LeBron James to go free agency route, his agent says, but appears likely to stay in Cleveland

LeBron James will opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers once again this year.

But, once again, fans of the NBA champs probably don’t have to worry about the superstar decamping to another team.

James’ agent, Rich Paul, said the four-time league MVP will not exercise a player option in his contract that would have paid him $24 million next season, according to multiple media reports. Instead, James will enter free agency for the third straight summer.

Two years ago, James chose to leave Miami after four straight trips to the NBA Finals and two league titles in favor of a return to Cleveland. Last year, he opted out of his Cavaliers contract but returned after signing another two-year deal that paid him $23 million in 2015-16.

It appears James will go the latter route again this year.

“I love it here. I love being here. I love my teammates,” James said last week before the Cavaliers’ victory parade. “Obviously my agent will take care of all the logistical things, but I’m happy. I’ve got no plans to go nowhere at this point.”

Wait, “no plans to go nowhere” – that’s a double negative. Hmmm. It’s true that James could make some $2.5 million more by signing with a team other than the Cavaliers due salary-cap and other issues.

Uh-oh ...

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