Lebron James will opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat and become a free agent.
ESPN reported that James’ agent, Rich Paul, has informed the Heat that his client will exercise the early termination option and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Before Heat fans get all upset thinking that King James is leaving South Beach, opting out does mean that he is definitely leaving the team.
As USA Today Sports pointed out, it does mean that the pressure has been put on Heat president Pat Riley. He may have to win a recruiting war before cameras set up for part two of The Decision. Or James could be sending a message that he wants Miami to improve its roster and get in on the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes.
James had two years and more than $42 million remaining on his deal.
After losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals last week, the 29-year-old basketball star said that he would explore his contract options and enjoyed his flexibility.
"Being able to have flexibility as a professional, anyone, that's what we all would like," James said. "That's in any sport, for a football player, a baseball player, a basketball player, to have flexibility and be able to control your future or your present.”
Now, it will be interesting to see if his teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade choose to opt out of their contracts as well.