Miami Heat stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh both reportedly are willing to take substantial pay cuts to facilitate a max contract for star LeBron James. Miami, in an effort to quickly improve their roster, supposedly are eying Kyle Lowry and Marcin Gortat in free agency.
James is no longer content to be paid less than the max for his talents. Multiple news outlets, including ESPN and Yahoo Sports, reported James is seeking a maximum deal - likely worth around $22 million - for his next contract.
The Oregonian reported on Tuesday Wade and Bosh, who both also opted out of their contracts, are willing to get paid $12 million and $11 million, respectively, to create enough salary cap space to get James a max deal.
James also reportedly is giving Heat president Pat Riley time to improve Miami's roster before making a decision about where to sign. Riley has already drafted a James-favorite in rookie Shabazz Napier, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Riley is eying Lowry and Gortat as potential acquisitions in free agency.
Lowry would upgrade Miami's backcourt, and Gortat would add much-needed size and rebounding in the paint for Miami.
Although Miami is the favorite to re-sign James, the four-time MVP's agent is fielding calls from prospective teams. James's agent, Rich Paul, is scheduled to meet with the Phoenix Suns, the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks sometime this week, according to the Boston Globe.
In an effort to lure James to Los Angeles, Lakers star Kobe Bryant reportedly contacted James - as well as Carmelo Anthony - to pitch him the idea of teaming up in Hollywood. The Lakers have an alluring market and the salary cap space to sign James and Anthony, although both superstars would have to take around $6 million less than the maximum.
