The Philadelphia 76ers have officially entered the race for LeBron James just one day after completing a blockbuster trade to acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia is now attempting to convince James to continue his career in Philadelphia alongside Brown and reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
The Sixers have become the latest team to pursue the four-time NBA champion as he weighs the next destination of his historic career, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“One day after swinging a shocking trade for superstar wing Jaylen Brown, the Philadelphia 76ers have entered the mix for unrestricted free agent LeBron James and are attempting to pitch him,” league sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Philadelphia’s aggressive offseason continued Wednesday when the organization agreed to send veteran forward Paul George, along with two first-round picks and two second-round selections, 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 across 71 games.
The Sixers also reached a free-agency agreement with guard Anfernee Simons, further strengthening a roster that appears designed to appeal to James.
“The Brown addition — along with the free agency agreement with scoring guard Anfernee Simons on Thursday morning — is the type of roster upgrade that could help lure James, who has made it clear that he desires happiness but also a legitimate chance to win at the highest 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 involved as the 41-year-old evaluates his options.
“The Warriors, meanwhile, have been given indications from James that they remain on his short list, but team sources have expressed a recent belief that they aren’t necessarily at the top of that short list, as James continues to survey the landscape,” Slater reported.
Financially, the Sixers face the toughest challenge. Philadelphia currently has the ability to offer only the veteran minimum contract, valued at approximately $3.9 million, while other contenders continue exploring avenues to create additional salary space.
READ MORE: The Best Reactions to the Jaylen Brown-Paul George Trade