• There have been speculation and rumors in the last week that LeBron James' endorsement contracts have ``kickers'' in them that will pay him millions in bonuses if he is playing in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago.
Well, let's put it on the table. It is 100 percent true. James' agent, Aaron Goodwin, negotiated special language in his large endorsement deals with Nike, Coke, Bubblicious and Upper Deck that call for raises in compensation if he were to play in one of the three top markets.
Some have suggested to get the extra money, James would refuse to sign an extension with the Cavaliers, wait until he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2007 and then sign for below market value in one of the three big cities because he'll make up the difference in endorsement contracts.
The Lakers and Knicks are hopelessly capped out for years. And the Bulls might be headed in that direction.
``I would never do business that way,'' Goodwin said. ``LeBron is a member of the Cavaliers, he wants to be a member of the Cavaliers, he's very happy there and very excited about his future in Cleveland.''
James isn't struggling financially. His $12 million Coke deal is guaranteed. His $90 million Nike deal is guaranteed. All of his deals are guaranteed. He gets bonuses for any number of things, including being named Rookie of the Year and he will surely get an extra check or two for being voted to a starting position in the the All-Star Game. Those deals might get richer when they are re-negotiated in the coming years.
It is hard to believe the already-rich James would make such a basketball decision based on a few extra million, especially when such a move could damage his reputation with fans.
His statement will come July 1, 2006, when he decides whether to extend his contract with the Cavaliers.
If this true and James decided to leave Cavs, i think Bulls will be in good position to get him....
But i think James will stay in Cleveland
