The Philadelphia 76ers are in play as a potential landing spot for star forward LeBron James in NBA free agency.
James is reportedly taking the Sixers “very seriously” as a potential destination, though they have some competition from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, among other teams.
James has made it clear that his decision won’t be based on money – he’s made enough over the course of his career. This is good news for the Sixers, because they simply don’t have the salary space to offer James any sort of substantial deal.
Philadelphia 76ers Can Only Offer LeBron James the Veteran Minimum in NBA Free Agency
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The 76ers had a bit more cap space heading into the offseason, but they used that space for the additions of Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons. So now, the Sixers can only afford to offer James the $3.9 million veterans minimum, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
From Marks:
The 76ers split up their $15 million non-tax midlevel exception into Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons. They then used part of the $5.5 million biannual exception to sign Ariel Hukporti. As a result of the three signings, Philadelphia has only the $3.9 million veterans exception available.
From a basketball perspective, signing with the Sixers would make a lot of sense for James. However, there will assuredly be other factors at play when James makes his final decision.
This story will be updated.
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