Many NBA players opt out of their contract and resign with their current team. They can make more money with their current team since that franchise can offer a higher percentage raise each year. Resigning with a player's current team is beneficial also since that franchise can also offer more years than other teams. In addition to the advantages of resigning with ones current team, there is also the risk factor to consider. NBA players get injured all the time. Its practically impossible to go ones entire career without an injury. Some injuries last longer than others. Even if a player is injured, he still gets paid. It is beneficial for an NBA player to sign a longer contract in case of injury. Obviously even if Lebron James were to get injured, he earns a lot through endorsement deals as well. Regardless, it only helps a player to sign a longer contract rather than a shorter one.