Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James re-signed with the team on Thursday.
According to ESPN, the deal is for three years and $100 million. There is a player option for the third year. James will make $31 million in the first year, which makes him the highest-paid player in the NBA. His salary for the 2017-18 season will top $33 million, which will make him the highest-paid player in a single season in NBA history. James announced the decision to stay with the Cavaliers in a video on Uninterrupted.
"I just want to let y'all know I'm re-signing back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, my hometown team," James said. “I can't be more excited than this opportunity once again, man, to defend our crown, defend our title. We all know last year as a magical, inspiring -- all the words you can come up with -- it was an unbelievable season. I just can't wait to get the group back together man, the team, the franchise, and more importantly get everybody together."
On Friday James posted a pic on Instagram of him apparently signing the deal.
James averaged 25.3 points, six rebounds, and 7.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in the regular season and 30.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.7 steals in the playoffs as he led the Cavaliers to their first NBA title last year, according to NBA.com. He has averaged 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds,6.9 assists, and 1.7 steals in his career and is the franchise leader in points scored, scoring average, field goals made, three-pointers made, free throws made, assists, steals, and minutes played. James is an 11-time All-Star, a four-time MVP, and has won two NBA titles.
Fans talked about the King staying in Cleveland on Twitter.
LeBron James is a cornball ????????????
— Marc (@northernmarc_) August 12, 2016
#LeBronJames will make more money in one game than I will make in 8 years of #teaching at my current salary. #Thinkaboutit
— Brian Alan M.A.Ed. (@DemokratikNUPE) August 12, 2016
I kinda wish @KingJames got 40 million a year just so he could be known as the first 40 million dollar man. That's a title he deserves
— Jared (@JaredB19) August 12, 2016
Go! @KingJames "This is for Cleeeeeevvvvveeeeeland"! You we're genuine by the way.
— Asia Nidyra Thomas (@AsiaTheSchizo) August 12, 2016
LeBron James is the Michael Jordan of Magic Johnsons #3moreyears #3morerings
— Murphy Poplyk (@murphypop) August 12, 2016
It's about time THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE @KingJames got a bless contract
— 1 of 1 (@FreddyPain_) August 12, 2016
@KingJames goat
— Gil (@xgil4x4) August 12, 2016
Bold prediction, Lebron James will retire after his three year contract is up with the Cavs @egoldie80 @hammernation
— Believeland (@JuiceSkywalker_) August 12, 2016
That contract tho ???? @KingJames
— Gavin Baird (@GavinBaird) August 12, 2016
Bruh Lebron James is goals man , underpaid at 31m ( the cap is limiting him )
— Bolu Ayeye (@bolu_ay) August 12, 2016
@KingJames playing handball in 3 years, you heard it here first!
— Nazmul Hossain (@Nazdarapper) August 12, 2016
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