LeBron James 76ers decision reshapes NBA race as MLB deadline nears

The LeBron James 76ers decision has landed, and CBS Sports reports that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is headed to Philadelphia on a reported two-year, $8 million contract that could cover the final season or two of his career.

According to CBS Sports, the deal would be the smallest salary of James’ career and gives him room to leave the 76ers, or possibly basketball, after one season. Philadelphia now jumps deeper into the championship picture with a projected lineup CBS described as loaded with talent and in need of another veteran star.

What does LeBron James joining the 76ers mean?

James joining the 76ers means Philadelphia has added a title-tested forward while rival suitors have to chase other answers in free agency. It also affects the league calendar, with CBS Sports noting that schedule-makers now have a fresh batch of marquee matchups to consider.

CBS Sports’ John Gonzalez graded the move as an “A+,” writing that it works for both James and Philadelphia because the Sixers had a clear opening at power forward. The Eastern Conference will not roll over, though: CBS listed the Celtics, Cavaliers and Raptors at Nos. 3, 4 and 5 in its updated East rankings behind the top contenders.

For the teams that missed out, the mood is harsher. CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote that the Warriors have moved into a different stage around Stephen Curry, while the Timberwolves and Heat still have possible roads back into the title race over the next couple of years.

MLB trade deadline week starts with a Red Sox-Nationals swap

Baseball’s deadline is one week away, and CBS Sports called the Nationals’ trade of breakout infielder Curtis Mead to the Red Sox for rookie pitcher Connelly Early the biggest move of this cycle so far. CBS graded the deal strongly for Washington.

The trade reflects Boston’s shift into buyer mode after a midsummer rise, according to CBS. Washington may not be done, with CBS reporting that Foster Griffin could be shopped and that the Nationals will listen on All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams. CBS also expects the Yankees to be active after another outfielder went on the injured list.

In CBS Sports’ latest MLB Power Rankings, bubble teams made the loudest moves. The Nationals rose seven spots, the Twins climbed four, the Marlins dropped 10 and the Pirates fell three.

The Tigers remain one of the trickiest calls. CBS’ Matt Snyder wrote that contenders are watching two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal while Detroit sits 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot despite being six games under .500. The Tigers moved up one place to No. 18 after splitting four games with the Royals.

WNBA, Brewers and golf notes from a busy weekend

CBS Sports named Jonquel Jones the top winner of WNBA All-Star weekend after she posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to win MVP in Team Spoon’s 129-122 victory over Team Coop before a record crowd in Chicago.

Azzi Fudd became the first rookie to win the WNBA 3-point contest, and Elena Delle Donne’s team won the first Shooting Stars event. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faced questions about her future, according to CBS, while the league announced a centralized replay center set to debut next season.

On the mound, Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski opened Sunday against the Rockies with seven straight strikeouts, a Milwaukee franchise record and two shy of MLB’s mark, according to CBS. He struck out 12 of the first 13 hitters he faced and became the first pitcher since 1920 to record 11 strikeouts without allowing a hit through four innings, though he exited after 83 pitches.

On the PGA Tour, 21-year-old Jackson Koivun won the 3M Open in just his third start, beating world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. CBS reported Koivun became the 10th youngest PGA Tour winner this century, while Scheffler’s runner-up finish was his fifth of the season, matching the most by any player since 2000.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.