LeBron James is not expected to accept a minimum salary when he enters free agency this offseason, a development that significantly narrows the field of realistic suitors, according to CBS Sports.
Insider Jake Fischer said Wednesday that James taking a minimum salary "does not sound like that is actually in the cards at all." James is the highest-paid player in NBA history and has not taken a substantial pay cut since leaving the Miami Heat in 2014.
The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets appear to be effectively eliminated. New York is already roughly at next season's first apron before re-signing Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, or Mo Diawara. Denver is basically at the second apron before re-signing restricted free agent Peyton Watson. Both teams would likely have welcomed James at the minimum but do not have the cap flexibility to offer significantly more.
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers still have paths to signing James, though both face obstacles. Cleveland sits above next year's projected second apron but could use James Harden's player option to lower his cap figure in exchange for more guaranteed years. From there, the Cavaliers' most discussed option would be to move one mid-sized contract, such as Dennis Schröder or Max Strus, and then trade Jarrett Allen to the Lakers for James at a figure below the $28 million Allen is set to make next season. Any team that acquires James through a sign-and-trade would need to stay below the first apron.
Golden State's target would be the nontaxpayer mid-level exception. The Warriors currently have about $21 million in room below that line, though that figure does not account for a new contract for Kristaps Porziņģis or filling out the rest of the roster. Golden State could also use the player option mechanism with Draymond Green in the same way Cleveland can with Harden.
James turns 42 this December. His 2026 free agency has been anticipated for months, with contending teams weighing whether to pursue him and at what financial cost.
