The Philadelphia 76ers have officially entered the race for LeBron James just one day after completing a no-nonsense trade for Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia is now trying to convince James to continue his career in Philadelphia along with the Browns and reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
The Sixers have become the latest team to pursue the four-time NBA champion as he gauges the next destination of his storied career, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“One day after making a shocking trade for superstar Jaylen Brown, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the mix for unrestricted free agent LeBron James and are trying to land him,” league sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Philadelphia’s torrid season continued Wednesday when the organization agreed to send veteran forward Paul George, along with two first-round picks and two second-round picks, to the Celtics in exchange for Brown.
Brown arrives in Philadelphia after one of the best seasons of his career. The 29-year-old finished sixth in MVP voting after averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 71 games.
The Sixers also reached a free agency deal with guard Anfernee Simons, further bolstering a roster seemingly designed to attract James.
“Brown’s addition — along with a free agency deal with shooting guard Anfernee Simons Thursday morning — is the kind of roster upgrade that could help lure James, who has made it clear he wants excitement but also a legitimate chance to win at a high level with his next team,” according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Philadelphia joins a growing list of contenders pursuing James. The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat remain interested as the 41-year-old explores his options.
“The Warriors, meanwhile, have been given indications from James that they remain on his short list, but team sources have expressed the latest belief that they are not at the top of the short list, as James continues to scout the area,” Slater reported.
Financially, the Sixers are facing a very difficult challenge. Philadelphia currently only has the ability to offer the veteran’s minimum contract, worth an estimated $3.9 million, while other contenders continue to explore ways to create more salary cap space.
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