LeBron James to become a free agent this summer

LeBron James will opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat next month, according to multiple media sources.

ESPN’s Chris Broussard was the first to report that “James’ agent Rich Paul has told Heat LeBron will exercise early termination option.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the four-year run that resulted in four NBA Finals appearances and two league titles is over.

It just means that James wants to explore his options -- which also likely means we’re in for another circus like the one we saw in 2010, the last time he was a free agent.

Back then, numerous teams bent over backward to court James, who ended up announcing his choice to switch from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Heat in a much-hyped and much-panned televised appearance called “The Decision.”

The other two members of Miami’s Big Three, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, also can choose to opt out of their contracts when free agency begins July 1.

According to Yahoo Sports and Fox Sports 1 reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, James is “determined to impose pressure on Miami to improve roster and spend, sources say.”

The Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games during the NBA Finals earlier this month.

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