In the championship-clinching Game 7 victory, James scored a team-best 27 points, and in leading the Cavaliers to their first National Basketball Association title, earned his third Finals MVP Award, which is tied for the second-most all-time.
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The Cavaliers and their star have agreed to terms on a new three-year contract that will make the NBA’s biggest star its highest-paid player with a $31million salary next season. But with many National Basketball Association teams either over the salary cap or uninterested in Smith, it’s fair for the Cavs to make sure they aren’t overpaying, especially as they are well into the luxury tax.
“I can’t be more excited than this opportunity”, James said on an Uninterrupted video released Thursday discussing his return. We all know past year as a magical, inspiring – all the words you can come up with – it was an unbelievable season. “I just can’t wait to get the group back together”. The deal will make James the highest-paid star in the National Basketball Association this season and after that he will become the highest paid of all time.
His salary would rise to $33 million in the 2017-18 season. Without you guys, without your passion and commitment, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did this past season. I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait to see all my guys.
“Lastly, you know what I’m saying, let’s get J.R. done!”
J.R. Smith was an integral part of the Cavs’ championship run, and it’s a near-certainty that he will be back with the team in the fall.
James, 31, became a free agent this offseason, but his stay in Cleveland was never really in doubt. I can’t wait to get back out there in the wine and gold and just get the band back together.
James, who said earlier this summer he meant to re-sign with Cleveland, will soon sign the deal, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because some details of the deal need to be finalized.
In each of the past six seasons, James guided his team to the Finals, and he has three championship rings. In the postseason, his averages improved to 26.3, 9.5 and 7.6.
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A 12-time All-Star, James is a four-time regular-season MVP and a three-time NBA Finals MVP.
