TITLE: LeBron James Settled on 76ers at 1 a.m. After Intense Free-Agency Debate, Rich Paul Says
SLUG: lebron-james-76ers-decision-rich-paul
CONTENT:
Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul said LeBron James did not commit to the Philadelphia 76ers until 1 a.m. ET last Friday, capping a free-agency process that swung repeatedly among four finalists.
Speaking on the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul explained that James weighed offers from the Sixers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors before reaching his decision.
“Home is home in Cleveland, Miami is Miami with Pat Riley, and who wouldn’t want to play with Steph Curry and Draymond Green,” Paul recalled. “Each team led the race at some point.”
Jaylen Brown Trade Shifted the Landscape
According to Paul, James began leaning toward Philadelphia only after the club acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a July 1 trade. The move, he said, gave the 76ers the firepower of a bona fide contender and altered the star’s calculus.
Relationship With Tyrese Maxey Helped Seal the Deal
James also valued his friendship with Tyrese Maxey, another Klutch client. The pair have trained together for five straight off-seasons, and Paul stated that the existing bond would ease James’s transition into a new locker room.
Projected Role in Philadelphia
Paul expects James to serve as the league’s “best secondary playmaker,” assisting Maxey in pick-and-roll sets and benefiting rookie VJ Edgecombe. He suggested coach Nick Nurse could borrow tactics from Ty Lue’s Cleveland playbook by using Maxey as a screener for James.
Timberwolves Were Cut Late
Paul noted that the Minnesota Timberwolves were considered earlier but were eliminated when James trimmed his list to four teams. The agent said the 39-year-old forward changed his mind several times before locking in on Philadelphia.
“He’s happy with his choice,” Paul concluded. “I believe the city of Philadelphia will embrace him.”
Source: HoopsRumors
