Mike Conley was the previous owner of that title thanks to the $153 million deal he signed with Memphis this off-season, and King James has swiped it from him before Conley could even play a single game with that honor. “I’m re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and I [couldn’t] be more excited with this opportunity once again man, to defend our crown, defend our title”, he said. ESPN reports James signed a three year deal for $100 million.
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Under the new deal, ESPN reported James’ $33 million salary in 2017-18 will be the highest single-season salary in National Basketball Association history.
Earlier today, LeBron James announced that he had indeed agreed to a new contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For the first time since leaving the Miami Heat in July, 2014, James has signed for multiple years.
He exercised his player opt-out this offseason on a contract that would have paid him $21.6m next year before agreeing to the record deal.
After consecutive 1-year deals in Cleveland, LeBron has finally signed a multi-year deal with the team.
His performance against the Golden State Warriors was the stuff of legend.
The “fans” James mentioned, well, they can take a summer off (actually, the rumors typically start around Christmas) from whispers that James may be plotting a second exit from Cleveland. Miami plays at Golden State on January 10 as part of a six-game road trip.
So while James’ decision shouldn’t necessarily be construed as a sign maximum salaries will stay the same under the next CBA, it’s an indication that changes are no sure thing. The Los Angeles Clippers rank second with 26, while the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls will get 25 nationally televised games.
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James said he’s looking forward to “getting the band back together” and said to get J.R. Smith’s deal done next. Since few quality teams have cap space, Smith’s best leverage for a new contract is sharing an agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Management) with James. They know that the shooting guard will get the pay he deserves; an annual salary within the proximity of $10 million.
