One of the NBA's top up-and-coming teams could target LeBron James next summer.
Multiple league executives believe the Sixers will try to lure James to Philadelphia if he becomes a free agent after the 2017-18 season, according to USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt. James holds a $35.6 million player option, but if he were to decline it and put his name on the open market, the Sixers could be an intriguing choice.
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Philadelphia has the financial flexibility to get within range of a max contract for James, but it could take some maneuvering. J.J. Redick ($23 million), Amir Johnson ($11 million) and Jahlil Okafor ($5 million) will come off the books next season, though Okafor could be moved as part of a deal before the February trade deadline which would complicate things, and Redick has performed at a high level with the current core group. We've already seen what James can do with a capable shooter in the corner or on the wing, and Redick could renegotiate to return and play next to James in that scenario.
As for the basketball element, James would benefit from a young, talented supporting cast, including potential superstars in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. That alone could capture the soon-to-be 33-year-old's attention as a way to take away a massive burden on both ends of the floor and extend his career. Clearly he admires what Sixers head coach Brett Brown has done throughout "The Process."
"This is a team that's trying to make the next step."@KingJames on #CavsSixers → https://t.co/NlrTLgUSNe pic.twitter.com/USPwYkuShI
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 27, 2017
"It's a team that's trying to make the next step," James said before the Cavs' 113-91 win over the Sixers on Monday. "They've given Brett an opportunity to implement his system into this franchise, implement his system to the guys over the years... They've kind of reshaped their whole roster for the greater good."
A bonus of heading to Philly? James stays in the Eastern Conference and avoids the Warriors or Rockets in any potential playoff matchup before the NBA Finals. And if he were to lead the Sixers to a Finals series, it would be another accomplishment to add to his lengthy list as he chases the ghost of Michael Jordan.
However, it's hard to say at this point this is likely to happen. James and the Cavs are riding a nine-game winning streak, and Cleveland still hasn't seen what it could be at full strength. If the Cavs prove to be the East's best team once again come this spring, James could stay in his home state and enjoy life surrounded by veteran teammates and friends.
James would also take away possessions and touches from Embiid, Simmons and Markelle Fultz (whenever he comes back), possibly hindering their development and chemistry. The Sixers lead the league in passes per game this season and are third in assists behind the Warriors and Pelicans. James is one of the greatest passer of all time, but he also enjoys a ball-dominant style. It's hard to say James would "hurt" any team in the NBA, but he would certainly change the Sixers' dynamic and how they operate.
Does James want to make that kind of investment this late in his career? Would the young guys be willing to adapt? Maybe talent wins out, but that's not a guarantee.
Those questions won't be answered until after the season. James said he would deal with his contract situation in the summer, and so far he has kept quiet on the subject. The Sixers won't be his only suitor if he decides to become a free agent, but they might just be the most interesting.
