"I'm not promising a championship," LeBron James wrote in his Sports Illustrated essay amid his decision to sign a 2-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. "I know how hard that is to deliver. We're not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I'm realistic."
Instead of taking an $88 million four-year contract worth more from the Cleveland Cavaliers, James plans to sign a $42.2 million two-year contract that will allow him to withdraw after one season to renegotiate next summer, USA Today reported.
Less than eight hours after James announced his return to the Cavaliers, the Cleveland Cavaliers had sold out season tickets.
A source confirmed to ESPN the Cavaliers capped season-ticket sales at marginally over 12,000 tickets on July 11 with approximately 8,000 tickets per game left to be used for group sales and ticket plans but will not raise season-ticket prices.
A four-time MVP of the NBA, James said he see himself as a mentor and is excited to lead some talented basketball players.
"I think I can help Kyrie Irving become one of the best point guards in our league. I think I can help elevate Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters. And I can't wait to reunite with Anderson Varejao, one of my favorite teammates," James wrote.
In his essay, James also mentioned the controversial letter the Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote calling him a "coward" after leaving the team in 2010.
"I've met with Dan, face-to-face, man-to-man. We've talked it out. Everybody makes mistakes. I've made mistakes as well. Who am I to hold a grudge?" James noted.
"When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn't had that feeling in a long, long, long time," James gushed. "My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what's most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio."
Gilbert also took to Twitter to express his excitement about the news.
"Welcome Home @kingjames. I am excited for the fans and people of Cleveland and Ohio. No fans and people deserve a winner more than them....." Gilbert tweeted.