Both Kevin Love and LeBron James can opt out of their contracts and become free agents this summer, which they’ll probably do. There’s no cause for concern within Cleveland though – this is all just part of the plan. As Cleveland’s general manager told Chris Haynes, he fully believes LeBron and Love will be back with the Cavaliers next year.
David Griffin says he believes LeBron James and Kevin Love will opt out, but he expects them to be back with #Cavs.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 18, 2015
LeBron’s intentions were clear when he signed with Cleveland last summer. What’s likely to happen is that he’ll opt out and re-sign with a 1+1 deal – meaning, he’ll get his 120 percent raise next year, then opt out again next year. This way, LeBron positions himself perfectly to get the ludicrous max contract he’s expected to receive when the salary cap explodes.
While LeBron is sure to return, it’s a little less certain for Love. Though he’s said, time and again, that he’ll return to the Cavaliers, it still wouldn’t be surprising if he left for another team. Still, the Cavaliers can offer the most money over the most years. Not only that, they represent the best chance for Love to legitimately compete for a championship. The other teams that he’s been linked to, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, may reside in bigger markets, but they’re nowhere near ready to challenge for a title.
“Opting out” may sound like a threatening term for some teams, but for the Cavaliers, it’s merely par for the course.
