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The San Antonio Spurs are optimistic that they can convince veteran
guard Manu Ginobili to play one more season.
Ginobili, 37, still has not decided whether he is coming back for
his 14th season, but after power forward LaMarcus Aldridge left the
Portland Trail Blazers to join the Spurs, the franchise is lobbying
hard for Ginobili to return, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
- - -
Kevin Durant is working his way back from three foot surgeries
within the past year and hopes to be ready to return to the court
without restrictions in August.
Durant's 2014-15 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder ended in
March with his third foot surgery. His recovery time was estimated
at four to six months, and he expects to be fully cleared next
month.
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Free agent guard C.J. Watson and the Orlando Magic have agreed on a
three-year deal worth $15 million, according to multiple reports.
(Editing by Gene Cherry)
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