The Sixers were relentless in their pursuit of LeBron James throughout the free agency process, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown serving as “central figures” in staying in touch, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic. Embiid, who has played 39, 19 and 38 games the past three seasons, reportedly promised James that he’ll do all he can to get his body to a point where he’ll be available more often.
Jones hears from a league source that Philadelphia was able to land James because other moves put the team in position to challenge for an NBA title. The Sixers’ talent level convinced James to accept a two-year, $8MM contract with a player option for the second season when he might have been able to earn more elsewhere. Without a proven power forward, they also became the team that could benefit most by adding James to their lineup.
Nick Nurse also took part in the recruiting, as he was the only head coach who spoke to James while he was considering his decision, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter video link).
There’s more on the Sixers:
- James, who made $52.63MM with the Lakers last season, is accepting the largest pay cut in NBA history, notes Frank Urbina of HoopsHype. Even with his 42nd birthday approaching, James’ new $3.88MM salary could be one of the greatest bargains the league has ever seen, Urbina adds. He’s coming off a season where he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games, and getting that kind of production on a veteran’s minimum contract is almost unprecedented. Urbina notes that James also now has the chance to become the first player ever to win titles with four different teams.
- A source familiar with James’ thought process tells Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports that “there were only three real choices,” referring to the Sixers, Cavaliers and Heat. Regarding the Warriorsthe source says, “The draw of Golden State was just about how fun it would be to play with (Stephen Curry) and (Draymond Green).” Neubeck also points out that James is taking a risk by coming to Philadelphia to chase another title when Cleveland or Miami would have been safer and more sentimental destinations to end his career.
- Some rival executives are skeptical that the Sixers will be able to blend together all their high-powered talent, relays Howard Beck of the Ringer. “Good luck,” a rival executive told Beck. “They do not have any role players on their team now. All those guys want and need the ball. I’m not sure any will want to “Somebody will have to check their ego at the door, and I don’t see Joel or Bron being the ones to do it.”
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