The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to be the biggest free-agent splash of the summer, but the New York Knicks could also take center court next to LeBron James, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported on Sunday.
The Knicks are expected to offer James a five-year, $115 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
James’ representatives are expected soon to officially announce the terms of the agreement.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have made it clear they’re willing to go above and beyond the cap to land the reigning MVP.
They could be the ones with the most to gain by extending James, who has become a perennial All-Star after scoring 30,965 points.
Cleveland has been linked to James since last summer, when it was widely reported that James was considering joining the Cavs as an assistant coach.
James had been on the Cavs’ radar for years, but after James’ departure, it seemed like it would be difficult for him to make the team as he had a career-high in scoring.
James went on to win a championship with the Cavs, but he also has been vocal about the lack of leadership he has seen in the organization.
James is one of several players who will get an extension next summer.
Jared Dudley, who will be a restricted free agent, has a contract that will be worth $9 million next season, according the Vertical’s Adrian Dater.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also recently announced that James’ agent, Rich Paul, would represent him as part of a $100 million agreement.
James will make $40 million next year, $42 million in 2019-20 and $42.5 million in 2020-21.
The Cavs’ offer to James could be $50 million, $55 million or even $55.5 for the 2019-2020 season, but they will have to be able to reach a long-term agreement with James to keep him.