LeBron James has long been considered the league’s best player and now he’ll finally have the contract to match.
James is returning to the Cavaliers on a three-year, $100 million deal, a league source confirmed to the Beacon Journal. His $31 million salary this coming season will make him the league’s highest-paid player for the first time in his career, according to ESPN, which first reported the signing.
James, 31, made it clear on the day of the Cavs’ championship parade he was returning to defend the title. What wasn’t clear until Thursday was the type of contract he would sign. James played on one-year deals during his first two years in Cleveland. Now he is ensured of sticking around a little longer, although the final year on the deal is likely to be a player option.
“I can’t be more excited than this opportunity,” James said on an Uninterrupted video released Thursday discussing his return. “To defend our crown, defend our title. We all know last year was a magical, inspiring — all the words you can come up with — it was an unbelievable season. I just can’t wait to get the group back together.”
Under the new deal, ESPN reported James’ $33 million salary in 2017-18 will be the highest single-season salary in NBA history.
James’ agreement leaves J.R. Smith as the final key piece from last year’s title team left unsigned. Smith, who was recently married, shares an agent with James in Rich Paul.
James concluded his Uninterrupted video by mentioning Smith’s free agency.
“I’m ecstatic,” James said. “I can’t wait to see my guys. I can’t wait to get back out there in the wine and gold and just get the band back together. Lastly, let’s get J.R. done. It’s that time.”
James and the Cavaliers will receive their championship rings on Oct. 25 at home against the New York Knicks.
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Cavs blog at www.ohio.com/cavs. Follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ.