LeBron James will almost certainly become a free agent on Friday, when he's expected to opt out of his contract with the Cavaliers.

But unlike in 2010 -- when the Knicks were among the teams to pitch him -- James doesn't want any elaborate pitches this time around, sources close to him told ESPN.

Rumors have swirled that James could wind up with the Lakers, though former NBA All-Star and current TNT analyst Reggie Miller believes the Knicks could be a viable option.

"To me, the Knicks sound like a likely destination," Miller said earlier this month. "If he could find a way to get [Thunder forward] Paul George and [Rockets point guard] Chris Paul to go there along with [Kristaps] Porzingis, wouldn't you have to say they would be the favorites in the East?"

For the Knicks, their biggest guaranteed contract next season would be C Enes Kanter, who himself must decide whether or not to play in New York and make $18.6 million next season. He has publicly campaigned for James to "prove" he's the "King of New York" by joining them.

Other than Kanter's deal, Joakim Noah, who left the Knicks following a heated argument with former head coach Jeff Hornacek at practice, is owed $18.5 million next season. Tim Hardaway Jr. will make $17.325 million.

Overall, the Knicks ranked 20th in the NBA with a payroll estimated at $105 million in 2016-17.

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