LeBron to opt out in 2012 to join Knicks. pfffft

[Klayface]

Is funny how many of you had something to say, but everyone forgot he signed a THREE year extension, just like Dwayne and Melo. Meaning hes a free agent in the year 2009 instead of 2012. Story looking alot more likely now huh? I could see it happening, as a Knicks fan who believes all rumors linked to the team in hopes for a better future. But seriously, this COULD go down. I don't see any big improvement that Cleveland has made, and I don't see it happening in the future. Sure they came together during the playoffs and showed how they can play, but do you think Lebron really wants to rely on Z and Gooden for the rest of his playing days? Hell No. Sure the Knicks line up right now is shit. But they have something that Cleveland doesn't: come ups. Young guys that will get better, that showed glimpses of what they will become in the future during last years train wreck. But then again, I also heard rumors of LBJ going to Brooklyn in 2009 when the Nets are finally out of Jersey since hes really close with Jay-Z. Only time will tell, just not as much time as everyone else thought lmao.

[Andrew]

LeBron James has one more year left on his rookie contract, plus a three year extension after that. That means he's a free agent in 2010, which is actually a year earlier than the RealGM editor's note suggested. In any case, that scenario doesn't allow him to opt out in 2012 unless he signs another extension with an opt out clause after the 2011/2012 season.

That's what makes the rumour (as described) farfetched; it's not just the fact he would have this elaborate plan six years in advance but he'd actually have to sign another extension for the plan to come fruition in 2012.

[maes]

LBJ -> NYK, it's a done deal. Just like how the media predicted Amare & Yao would not sign extensions so they could go the Lakers.

Anyway, the reason LeBron signed the 3 year extension + options rather than max is because the current collective bargaining agreement ends in 2011 or 2012, depending if the NBA extends it. The new CBA would probably allow bigger contracts, assuming the current growth of the NBA continues.

Has nothing to do with going to the Knicks, as much as New Yorkers would like to believe.

[Andrew]

It's worth noting that Tim Duncan did the same thing when he re-signed with the Spurs in the 2000 offseason and the same speculations were thrown about back then as well.