Mike Foss, USA TODAY
CLEVELAND (USA Today) — There is nothing surprising about LeBron James’ decision to opt of his contract on July 1st. It was a move long-expected and will be a dress rehearsal for next summer, when James will opt out once more when the NBA’s salary cap will rise, and open up the possibility for him to sign a lucrative long-term deal. This is simply a business move, and nothing more. LeBron isn’t going anywhere, and likely no one else is either.
There is a uniqueness to this summer’s free-agency proceedings. James is hardly the only Cavalier with options. Kevin Love will test the free agent market, as will J.R Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson, the latter two being restricted free agents, and Cleveland can match any offer they receive. What makes these proceedings unique is that most players aren’t making long-term decisions, rather, angling to put themselves in the best position possible for 2016.
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