With the recent news that LeBron James is opting out of his last two years of his contract with the Miami Heat, this could potentially bring in Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo is already a free agent and is currently sorting out through his various team options. James’ agent, Rich Paul, has officially notified the public that he will become a free agent on July 1.
LeBron James is not officially leaving Miami. Opting out of an NBA contract simply opens up more options for a player. He is willing to to explore any potential deals that various teams could offer with Miami also still staying an option. With this, there are three options LeBron will face. This includes signing with the Heat for a maximum five-year contract with the offer of $130 million, sign for a less amount to stay with the Heat or look at other options as a whole and sign for a four-year contract worth as much as $96 million with another NBA team.
If James were to choose to stay with the Heat, he could look to sign for the maximum five-year deal for $130 million. This upcoming season would have led to James earning $20.5 million and $22.1 million the following year. These large options could be what keeps LeBron James in Miami, but he could also look to stay with the Heat for a decreased amount.
Carmelo Anthony also recently notified the New York Knicks that he was opting out of his final year of his contract to become a free agent. The Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks have all had their eyes on Carmelo the past couple of weeks, but the Bulls have been the main option. He could choose to play for the Bulls, but James opting out of his contract could benefit his potential earnings in Miami instead.
Many may be questioning if LeBron James opting out of his contract with the Heat could open up options to bring Carmelo Anthony to Miami. James could pick the option of decreasing his salary. With decreasing his salary, this could lead to more money being offered to Carmelo. The chances of the offer exceeding other contract deals throughout the NBA could be what it takes for him to sign with the Miami Heat. James could choose this option, as he has always wanted to play alongside with his longtime friend, Carmelo Anthony.
In addition, James may choose to back away from the Heat to still provide a higher salary being offered to Carmelo. After losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the recent NBA Finals in a 4-1 series, that loss may have been the last straw for LeBron. He just may choose to look at bringing his talents elsewhere, while leaving his hefty Miami contract. James has countless endorsement deals that could even out his wealth if another team offers a slightly less amount. Such endorsements include Coca-Cola, Nike, Upper Deck, Dunkin Donuts and McDonald’s; all adding up to an approximate yearly amount of $42 million. It should not be disregarded also that with James’ endorsements with Nike, he releases his basketball shoes to be retailed at around $199.99, and sometimes more.
July 1 is the start of the NBA free agency. With recent news, this season could be huge for both Carmelo and James regardless of where they both end up. James may choose to lessen his contract salary to bring in Carmelo Anthony after news that James has chosen to opt out of the Heat two years early. Many are awaiting to see if LeBron James will sacrifice his million-dollar salary of up to $130 million just to bring Carmelo to Miami in hopes of adding another prestigious player to the franchise.
Commentary by Tricia Manalansan
Sources:
Guardian LV
USA Today
SF Gate
One thought on “LeBron James Opting Out of Miami Heat Could Bring In Carmelo Anthony”
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