LeBron James 76ers choice followed 24-day free agency wait
ESPN reports LeBron James picked Philadelphia after weighing five finalists, family talks and a pitch built around championship chances.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
LeBron James 76ers buzz moved from fan theory to franchise-altering fact after a 24-day free agency wait, with ESPN reporting that the 41-year-old chose Philadelphia for what his camp viewed as the best basketball fit for his 24th NBA season.
According to ESPN, James’ longtime agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports initially held talks with 27 teams before the field narrowed to five: the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Sources told ESPN that the Boston Celtics showed interest, while the LA Clippers discussed a one-year offer worth more than $20 million.
The Sixers’ case gained steam after Philadelphia acquired Jaylen Brown from Boston on July 6, ESPN reported. The move gave the franchise a new core around Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, with James then in play as the ultimate late-career swing.
Why did LeBron James choose the 76ers?
ESPN reported that James was focused on what Paul described as his “basketball happiness,” a phrase tied to finding the daily environment he wanted at this stage of his career. A source familiar with James’ thinking told ESPN that Philadelphia offered him the chance to spend his time aimed at helping win a championship.
That context made one moment at Fanatics Fest in New York feel louder than intended. While speaking to a crowd of about 5,000, James said he wanted a franchise that shared his habits and mentioned “trusting the process,” language long tied to the Sixers. A source close to James told ESPN the line was not meant as a hidden signal and noted that James had used similar phrasing for years.
Behind the scenes, ESPN reported, James stayed guarded even with people close to him as he weighed the move. His wife, Savannah, and children Bronny and Zhuri were with him in New York, while Bryce was away because of summer basketball obligations at Arizona. Paul told ESPN that once Savannah approved, the family green light was clear.
James reached his decision after midnight Thursday, ESPN reported, then called Paul. The next morning, after an early workout and a round of golf at Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, California, Paul alerted Philadelphia.
The announcement came through a shared social media post with Topps showing James in a white No. 23 Sixers uniform beside an autographed one-of-one trading card. ESPN described it as the first time an athlete had monetized free agency in that way.
Who got the news first in Philadelphia?
Paul sent a group text to 76ers stakeholders, ESPN reported, including governor Josh Harris, co-owner David Blitzer, HBSE president Bob Myers, executive vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson and Maxey. The message also reached Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, who was in Cleveland with his family.
Gansey told ESPN he first told his wife, Amy, that the team had landed James, then spent about two hours walking outside while taking calls. For Gansey, an Ohio native and former Cavaliers front office executive, the moment carried extra weight.
ESPN reported that James had kept contact with Embiid, Maxey and Brown, and that he also spoke by phone with Sixers coach Nick Nurse, the only coach among his considered teams with whom he had such a conversation. Sources also told ESPN that James spent time with Harris during Fanatics Fest.
James’ deal with Philadelphia is for two years and $8 million, according to ESPN. If he wins a championship with the Sixers, he would become the first NBA player to win titles with four different franchises, after previously winning with the Heat, Cavaliers and Lakers.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.