LeBron James Free Agency: Where Is He Most Likely To End Up?

In a stunning announcement Tuesday morning, LeBron James has decided to opt out of his deal with the Miami Heat and test the waters of free agency. Now, with The Decision Part II looming, we are taking a look at the likely destinations for King James.

James had six more days to decide whether to remain with the Heat or exercise his option to try free agency, and apparently, he didn’t need that much time. On Tuesday, his agent Richie Paul announced that James was opting out of his contract with the Heat.

In doing so, LeBron James is leaving behind $20 million in guaranteed salary for next season, but his decision could lead to more money elsewhere.

Or perhaps even less money in Miami. There is a good chance that James might re-structure his contract, taking in the neighborhood of $17 million to $18 million next season and giving the Heat some spending space. By the end of this season, LeBron ran out of gas from carrying the team (quite literally in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, where he was sidelined with leg cramps) and having a better supporting crew would certainly go a long way.

As NBC Sports noted, Tuesday’s move could be part of a plan for James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to restructure their deals:

“Expect them all to opt out and re-sign in Miami. For example, if LeBron and Bosh take $17-$18 million a year and Pat Riley can convince the aging Wade that he will get more money long term if he signs for four years, $48 million (he gets $7 million more guaranteed) then Riley would be roughly $9 million under the cap (counting place holders) and he could chase a couple quality free agents plus have his mid-level exception to spend. The Heat could bring in talent that would help.”

If he doesn’t pick the Miami Heat, LeBron James could have some other landing points. The Chicago Bulls could be a great fit, especially if they aren’t able to land Carmelo Anthony. There, James would have a supporting cast that could lessen his defensive load and would immediately become a title contender.

The Los Angeles Clippers have also been mentioned, but they do not have the cap space to sign James and would need a sign-and-trade instead.

Another interesting option is the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were so famously spurned in LeBron’s first free agency decision. The team has a bright future with Kyrie Irving and the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, and the team could wiggle the cap space to go after him.

But there would be other factors at play for LeBron James to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. When he left, owner Dan Gilbert wrote a scathing open letter against James, and if he hopes to land LeBron in free agency, he might want to start groveling now.