LeBron James won’t be in the Canyon of Heroes Friday for the celebration of the Yankees’ 27th world championship.
“No, my parade starts at 8 [o’clock] at night,” James, a big Yankee fan, told reporters in Cleveland Thursday before the Cavs lost to the Chicago Bulls, 86-85.
The Cavs on Friday visit the Knicks for their only appearance of this season — a circus-like atmosphere that will be broadcast on ESPN.
James becomes a free agent after this season and the Knicks are targeting him to join their franchise next summer.
James isn’t closing the door to that possibility. He’s keeping his options open.
The Cavs can offer James a six-year deal worth $126 million, while the Knicks or another suitor could only offer $96.3 million over five years, according to The New York Times.
“I don’t tease, I’ve never teased the New York media by saying I was coming to New York or playing for the Knicks,” he said. “I say the same thing every time. When July 1 gets here, I’m going to approach it like a businessman and approach it for the best fit for LeBron and his family.
“I’ve been a Cav for seven years now and I’ve never given any indication I was leaving. For me to say I’m not going to be a Knick, I’m going to be a Cav or I’m going to be a Knick, I’m not going to be a Cav, I’m not going to do that. I did the three-year contract for a reason, I’m going to leave my options open.”
Still, James did say it would be better for the NBA if the Knicks, along with the Lakers and the Celtics, were good.
“I think the league is doing just fine, but with the Knicks being good, the Celtics being good, the Lakers being good, it makes the league that much better,” he said. “I’m talking as a fan now, please understand that.”
Sure thing, LeBron. We understand.
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