James agrees two-year deal with Cavs

LeBron James has ended speculation about his future after agreeing a two-year deal which will see him remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, multiple reports said. The NBA superstar has reportedly agreed a contract worth nearly US$50 million (N$620 million) after opting out of a two-year deal on June 29 to reach free agency. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on its website that the deal comprised a US$23 million (N$285 million) contract for next season followed by a US$24.7 million (N$306 million) option for the 2016-2017 season. James’s opt out decision was widely interpreted as a gambit designed to ensure the Cavaliers sign more top talent for next season after losing this year’s NBA finals. Earlier this week point guard Mo Williams said he had agreed a deal with the Cavs which would see him reunite with James. Williams played with James for two seasons between 2008 and 2010. The Cavs have also handed lucrative contracts to forward Kevin Love and point guard Kyrie Irving, further enticing James to stay. Cleveland is also close to agreeing a new deal with restricted free agent Tristan Thompson, who shares an agent with James, according to reports. The Cleveland Plain Dealer said Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert had splurged around US$330 million (N$4.086 billion) on contracts to surround James with a team capable of challenging for the title. James averaged around 25.3 points and six rebounds per game during the regular season in 2014-15, but sharply improved his numbers during the Cavs playoff challenge. He averaged 30.1 points per game in the playoffs, which ultimately ended with a 4-2 loss in the Finals to Golden State Warriors. LOS ANGELES-NAMPA/AFP