All articles tagged with #player option
Shane Bieber has exercised his $16 million player option to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays for another season, passing up a $4 million buyout. This decision removes a top starting pitcher from the free agent market and positions Bieber as a sought-after mid-rotation starter, with potential for a lucrative contract in the upcoming offseason.
Cody Bellinger will opt out of his $25 million player option with the Yankees to become a free agent, after a strong season with the team where he showcased his offensive and defensive skills, including 29 home runs and excellent fielding metrics.
Jonathan Kuminga's agent has indicated he is willing to accept a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Warriors unless they improve their current offers, with negotiations centered around including a player option to give Kuminga more control over his future. The Warriors have presented multiple contract frameworks, but Kuminga has declined them, seeking a deal with a player option and unrestricted free agency next summer. The ongoing dispute has delayed signings and left the Warriors with a small roster as training camp approaches.
LeBron James has opted into his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and despite some tension and outside trade rumors, the organization is happy to have him back, emphasizing their commitment to building a championship-contending team around him.
An NBA executive believes LeBron James missed a strategic opportunity by exercising his player option with the Lakers, which likely prevents him from rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, despite rumors and potential interest, but a future return remains possible.
James Harden declined his $36.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season and plans to sign a new two-year, $81.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing his impactful career as a top playmaker and All-Star, despite being past his prime.
LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, signaling his desire to compete for another championship while closely monitoring the Lakers' roster moves. Despite uncertainties about his future beyond this season, James remains a key figure for the Lakers, who are actively seeking to strengthen their team, including pursuing a center in free agency or trade.
Jack Flaherty's 2026 player option has escalated to $20 million after his 15th start of the season, reflecting his contractual milestones. Despite a challenging start and inconsistent performance in Detroit, Flaherty remains focused on his long-term goal of securing a lucrative deal, with the option decision likely to be a subplot in his second half.
Russell Westbrook has declined his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets and will become an unrestricted free agent, opening up cap space for the team as he explores new opportunities in the NBA.
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that LeBron James is likely to exercise his $52.6 million player option for the 2025/26 NBA season, although he has not yet made a final decision. The move would allow him to remain with the Lakers and potentially extend his career, possibly setting a new league record for most seasons played. Despite some uncertainty after the recent season, James's commitment to the Lakers appears strong, especially with the team's improved outlook.
LeBron James is likely to exercise his player option to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, which could allow him to break the record for most NBA seasons played. His decision depends on team dynamics and potential additions like Luka Dončić, with his choice due by June 29th.
LeBron James is expected to decline his $51.4 million player option for the 2024/25 season to become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to negotiate a full no-trade clause if he re-signs with the Lakers. Despite this, a return to L.A. is considered likely. James, who averaged 25.7 PPG in the 2023/24 season, is limited to a three-year contract due to the Over-38 rule. The Lakers also hired J.J. Redick as their new head coach after a surprising pursuit of UConn's Dan Hurley.
Jrue Holiday has agreed to a unique four-year contract extension with the Boston Celtics, locking him in through the 2027-28 season with a deal potentially worth up to $135 million. The final year includes a player option, and Holiday will turn down a $37.3 million player option for 2024-25 to sign the new deal, starting at $30 million. With this extension, all of Boston’s top eight rotation players are now under contract through the 2025-26 season.
Clayton Kershaw's new contract with the Dodgers includes a player option for 2025, potentially allowing him to pitch alongside Shohei Ohtani. The 36-year-old, rehabbing from shoulder surgery, chose to return to Los Angeles over joining the Texas Rangers and is expected to undergo a physical this week to finalize the deal. Kershaw's contract offers him a chance to contend for multiple titles with the Dodgers, and he is nearing the 3,000-strikeout club. Ohtani, who will spend 2024 as a designated hitter, could join Kershaw in the rotation in 2025.
LeBron James remains undecided about his player option for the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, stating "No" when asked if he knows what he will do. He also declined to clarify a recent hourglass tweet. James, who sat out a game with a sore left ankle, expressed pride in his team's performance and emphasized the Lakers' need for consistency. When asked about the New York Knicks, James mentioned considering them during his 2010 free agency and expressed appreciation for playing at Madison Square Garden.