LeBron James To Become Highest Paid Player In The NBA With $100m Contract (Outdoing Even Michael Jordan)

Well, Kevin Durant’s status as the NBA’s highest paid player was short-lived.

Durant’s defection to the Golden State Warriors will net (pun!) him $US54.3 million (aka $AUD70.67) over two years, putting him ahead of his new teammate (and 15/16 MVP) Steph Curry.

However, LeBron James’ new contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers will see the sporting legend earn $US100 million over three years ($AUD130.16 million), according to ESPN.

His first year pay of $US31 million ($40.35 million) makes him the highest paid player in the league for the first time in his career. In the 17/18 season, he’ll reportedly earn more than $US33 million ($AUD42.95 million), breaking Michael Jordan’s record from the 97/98 season, where he too earned $US33 million at the Chicago Bulls.

Though James announced his plans to stick with the NBA’s current champs on Thursday, he is expected to officially re-up next week, when he returns to Cleveland for a charity event.

Which is all well and good, but when is he going to get around to making Space Jam 2? Priorities, LeBron.

Photo: Twitter/ @cavs.