It’s (reportedly) officially official. LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported Friday that James has opted not to exercise his player option with the Cleveland Cavaliers:
LeBron James will not exercise the $35.6 million option on his contract with the Cavaliers for next season and will be an unrestricted free agent on Sunday, multiple sources told cleveland.com.
James had until 11:59 p.m. on Friday to pick up the option, which would have kept him in Cleveland for at least one more season. James’ agent Rich Paul notified the Cavs of his decision Friday morning.
The emotional side to this is obvious, James is separating from the Cavs again (for the third time in four years) with no guarantees that he’ll re-sign. Sources suggested to cleveland.com that his interest in joining the iconic Los Angeles Lakers is strong.
James opting out likely puts the Houston Rockets out of the running, as their clearest path to acquiring James was via a sign-and-trade.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reported that James’ free-agency destination is likely between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cavs, with a small chance for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Lakers are reportedly attempting to acquire disgruntled San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard via trade in the hopes of wooing James.
