LOS ANGELES: LeBron James, fresh off guiding the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA title, is headed for free agency after officially declining the $24 million player option on his contract.
While the move frees James to talk to other teams, he isn’t expected to leave Cleveland but to negotiate a new contract with them.
“I love it here. I love being here,” Ohio native James told the Cleveland Plain Dealer in the afterglow of the Cavs’ NBA Finals triumph.
“Obviously my agent will take care of all the logistical things, but I’m happy. I’ve got no plans to go nowhere at this point.”
James, 31, was a unanimous choice as NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after leading the Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors.
He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists during the seven-game series.
Assuming James returns, the Cavaliers look to be in good shape for next season. The team’s unrestricted free agents are reserves Timofey Mozgov and Richard Jefferson, while backup guard Matthew Dellavedova will be a restricted free agent.
Magic’s Frank Vogel announces his assistant coaches
New Orlando Magic coach Frank Vogel has finalized his staff.
The team announced Wednesday that Vogel has hired Chad Forcier, Corliss Williamson and David Adelman as his assistant coaches, while Jay Hernandez has been retained from Scott Skiles’ staff as an assistant and player development coach.
Forcier, who had been the lead development coach for the San Antonio Spurs, will be Vogel’s top assistant. Williamson, a 12-year NBA player and former standout for the Arkansas Razorbacks, joins the Magic after spending the last three seasons as an assistant with the Sacramento Kings. Adelman was an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves for three seasons before joining the Magic.
Thunder to play 2 preseason games in Spain
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play two preseason games in Spain as part of the NBA Global Games Europe 2016.
The NBA and Euroleague made a joint announcement on Wednesday.
The Thunder will play Real Madrid, a nine-time Euroleague Champion and 33-time Spanish League Champion, on Oct. 3. Oklahoma City will then travel to Barcelona to face 18-time Spanish League Champion and two-time Euroleague Champion FC Barcelona Lassa on Oct. 5.
Last season, the Thunder made their fourth Western Conference finals appearance in six years.
In March, the NBA announced that the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans will play preseason games in Shanghai and Beijing on Oct. 9 and Oct. 12 as part of the NBA Global Games 2016.
LeBron declines option but expected to stay with Cavs
LeBron declines option but expected to stay with Cavs
