NBA Rumors: LeBron James insistent on maximum contract
By Bryan Rose
When LeBron James decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Miami Heat in 2010, he was all about winning an NBA championship. He didn’t care if he had to give up money to do so (which, as we all know, he did), it was simply all about getting that ring.
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Now with two rings and four straight appearances in the NBA Finals, it appears as if Lebron James’ desires have changed a bit as Brian Windhorst of ESPN is reporting that the Miami Heat star is insistent on requesting a maximum contract in free agency.
"Teams that contact Lebron James will be informed that he wants no less than the maximum salary number for next season, sources said. The max number is projected to be $22.2 million. In 2010, James accepted a pay cut when he signed with the Miami Heat, taking less than the maximum salary to help make space for other free agents."
That obviously puts a hefty damper on teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks who were said to be interested in pairing he and Carmelo Anthony together in free agency by having both players accept discounted contracts.
What James may not be requiring is the max number of years in his contract as Windhorst suggest that demand is in ‘flux’ though when it comes to money, James apparently wants as much as possible on a year-to-year basis.
If true, that certainly changes the landscape of free agency – at least for the teams who had a legit opportunity to sign the MVP talent.