LeBron James Declines $35.6M Player Option To Become Unrestricted Free Agent

On June 29, 2018, Drake dropped an album and LeBron James dropped a bomb. 

With more than 12 hours until his July 1st deadline, James informed the Cleveland Cavaliers that he will decline his $35.6M player option to become an unrestricted free agent. 

As Cleveland holds its breath awaiting the King’s decision, there will be flashbacks about James’ 2010 decision to take his talents to South Beach. However, in 2014, the then 11-year vet exercised the early termination option to return to his hometown, which ultimately led to a championship two years later. 

But now, as the baller heads into free agency, he joins the likes of Paul George, Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins and more. Will he head to L.A. to form a new superteam to defeat Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors, or will he head to Houston with this year’s MVP, James Harden? Will James head to Philly to join forces with his protege, Ben Simmons, or stay home with his family in Cleveland? 

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If he does decide to stay home, James can pull in a new five-year contract worth more than $200 million, which is nearly one-year, $50 million more than the most any other team could offer, Cleveland.com reports.