LeBron James could become the richest player in NBA history if he opts out of his Cleveland contract

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LeBron James.

• There are four realistic teams LeBron James could sign for should he opt out of his Cleveland Cavaliers contract.
• Forbes says Houston Rockets is the likeliest destination.
• However, if he re-signs with the Cavs, he would become the best-paid player in the history of NBA.

There are reportedly four clubs LeBron James could turn to should he exercise his right to opt out of his current Cleveland Cavaliers contract - but only one of them would make him the richest man in the history of NBA.

James signed a three-year contract worth $100 million in 2016, but has an opt-out this offseason. This means he can enter free agency, re-sign with the Cavs for more money, or pen a deal with a new team.

He is not short of admirers. According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, there are four realistic teams James is considering.

1. Philadelphia 76ers
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Houston Rockets

Forbes says it is the Rockets who can provide the best on-court option, as he would join a seemingly unstoppable "triumvirate of James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela."

James could enjoy title successs with the Rockets, who have been dubbed "the team to beat," but the Cavs can offer something else - they can make James the richest man in NBA history.

Long-time ESPN anchor John Buccigross tweeted on Sunday: "The Cavs will be able to offer LeBron James a projected max contract of five years, $205 million this summer; all other teams can offer four years, $152 million."

Even at 33 years old, James continues to dazzle on the court. He has carried the Cavs this season, pulling off one of the passes of the season when he assisted Dwyane Wade in January, and sinking insane baskets that need to be seen to be believed.

Should James decide to stay at the Cavs and sign that mooted $205 million contract, his deal would trump the $201 million salary that Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry netted in 2017, making James the wealthiest superstar the NBA has ever seen.