Whatever "retooling" the Miami Heat plan to do, LeBron James apparently does not want it to come at his expense.
ESPN reported the four-time league MVP "wants no less than the maximum salary number for next season." Like James, Big 3 running mates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have also opted out of their deals with Miami amid widespread rumors both are open to taking lesser salaries in hopes the team may be able to use the savings to acquire more quality depth.
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But apparently James isn't with that plan. ESPN reported The King has his heart set on receiving the full projected $22.2 million maximum salary for next season. When he came to Miami in 2010, James accepted a pay cut to free up more money for the team to pursue other free agents.
Despite his four MVP awards and two NBA titles, ESPN added James has never even been the highest paid player on his own team over his first 11-years in the league.
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Several media outlets have reported, James, Wade and Bosh all got together to discuss financial terms on possible new deals last week with the team last week in Miami. ESPN speculates that if James holds firm on his max salary demands the Heat would still be able to use the team's $5.3 million mid-level exception, $2 million bi-annual and $2.2 million trade exception to add other players, provided both Wade and Bosh agree to take pay cuts.
The 29-year-old James is also expected to be wooed by the Cavs, Suns, Lakers, Rockets, and Warriors
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