NBA Rumors: Here’s What LeBron James’ 3-Year Contract Means for the ‘Banana Boat’ Gang

By Carlo Monzon
LeBron James
Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after dunking for a basket against Toronto Raptors in the second quarter of game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre.  Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James has finalized his deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers by signing a three-year contract worth $100 million. Although some say that he actually lost money in the deal, some speculate that his contract could mean something bigger for his banana boat gang, which consists of Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade and Chris Paul.

A month after James said that he will re-sign with the Cavs, the athlete went through with the deal and accepted the team's offer. Given his status in the league, it was expected that James would get a maximum deal or a five-year contract. Or, he could have taken a one-year contract that comes with an option for the second year then go for a maximum contract next offseason, according to The Ringer.

Instead, James played it safe by going for a three-year deal. Interestingly, this falls in line with the contract that members of the banana boat gang currently have. The name of this group was formed last year when James, Anthony and Wade were photographed riding a banana boat while vacationing in the Bahamas. Then, in June of this year, a Snapchat filter featuring these three athletes along with Paul riding a banana boat emerged.

For James' contract, he was able to secure a 2+1 deal, which means he will become a free agent during his third year with the Cavs. When that time arrives, Anthony, Wade and Paul will also become free agents, according to Sporting News.

This might just be a coincidence but it would be interesting to look into the future to see what the league would be like once these four professional players hi free agency.

One particular interesting scenario could be that the members of the banana boat gang might end up on the same team. However, since all of them are eligible to get maximum contracts by that time, there's will probably be no team in the league that will be able to handle all of their salaries.

But then again, three years can be a long time in the NBA. And given the ages of James, Anthony, Paul and Wade, with the latter being the oldest in the group at age 36, teams will probably hold off giving away a maximum deal to a player who is too old or prone to getting injured.

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