SerpApi.Org
LeBron James stunned everybody when he told the Los Angeles Lakers on June 30 he’d be playing elsewhere next season, making him an unrestricted free agent looking to join a new team for the first time since 2018. Since that moment, he’s been linked to what feels like nearly every team in the NBA.
Recently, the shortlist has seemingly narrowed to four teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors. But it’s been over three weeks since he made his decision known, and we still don’t have an answer as to where he’ll be playing next year.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, one popular theory has emerged recently for why the situation has dragged on so long: James has been “slow-playing his decision” and watching to see whether any of his suitors can find a way to also land Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis, two of his former championship teammates.
James won a title with Davis in Los Angeles in 2020 and won the Cavaliers’ first-ever championship alongside Irving in 2016, and he remains close with both of them.
More news: LeBron James Reportedly ‘Irritated’ by Adam Silver Over Free Agency Pressure
More news: D’Angelo Russell’s Days in Memphis Numbered After Blockbuster Trade: Report
Even if this theory is true, it seems unlikely that either one of those players will get moved at this point.
The Dallas Mavericks reportedly have “zero interest” in trading Irving and view him as a mentor for franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg. Irving is also working his way back from a torn ACL, and is owed $39.5 million next season, with a $42.4 million player option in 2027-28, at which point he’ll be 36 years old.
Davis, meanwhile, remains stuck in Washington and the Wizards have made it clear they’re not shopping him. Davis is owed $58.5 million for the 2026-27 season and holds a $62.8 million player option the following year. By then, he’ll be 35.
Both of those contracts are difficult to move in any situation.
As for where things stand on the James front, we’re in the same spot we’ve been for weeks: nobody knows. James’ longtime agent Rich Paul has repeatedly said there’s no firm timeline on when he’ll make his decision and that he’s in no rush to do so.
More news: Steph Curry Just Made Hall of Fame History — And He’s Not Even Retired
Related Articles
