One former teammate thinks he sees where LeBron James‘ free agency is headed.
Iman Shumpert isn’t pretending to have inside information, but he does have perspective. And this week, he offered a prediction that caught attention when it comes to James and what might come next.
Appearing on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Shumpert suggested James could be willing to take a pay cut next season if it helps him land in the right situation.
“I think Bron, if you can make it make sense of what you’re gonna do, LeBron will take a pay cut,” Shumpert said. “LeBron likes winning. He’s going to make the money regardless.”
Shumpert would know. He played alongside James with the Cavaliers from 2015-18, including the 2016 championship run. And his comments come with James finishing the final year of his contract with the Lakers at $52.6 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.
At 41, James is nearing the stage where every decision carries legacy weight. A farewell tour in 2026-27 feels inevitable. The question is where, and at what cost.
Historically, James hasn’t been big on discounts. Outside of the early Heat years, he has largely taken market value throughout a 23-year career. But this moment is different. His earning power no longer hinges on salary alone.
Recent reporting has suggested James could generate massive revenue tied to media and streaming rights around a farewell season. That changes the math.
A pay cut could open doors. Another year with the Lakers. Or the much-rumored final chapter in Cleveland. Either way, Shumpert’s point is simple.
When winning is the priority, flexibility becomes part of the conversation. And with LeBron, nothing is ever off the table.
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