LeBron Declines Player Option, Becomes Free Agent

Cleveland Cavaliers' start LeBron James has declined his player option for next season and will become a free agent, according to ESPN and several other sources.

The free agent period begins at 12:01 am ET Sunday.

This does not mean James won't return to Cleveland.  The Cavs still can offer him a bigger contract than any other team, as much as $207 million over a five year contract.  Any other suitor can offer a four year deal in the vicinity of $152 million.

James now is added to a star studded list of free agents, which includes Paul George, Chris Paul and DeMarcus Cousins along with many others.