LeBron James said he was staying in Cleveland after the Cavaliers won the franchise’s first NBA title. The only question was for how many years and on what kind of contract, there were a lot of options.
We have the answer — LeBron is about to be the highest paid player in the NBA. Brian Windhorst of ESPN broke the story.
LeBron James has agreed to a 3-year, $100 contract with the Cavs, sources told ESPN
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) August 11, 2016
LeBron James new 3-year, $100 MILLION deal makes him highest paid player in the league for first time at $31M this season
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) August 11, 2016
LeBron's salary in 2017-18 will top $33 million and be the highest single season salary in NBA history.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) August 11, 2016
LeBron himself later confirmed the signing.
We don’t know officially if and when LeBron has an option in this deal.
Only two other players in NBA history have made $30 million or more in a season: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
LeBron has earned being the highest paid player in the league, and the Cavaliers have a core around him — Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, etc. — that will have them contending for a title every season. With LeBron, the Cavaliers remain the clear favorites in the Eastern Conference.
