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Heck, the Cleveland Cavaliers' strongest opposition for LeBron James' long-term services may be the deep-pocketed new baby on the block -- Europe. A person near to James mentioned Tuesday that the Cavaliers' celebrity would clearly consider playing offshore if he was provided an income of "around $50 million a year." James' present contract expires after the 2010-2011 season, but he is able to choose out after the 2009-2010 season, and while a few NBA groups will work to produce income limit room for his approaching free company, nothing can offer a contract starting $20 million annually. The Russian team CSKA Moscow and the Greek team Olympiacos, which lately gave Josh an agreement to Childress nearing $30 million over 3 years, have previously approached James, according to the individual near to him. The individual added, nevertheless, that no financial or contractual conversations took place. While $50 million a year appears extravagant, it's within the realm of probability, considering the claimed $250 million deal David Beckham received 2 yrs before to become listed on Major League Soccer, the $33 million Michael Jordan was paid by the Chicago Bulls for the 1997-98 period, the power of the pound compared to the money, and the proven fact that European groups aren't bound by a salary cap. No stars have done therefore -- and on occasion even regarded it, while the league has been left by several NBA players come july 1st for more profitable deals in Europe. Fran Litvin, the NBA's leader of league and baseball procedures, said the league isn't worried about this developing pattern. "I don't wish to say it's much ado about nothing, but we believe it's overblown a bit," Litvin said. "It isn't some thing we're losing sleep over. " But losing a person of James' degree could be nothing lacking a headache for the NBA. "For the absolute most part, the category views the people to be fungible products," the official from the National Basketball Players Association said. "But LeBron is among the 3 or 4 people the category would certainly hate to get rid of. Its mind would be lost by it, If your group dropped him or Kobe [Bryant] to Europe. It'd be devastating." But both Litvin and the NBPA official said they don't anticipate anything -- even the lack of a celebrity -- leading the NBA to get rid of the salary cap and therefore compete economically with the European groups. "It could be discouraging to lose among our star players, but for quite a long time to come," Litvin said I've no problem at about the very best players playing everywhere but in the NBA. "I had be amazed if among our leading players made a decision to visit Europe but if it did occur, there are lots of players who'd complete the void" and step-up. The source near to James said LeBron might perform in Europe just for annually or two before returning to the NBA. He being an chance to popularize the herself and game offshore said James might notice. He added that James wouldn't consider herself to be playing in the "minor leagues." "Not at all," the individual said. "He thinks these people are professionals also." The whole situation falls consistent with James' stated objectives to become a and "global icon." However the agent from the players' association will need to see James in a European standard before he thinks it. "First of, we don't realize that there's likely to be considered a $50 million offer," the state said. "And subsequently, he'd perhaps not have the ability to achieve over there things that he really wants to do over here, which are to get NBA titles, MVP prizes, etc." But he might become filthy rich and a worldwide image. Source