LeBron James Opts Out of His Contract

The free agency period inches closer. One of the biggest (if not the biggest) storylines of this year's free agency is LeBron James's decision. In fact, I will refer to this as the "LeBron James Summer." James's decision could potentially change the dynamic of the NBA. Whether he stays with the Cavaliers, or joins another team with another superstar, the NBA will be on notice.

On Friday, LeBron James had the chance to accept the player option on his current contract with the Cavaliers. But, according to ESPN, James declined the player and will become an unrestricted free agent.

LeBron James will headline a free agent class that includes players such as DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan. Each of these players are valuable and capable of helping a team. If a team signs two of these players, they could instantly become a contending team. The possibility of signing LeBron James makes things even more enticing.

This season, James led the Cavs to the NBA Finals. They were the 4th seed of the Eastern Conference but managed to beat higher seeds such as the Raptors or Celtics. The Cavaliers had 2 seven game series in their playoff journey. In the first round, the Cavs beat the Pacers 4-3. They lost the first game of the series (which was at home), but came back to win the series and advance to the second round. Then, the Cavs swept the Raptors in the second round. The Raptors were the first seed of the Eastern Conference, yet they were swept by the Cavs. The Cavs faced a bigger challenge in the Boston Celtics. The Celtics were on the verge of winning this series, but the Cavs bounced back to win the series 4-3 and become the Eastern Conference champions. Then, the Cavs were swept by the Warriors in the Finals.

The Cavs made it to the Finals despite an up and down season. The Cavs went through several players such as Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas, and Dwyane Wade. They traded these players away in various trades at the trade deadline. They brought in younger players like Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and Larry Nance Jr. The Cavs went through the playoffs with their new additions from the trade deadline.

Now, LeBron James could remain with the Cavs or he can go to a different team. There are rumors that the Houston Rockets, L.A Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers are interested in James.

He could join James Harden and Chris Paul (one of his best friends) in Houston. Or, he could go to the Lakers alongside Paul George and/or Kawhi Leonard.

Paul George is another player the Lakers are expected to pursue. He is a California native who could be the focal point of the Lakers. If he pairs with LeBron James, they would help the Lakers become a contender.

According to ESPN, Kawhi Leonard is seeking a trade from the Spurs. There is tension between Leonard and the Spurs because of the treatment of his injury. Leonard is said to have a preference for the Lakers. He is also a California native and if he is paired with LeBron or Paul, they would help the Lakers improve.

James could also join "The Process" in Philadelphia. He would join young, talented players such as Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons (who is represented by James's manager Rich Paul). His experience and talent alongside these young players could help (or stunt) their growth.

Or, ultimately, LeBron James could stay with the Cavaliers. The Cavs drafted University of Alabama guard Collin Sexton in this year's draft. This is a good move with or without LeBron, but I hear critics saying this "isn't enough" to keep LeBron. In my opinion, what can the Cavs do without any kind of commitment from James. If they get a definitive answer from James, they could try bringing in a DeMarcus Cousins or Paul George. Otherwise, the Cavs are stuck. If LeBron does not commit, it is likely that very few free agents would want to risk going to a team that could potentially be a rebuilding team with James. This puts both James and the Cavaliers in a predicament.

Regardless of where LeBron James goes, it will change the NBA. At this point, no one is sure of what he'll do (probably himself included), but with him opting out of his contract, the "Summer of LeBron" begins.