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# LeBron James Opts Out, But Likely Won't Be Leaving Cleveland

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/qphURcqK.m3u8" -->
## Video: LeBron James Opts Out, But Likely Won't Be Leaving Cleveland

[Watch (HLS stream): LeBron James Opts Out, But Likely Won't Be Leaving Cleveland](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/qphURcqK.m3u8) (2:10)

![LeBron James Opts Out, But Likely Won't Be Leaving Cleveland](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/qphURcqK/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2015-06-29. LeBron James is expected back with the Cavaliers next season as his move to become a free agent seems to be strictly about business._


---

Jul 27, 2023 6:29 PM UTC

---

## More From This Series

[All Videos](https://time.com/video/)

[The Fortunes of LeBron James](/video/ML0hq4Ix/)

### The Fortunes of LeBron James

[Watch: Together | LeBron James](/video/U9RGk13G/)

### Watch: Together | LeBron James

[LeBron James: Making the Shot](/video/tSaJQoAY/)

### LeBron James: Making the Shot

---


## Transcript

All right, let's put the lighters away for now Cavs fans. LeBron James isn't necessarily leaving just yet. But the lasting memory of tonight will be this shot: his burning jersey in Lakewood. Last year James signed a two- year deal to come home to Cleveland. In his announcement to Sports Illustrated, he mentioned his desire to return home and bring a title to north- east Ohio. Now, he's opted out of that deal, a move almost completely expected. The current opt- out is all about business with the most likely scenario being James signing back with the Cavs, opting out again, then signing with the Cavs Again, as cleveland.

com explains, James would be in line for a sizable pay increase if he does. He wants contract flexibility next summer when he's expected to maximize his earning potential by signing a long- term deal when revenues begin pouring in from the NBA's new $ 24 billion TV contract. He figures to become not only the third NBA player ever to get paid $ 30 million in a season Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant being the others. He may become the first $ 40 million player. James' opt- out also puts pressure on Cleveland management to surround him with talent. James more or less willed his team to the NBA finals this year after his supporting cast Love and Kyrie Irving both went down with injuries.

Now a large portion of last year's squad is up for grabs, including Love, J. R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson. A rep for USA Today says, if the team completely bombs the offseason and everyone leaves, James could then decide to play elsewhere. But there's no reason to suspect that will happen. On the off chance that James does leave, CVS sports Cray Carden says the New York Knicks would make for sensible destination You just took Cleveland to their NBA final, you look around and you're playing with a bad group of guys. Kevin Love is gone, Carrying might be a long time problem now.

What do you got? You come to the Knicks! You got yourself... Stop! Some stuff. James officially becomes a free agent July 1st but won't be able to sign another contract until July 9th. According to Cleveland. com, there's no timetable for when he may sign.

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