Entering the 2018 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers must operate without knowing the status of LeBron James, who can opt out of his contract before the end of the month.
James, Cleveland.com reported, has been in touch with the team through his representatives. However, James himself is not certain whether he will return to Cleveland, according to the report, and therefore cannot share his intentions with the franchise.
The Cavaliers hold the eighth overall pick in Thursday’s draft.
James has until June 29 to exercise the $35.6 million player option on his contract for next season. Cleveland is well over the luxury tax even without James on the books. Kevin Love is scheduled to make $24.1 million, George Hill’s salary for next season in $19 million and Tristan Thompson is set to earn $17.5 million, just ahead of JR Smith ($14.7 million).
