Should he decide to return to the Miami Heat next season, LeBron James is looking to reduce his workload as part of a plan to preserve energy and save his body for the playoffs.

The 29-year-old, four-time league MVP may also be willing to take less money as part of a plan to help the Heat gain the financial flexibility needed to sign another top-tier player, such as free-agent-to-be Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony or Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry.

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According to ESPN, James played 400 more minutes than any other teammate this season and some 1,300 more than running mate Dwyane Wade, who again seemed to wear down during the Heat's 4-1 Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs as his chronically bad knees again appeared to flare up.

It all now has James looking for assurances from the Heat that the team plans to spend more money to improve its depth. Veteran forward Shane Battier has already announced his retirement and Ray Allen is rumored to still be considering doing so.

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"I haven't gotten to that point yet," James told ESPN of his plans following Sunday night's series-ending Game 5 loss. "You're trying to find answers but I'm not going to give you one."

In all, Wade missed 28 games for the Heat this season and averaged his fewest amount of minutes in 11-seasons. ESPN adds James is expected to speak with management soon at which point all his growing concerns are expected to be discussed in much greater detail.