LeBron James took a pay cut once before. The forward had the opportunity to get a max contract in free agency and opted to take less money in order to win a championship. He joined up with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade who both did the same thing and earned two championships with the Miami Heat. Taking less money worked out pretty well for him. Approaching free agency again, does James take the same approach and leave money on the table for championships?
According to the New York Daily News, James has no desire to accept less money this time around. The Daily News claims to have team insiders who note that the forward does not want to reduce his $20.6 million salary just so the Heat can avoid paying luxury taxes. James reportedly wants the full amount of what he is worth next season and does not intend to take less just for salary cap concerns.
This may or may not be true, no matter who the team sources are. James is not a greedy player. He proved that in his first stint of free agency. However, if the Heat intend to be contenders once again for a championship, they likely cannot afford to give James a full max salary. If Wade and Bosh are also going to return, everyone must commit to taking slightly less than they deserve. With Udonis Haslam likely picking up his player option and Norris Cole remaining under contract, not everyone can make a top-dollar salary.
Bosh continues to say publically that he and his teammates have no intentions of going anywhere. While notes that this year was a struggle both mentally and physically, he fully expects everyone back together and fighting for a title once again.
It was a job the whole year. Winning was just a relief. Losing was a cloud over us sometimes, and then we'd break out of it -- and then go right back. But we got here. We had a chance. They were just better. We want to stay together, man," Bosh said, via ESPN.com. "I'll say that. It's a great organization, great team and great city. And to have a chance, that's all you can ask for."
Hypothetically speaking, if James were to test the market in search of a max deal, where could he land? The Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls will be the favorites to land James should he seek out a change in teams. Both teams are one player away from being true title contenders. Whoever fails to land Carmelo Anthony will target James. He could win with either team. Eric Koreen of the National Post goes as far as suggesting the Bulls could trade Joakim Noah and land Anthony, Kevin Love and James all on one roster. That is completely wishful thinking, but if James wants out of South Beach, he will have places to go and get paid accordingly.