LeBron James is still gathering information before deciding where he will play in the 2026-27 season, agent Rich Paul said Friday on the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman. The conversation came hours after Shams Charania told ESPN that the 22-time All-Star has not narrowed his choices.
Using a whiteboard during the podcast, Paul organized a list of clubs that have drawn the most serious consideration. Five teams occupied the center of the board—the 76ers, Heat, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Cavaliers. On the periphery sat another five: the Warriors, Mavericks, Knicks, Spurs and Celtics.
Kellerman pressed Paul on why Golden State, long viewed as a favorite, was not in the middle of the board. Paul replied that the board’s layout should not be overanalyzed and that pairing James with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is still attractive. Even so, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday that the Warriors do not see themselves as leaders in the chase, a view Charania repeated Friday.
Paul added that, with the exception of “one or two” organizations, he has fielded inquiries from almost every team in the league, even if some calls were little more than routine due diligence. He also rejected the assumption that 2026-27 will be James’s final season, noting that no decision on retirement has been made and that the four-time MVP’s family has given him permission to play wherever he chooses.
Key factors for each leading candidate
Philadelphia 76ers: Paul highlighted the arrival of basketball operations president Mike Gansey, whom James has known since their Ohio high-school days. James is also a strong admirer of guard Tyrese Maxey and, at age 41, would slot at power forward next to Maxey, rookies VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown, and reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The departure of Darius Garland, a player James “loves,” counts against the Cavs, Paul said. Still, a projected lineup featuring Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen—and the presence of assistant general manager Brandon Weems, a longtime friend—keeps Cleveland firmly in the mix.
New York Knicks: According to Paul, New York would sit atop James’s list if the club had not just won a championship. While the Knicks remain an option, Paul said an endorsement from Finals MVP Jalen Brunson would be essential and acknowledged several roster and cap complications.
Denver Nuggets: James’s friendship with team governor Josh Kroenke and the potential frontcourt pairing with Nikola Jokic make Denver a genuine contender, Paul told Kellerman.
Minnesota Timberwolves: With Minnesota set to lose its two primary power forwards, Paul pointed to an immediate starting role for James alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards.
Dallas Mavericks: Newly hired president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri intrigues Klutch Sports, and Paul said the Mavericks have made their interest clear.
Miami Heat: A reunion with Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley appeals to James, who won two titles in Miami from 2010 to 2014.
Paul indicated that James will continue exploring options throughout the summer and reiterated that no timeline has been set for a final decision.
Source: Hoops Rumors
