Something eerie is currently taking place in the NBA. Two days after Carmelo Anthony informed the New York Knicks of his decision to opt out of the final year of his contract, LeBron James has decided to opt out of the remaining two years of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent.
Pat Riley sent a clear message to LeBron during his press conference about the future of the Miami Heat. Riley wants LeBron to end his career in South Beach. The NBA lifer has experienced winning as a player, head coach and as an executive. He remains confident in his ability to keep a championship quality team around LeBron.
It will be interesting to see what teams LeBron actually speaks to. You would have to believe every team with an ounce of cap space is going to take a stab at signing him this summer. A few teams might be willing to pay the luxury tax. I cannot disagree with that decision, the man is a four time MVP.
This could also be a ploy to lure Carmelo to South Beach. In order for Miami to afford him LeBron, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh would have to take a pay cut. LeBron opting out could be the beginning of another super team forming in the Eastern Conference. We've seen this kind of ordeal in 2008 with the Boston Celtics and in 2010 when LeBron took his talents to South Beach.
Money doesn't play a huge role in this situation. Miami can sign LeBron to a five-year $127 Million dollar deal. $30 Million more than any other team in the league. However, with his sneaker deal and a slew of other marketing contracts, LeBron will be one of the highest grossing athletes in the world regardless of his NBA deal.
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