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James, fresh off guiding the Cavaliers to their first NBA
title, turned down a $24 million salary for the 2016-17 season.
He faced a June 29 deadline for his decision.
He could sign with a different team for $30.8 million next
season, or if he wants to return to Cleveland on a one-year
contract, he could get only $27.5 million due to the team's
salary-cap situation, according to ESPN.com. The report
indicated he could get a two-year, $64 million contract from the
Cavs.
James, an Akron, Ohio, native, has indicated that he intends to
stay with his hometown team.
"I love it here. I love being here. I love my teammates," James
recently told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Obviously my agent
will take care of all the logistical things, but I'm happy. I've
got no plans to go nowhere at this point."
James, 31, was a unanimous choice as NBA Finals MVP after
leading the Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Golden
State Warriors. He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9
assists during the seven-game series.
During the regular season, James averaged 25.3 points, 7.4
rebounds and 6.8 assists. He came in third in MVP balloting
behind unanimous winner Stephen Curry of the Warriors and
defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio
Spurs.
James is a three-time NBA champion, a three-time Finals MVP, a
four-time regular-season MVP and a 12-time All-Star.
Assuming James returns, the Cavaliers look to be in good shape
for next season. The team's unrestricted free agents are
reserves Timofey Mozgov and Richard Jefferson, while backup
guard Matthew Dellavedova will be a restricted free agent this
summer.
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