LeBron James potentially cost himself some money by signing a three-year, $100 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James could have signed a full max five-year contract next offseason assuming the Over-36 rule would be changed under the new CBA. James won't have the ability to become a free agent again in 2017 as he has after his first two seasons back with the Cavs.
That hypothetical 2017 deal would have come as the salary cap leapt from $94 million to $102 million, meaning he would have made more money for 17-18 and 18-19.
There has also been an anticipated increase in maximum contracts to prevent situations such as the Warriors being able to sign Kevin Durant in free agency. James' decision to not wait on a potentially higher max may signal it is far from certain.
James also lined up the possibility of joining Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul in free agency in 2018. The four of them have talked about playing together towards the end of their careers.