Beware of the Over-38 rule. If Lebron's opts-in now at age 33 1/2, then tries to sign a 5yr Max contract next summer when he is 34 1/2 yrs old, that last season will fall under the Over-38 rule, meaning it gets spread over the first 4 years wrt CBA rules. (Over-38 years get treated exactly the same as deferred compensation does.) Spreading the 5th year over the first 4 years would be illegal, because he would then exceed the Max. The whole purpose of the Over-38 rule is to stop exactly what you are describing. He would get higher raises per year with Bird Rights, but the length of term wouldn't benefit him, when one of the years is after his 38th birthday.
I don't think Lebron even wants a 5 year max. I think Lebron will keep doing what he has been doing until the end of his career signing 1 year deals. I think Lebron values the ability to survey the NBA landscape and become a FA every off-season more than he values the financial security of a 5 year deal.
I don't know what LeBron is thinking, and wouldn't pretend to know, but my opinion is that the guy is already financially secure, and in spades. Another opinion is that he would very much like to play with one or more of his good friends and that, more than anything, I think he has an ardent desire to win championships at the expense of Curry, Durant, Green, and Kerr. Yes, I think the man would really like to do that last bit.
Sorry, already caught this and discussed. For Lebron it's a 4 year deal next year, for CP3 it's a five year deal now.
Did you cut the tax benefit in half? Most states/cities tax professional players based on the games played or days spent in that locale. It seems unfair to me, as they don't do that with other businesses.
"The ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT ABOUT IT best case for him financially is opting in and being traded to a team with no state income tax."
I saw that but neither team made sense if LeBron wanted to contend for another title as soon as next season. But you're right - if all that mattered to him was the financial aspect and where to park his family, then those are viable options.
True .... but Paul George is a big baby. He’s finally got his wish. He’s been counting this day down for years. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t go to La.
That's true, although maybe he's holding on to see which way LBJ jumps. If LBJ dawdles over his decision, PG just might stay in OKC. But it would go against everything PG has indicated over the past, oh, two seasons.
There is no way he stays in OKC. And if he does, he'd be more stupid than I (as a Lakers fan) ever thought he was. Also I'd be furious at the Lakers front office.
Would be hilarious if PG13 stays in OKC.... screw over the LAL anddd stay on a team that won't seriously contend. Fascinating development.
Maybe he has loyalty and feels that the Thunder can get better with a healthy Roberson which isn't far fetched. Lebron to LA may have to wait a bit longer.
False. I said he would play on a one year DISCOUNT, if he had to for LeBron to get here, not the minimum. #Bozoclown
if PG stays in OKC, then maybe it’s because he’s gotten word that Bron isn’t heading to LA...Kawhi being traded there isn’t likely either he may want to be in LA, but it’s 1 thing to go to LA with another star headed there right behind u and another to go to LA by yourself to hopefully push the Lakers into being an 8th seed
