:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60222343/usa_today_10573019.0.jpg)
In one of the most anticipated moves of the 2018 NBA offseason, LeBron James has opted out of his player option with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The four-time MVP will now enter unrestricted free agency.
Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania announced the news Friday morning.
Sources: Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has declined his $35.6M player option for 2018-19 and will enter free agency.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2018
James’ decision doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a return to Cleveland, but it could complicate the Cavaliers’ ability to trade the 33-year-old star to a team that is currently over the cap. Chris Paul’s decision to opt-in to the final year of his contract with the Clippers prior to being traded to the Rockets last summer represents the option that James has chosen to bypass by hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent.
A handful of teams have been rumored to be potential suitors for James. Along with James, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard headline a star-studded group of players that could find themselves with new teams prior to the 2018-19 season.