LeBron has 'no intentions of leaving' Cavaliers
After ending Cleveland's 52-year title drought by defeating the 73-win Golden State Warriors, NBA Finals MVP LeBron James fully intends to return to the Cavaliers next season to defend their championship.
"I love it here. I love being here. I love my teammates," James told Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon prior to boarding the team's float for their championship parade on Wednesday. "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."
The King also confirmed his intent to be a Cavalier in 2016-17 to ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "I love it here in Cleveland. I have no intentions of leaving. There are some technicalities to take care of I'll leave to my agent. That's right from the horse's mouth."
The 31-year-old forward can become an unrestricted free agent if he elects to opt out of his $24-million player option, which he almost certainly will do in order to cash in on the league's rising salary cap.
Overcoming a 3-1 series deficit, James averaged 29.7 points on 49.4 percent shooting, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists to lead the Cavs to their first title in franchise history.
"This is the happiest time in my life right now," James added.