LeBron James officially is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The NBA’s best player and reigning Finals MVP announced the new contract via UNINTERRUPTED.
BREAKING NEWS: @KingJames announces on UNINTERRUPTED he will sign a new deal with the @Cavs.https://t.co/CXZ5qFK5o6
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) August 11, 2016
“I can’t be more excited in this opportunity, man, once again to defend our crown, defend our title,” James said, referencing the Cavs’ NBA championship earlier this summer. “We all know last year was a magical, inspiring … all the words you could come up with, man. It was an unbelievable season. I just can’t wait to get the group back together.”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst cited sources in reporting that James’ deal is for three years and $100 million. He’ll earn $31 million in the 2016-17 season, making him the league’s highest-paid player for the first time in his career. He’ll make $33 million in 2017-18, the highest single-season salary in league history.
James reportedly will have a player option for the third year of the deal, per USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick.
Before James signed off, he was sure to casually slip in a message to the Cavaliers’ front office, which reportedly is at odds with J.R. Smith — who wants around $15 million per season.
“Let’s get J.R. done,” James said. “It’s that time.”
Thumbnail photo via Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports Images
