Before boarding his float for the Cleveland Cavaliers championship parade Wednesday, LeBron James said he plans on staying with the Cavs next year.
“I love it here. I love being here. I love my teammates,” James told Joe Vardon of cleveland.com. “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 has until June 29 to decide whether or not to pick up his player option for 2016-17, worth $24 million, or opt out. Should he opt out, by no means would that indicate he would leave Cleveland. Rather, it would be a sign potentially that he’s ready to make a longer commitment to the franchise he helped rise to the top for the first time in history.
As noted by Vardon, James could earn upwards of $30 million next year on a new deal. The NBA increased the salary cap in a huge way for the upcoming season and there is more money to go around.
James will likely be playing with a different cast of teammates next year. We’ve taken a look at some free agents the team should consider going forward (here), and there are rumblings that Kevin Love could be on his way out after two less-than stellar seasons with the Cavs.
With James and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, though, it seems likely Cleveland will be challenging for another Finals appearance next season in the relatively weak Eastern Conference. For now, they will revel in their victory over the Golden State Warriors and let the future bring what it may.