LeBron re-signing with Cavs on reported 3-year, $100M deal

LeBron James finally broke his free-agency silence Thursday, announcing on Bleacher Report's Uninterrupted that he'll re-sign with the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

The two sides agreed to a three-year, $100-million deal, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst, which will, for the time being, make him the NBA's highest-paid player.

"My hometown team, I can't be more excited (for) this opportunity, once again, to defend our crown, defend our title," said James, from under the brim of a baseball cap featuring a crown-wearing Kermit kissing (or sipping tea out of) the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

"We all know last year was magical, inspiring ... all the words you could come up with, it was an unbelievable season. And I just can't wait to get the group back together."

James made certain to remind everyone that one important member of that championship group remains unsigned.

"Let's get J.R. (Smith) done," he said.

This is the third contract James has agreed to with the Cavs since the bombshell announcement two summers ago of his return to Cleveland, but it's the first deal in which he'll be locked in for more than one season. The first two deals he signed were one-and-ones, with player options (both of which he exercised) after the first season.

This deal comes with a player option in year three, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.

The Cavs made history with their comeback from down 3-1 to topple the Golden State Warriors, and they'll likely need to summon even more magic if they're to defend their title, now that the Warriors have reloaded with Kevin Durant.