Trending News|July 10, 2015 11:55 EDT
NBA Free Agency News: LeBron James Sticks with the Cavs
As expected, the biggest name in free agency is staying with his team as LeBron James has agreed to a two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Associated Press reports that the contract is worth $47 million, which includes a $24 million player option for 2016-17.
The deal is similar to the one James signed last year, one that effectively allows him to become a free agent after every year.
As noted by Ball Don't Lie, such a deal makes financial sense for someone like James, as the NBA's nine-year $24 billion broadcast rights deal will raise the salary cap significantly, and could bump James' annual income to $30 million when he signs his next deal.
The Cavs have committed close to $300 million in player salaries this offseason alone, tying up Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert.
Meanwhile in Dallas, the Mavericks looked to fill the void left at center by DeAndre Jordan backing out, acquiring Zaza Pachulia from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a future second-round pick, Yahoo Sports reports.
As the Mavs get an able body at center, the Bucks disposed of $5.2 million in salary by trading Pachulia's contract into the Mavs' cap space. The 31-year-old averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 73 games for the Bucks last season.
The Portland Trail Blazers also tried to fill in one of its many roster holes as Oklahoma City Thunder restricted free agent Enes Kanter signed a four-year $70 million maximum contract offer sheet Thursday.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, the deal includes a player option on the fourth year, and a 15 percent trade kicker bonus. The Thunder have until Sunday to match the offer. The 23-year-old Kanter averaged 15.5 points, 8.9 rebounds per game last season, while playing in 73 regular season games.