National Basketball Association

James signs new two-year deal with Cavs, will opt out again

Published Jul. 9, 2015 1:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Steve DelVecchio

There will be no drama surrounding LeBron James and his free agency decision this offseason.

James has signed a two-year, $47 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to multiple reports. The deal contains a player option for the second year and will reportedly pay LeBron $23 million next season. He’ll almost certainly opt out again after the 2015-2016 season, just as he did this offseason.

This has been the play for LeBron all along. By opting out once again next summer, he can take advantage of the salary cap increase that is forthcoming and sign a massive extension. In addition to securing as much money as possible, LeBron’s ability to become a free agent again can be used as leverage against the Cavs.

There was some speculation that LeBron would wait until Cleveland re-signed Tristan Thompson before signing his new contract, but no deal has been announced yet for Thompson. Either Thompson has a new deal in place, or LeBron is satisfied with the moves the Cavs have made this offseason.

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