Despite his promises to remain in Cleveland, LeBron James’ agent has informed the Cavaliers that he will not exercise his $24 million player option.
James, who turns 32 in December, had until midnight Wednesday to inform the team of his decision.
The father-of-3 seems to enjoy making his fans sweat during the off-season.
“I love it here in Cleveland. I have no intentions of leaving,” James told ESPN during the Cavs’ championship parade on Wednesday. “There are some technicalities to take care of I’ll leave up to my agent. That’s right from the horse’s mouth.”
The NBA Finals MVP will begin considering offers from other teams when free agency opens on Friday, July 1.
James, who was spotted at JFK Airport on Tuesday, will likely sit down with the NY Knicks who recently signed former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose to their roster.
Knicks president Phil Jackson is working with a $29 million salary cap that doesn’t give him much room to bargain with.
But Jackson can free up space under the salary cap to guarantee James a max salary of $30 million, and still court free agent Kevin Durant, if he unloads free agents Derrick Williams, Kevin Seraphin, Lance Thomas, and Langston Galloway.
James also opted out of his player option last season, but he re-signed with the Cavaliers and led the franchise to its first NBA title in his 2nd season.
Knicks fans are salivating at the prospect of James, Durant, Rose, and Carmelo Anthony playing on the same team.
A dream roster like that one would virtually guarantee James a 4th NBA championship ring.
