While some thought he might bolt again, it became clear that LeBron James only signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers because he anticipated the NBA’s new TV deal and the subsequent rise in the salary cap. Of course it was a very smart decision as the NBA signed a nine-year, $24 billion deal with ESPN and Turner effective in 2016. While the following official cap numbers are not yet available it has been estimated that the cap will jump to $84 million for the 2016-17 season. As the league’s best player James is expected to get a significant contract, one that could break the record.
via Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck:
Based on one team’s estimates, James could earn $28 million as a free agent in 2016—a 36 percent leap from his current salary. Assuming a four-year deal with maximum raises, James would earn an NBA-record $34 million in the final season, the most any player has earned in the max-contract era.
Michael Jordan made a record $33 million in 1997-98, the season before the NBA capped individual salaries.
LeBron has certainly showed himself to be a great businessman.
