Lebron James has an early termination option on his contract with the Miami Heat. Like many big stars he’s expected to exercise it and join the free agent class of 2014 in order to secure a bigger and more long term contract. While many teams are hoping to win the Lebron sweepstakes, this free agency won’t be like his last. The chances of him leaving Miami aren’t that high and the chances of him returning to Cleveland are even lower. Read more after the jump.
“I miss the slower pace back home but have grown used to my new city’s little perks like fresh fish and sweet fruit. It will definitely be someplace warm. I don’t want to go back to cold winters,” James told Women’s Wear Daily.
If James holds true to his feelings, there is no way he will even consider returning to the Cavaliers next summer. This news gives the Heat a big advantage to re-sign James, however it also opens up the possibility that his advisers might push him out West to Hollywood. The Los Angeles Lakers are set to have a massive amount of cap room and they have been mentioned as a possible destination for LeBron.
Should LeBron re-sign with Miami he can get $115 million over five years, while a deal with the Lakers or another team can only yield $85.5 million over four years. Of course Florida also has no state taxes, which is a major advantage for the Heat to retain James.
