LeBron James is seeking a contract starting point in excess of $20 million for next season.
The approach comes neither as a surprise to the Heat nor to fellow Heat free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who have agreed to return at considerably less than such a starting figure.
Based on the approaches of James, Wade and Bosh, who all opted out of the remaining two seasons on their Heat contracts during the past week, the Heat will have a clear salary hierarchy next season should all three return, as expected, led by James, followed by Bosh and then Wade.