NBA free agency in 2010: Everyone waited for LeBron James to make a decision.
NBA free agency in 2026: Everyone is waiting again for James to make a decision.
James was the biggest domino to fall in the NBA’s offseason player movement period 16 years ago when he decided to join Miami, and he may be the biggest domino to fall — at least in free agency — this summer as well. Free agency opens in the NBA on Tuesday evening, with James’ future atop the list of most intriguing storylines that will be solved over the coming days and weeks.
The one thing that seems clear when it comes to James: It seems like retirement isn’t happening yet, which would mean the NBA’s career leader in points scored, minutes played and games played is coming back for a record-extending 24th season and potentially — when including playoff contests — appearing in his 2,000th game.
The question is where.
His options would figure to include staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning to Miami or Cleveland (both would have interest for obvious reasons), or even thinking about moving elsewhere like Golden State and teaming up with longtime friends — and rivals, considering they’ve gone head-to-head in the NBA Finals on four occasions — Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to chase one more title.
Green — who is not expected to leave Golden State — on Monday declined his $27.6 million option for next season, doing so to give the Warriors more maneuverability to add players in the coming days, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press (AP).
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because that detail was not revealed publicly by the team, and it raises the possibility that the Warriors might now have more of a selling point to pitch to James.
“When the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do,” James said when the Lakers were eliminated this spring by Oklahoma City in a 4-0 sweep.
