AP Source: LeBron James has agreed to 3-year deal with Cavs

Fresh from leading the Cavaliers to an NBA title, the first for one of the city’s three professional sports teams in 52 years, LeBron James on Thursday agreed to a three-year, $100 million contract with the Cavaliers, a person familiar with the contract told the Associated Press.

James, who said earlier this summer he intended to re-sign with Cleveland, will soon sign the deal, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because certain details of the deal were yet to be finalized.

ESPN.com first reported the financial terms of James’ new deal.

The 31-year-old had been expected to accept the same one-year deal he signed in each of his two previous seasons since returning to Cleveland. However, he’s decided to stay longer to try to win more championships.

“I’m re-signing back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, man, my hometown team, and I couldn’t be more excited with this opportunity once again man, to defend our crown, defend our title,” James said in a posting on the athletes’ web platform Uninterrupted.

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Shades of Jim Carrey

19h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Keeping people cool ain't what it used to be

May 16, 2025

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The NDP does it to us again

May 15, 2025

“We all know last year was magical, inspiring, all the words you can come up with man. It was an unbelievable season.

“I just can’t wait to get the group back together man, the team, the franchise, and more importantly get everybody together.”

The three-time champion also used the opportunity to push the Cavs to re-sign free agent J.R. Smith, a good friend who is also represented by James’ agent, Rich Paul.

“Let’s get J.R. done,” James said, laughing. “It’s that time.”

James wanted to rest and recharge after the finals and skipped playing in the Rio Olympics. He won gold medals in Beijing and London. On Wednesday, Carmelo Anthony surpassed him as the leading scorer in U.S. history.

Tom Withers, The Associated Press