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LeBron James inks 3-year deal with Cavs worth $100 mil

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<p>If the Cavaliers pull off a win Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors, don't tell Cleveland fans to celebrate like they've been there before — because <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/744508956802834432" target="_blank">for more than 50 years</a>, they haven't. </p><p>"It's all us. Cleveland on three. 1-2-3," LeBron James said in an ad for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6S1JoCSVNU" target="_blank">Nike</a>. </p><p>"Cleveland!" </p><p>James and the Cavaliers have a chance to give the city of Cleveland its first major professional sports championship since the Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship in 1964. </p><p>The drought's been even longer for the Cleveland Indians, the city's MLB team. They haven't captured a World Series since 1948. It's the second-longest active World Series drought in the Majors. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye5BNbRFEDY" target="_blank">There's even a movie</a> about the team's shortcomings. </p><p>"And he's out by an eyelash at third. Boy, we never seem to get the close ones," says a character in "Major League II."</p><p>And the Cavaliers 46-year history has come with more problems than championships. </p><p>"The lasting memory of tonight will be this shot: His burning jersey in Lakewood," <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPdKEijATX0" target="_blank">WEWS reported in 2010</a>. </p><p>But James is back and being welcomed with open arms, especially after bringing his team back from the dead to force a Game 7. </p><p>Before any celebrating begins though, the Cavs will have to make it past Steph Curry and the Warriors in Oakland. </p><p>The Warriors are 11-2 at home this postseason. Will it be a night of rare celebration or more of the usual heartbreak for those in Cleveland?</p><p><i>This video includes a clip from </i><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgEQwVZEG1I" target="_blank">Fox Sports</a></i><i> and images from Getty Images. </i></p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/azerbaijan-fails-at-human-rights-and-still-hosts-big-sporting-events/">Azerbaijan Fails At Human Rights And Still Hosts Big Sporting Events</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/art-briles-accuses-baylor-of-making-him-the-fall-guy/">Art Briles Accuses Baylor Of Making Him The Fall Guy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/the-best-olympic-swimmers-could-be-frozen-over-zika-virus/">The Best Olympic Swimmers Could Be Frozen Over Zika Virus</a></li></ul>
Posted at 7:19 PM, Aug 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-12 19:19:37-04

LeBron James didn't waste any time signing his new contract.

A day after agreeing to a deal that can pay him $100 million over the next three seasons, the Cavaliers superstar signed it Friday and will make $31 million next season.

James, who can become a free agent in the third season, will make $33 million in 2017-18, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. James' 2018-19 option is worth $36 million, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because financial terms were not disclosed.

LeBron James | PointAfter

In his third season back in Cleveland, James led the Cavs to the title, the first for one of the city's three professional sports teams since the Browns won the NFL championship in 1964.

"We are very fortunate to have a championship group together," Cavs general manager David Griffin said. "One that has grown organically to trust, and sacrifice for one another — on and off the floor. At the core of that group is LeBron. His leadership, passion and tireless commitment are the hallmarks of our success and have inspired our entire franchise.

"His connection and dedication to his community and this fan base are absolute. We share his determination to win at the highest level and can't wait to get back to work, together to defend our title."

The Cavs rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the finals to stun Golden State, winning Game 7 on the road. Late in that game, James raced back to block a shot by Andre Iguodala, a rejection that has become the signature play of the three-time champion's career.

James, who has spent most of his time since winning his third title in Los Angeles, posted a photo of him signing the deal on his Instagram account with the caption "Committed!!" He's seated next to agent and close friend, Rich Paul.

A four-time MVP and 12-time All-Star, James averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists last season. The 31-year-old shows little sign of slowing down, and on Thursday he said on a Twitter posting he's focused on the Cavs defending their title.

Appearing in his sixth straight finals last season, he averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 2.3 blocks, becoming the first player to lead a series in every major statistical category.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.