Sixers keep pressing LeBron James despite tight cap space
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The Philadelphia 76ers are still trying to persuade LeBron James to join the franchise, but a crowded salary cap remains the chief hurdle.
Philadelphia is approximately $3.4 million under the first-apron hard cap and has already spent almost the entire non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Without clearing additional room, the club lacks a financial tool to offer James a full mid-level deal.
Maxey leads the outreach
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that guard Tyrese Maxey has spearheaded the recruitment. Maxey, who trains with James through Klutch Sports, has referred to the four-time MVP as a “big brother.” Fellow star Joel Embiid and newly acquired Jaylen Brown have also contacted James while waiting for his decision.
Front-office communication ongoing
Team president Mike Gansey told The Athletic that the 76ers have maintained dialogue with Rich Paul, James’s agent. “We’ve had conversations with Rich, really, since the Jaylen trade,” Gansey said. “We’d obviously love to have LeBron.” Gansey added that James is “weighing several attractive options.”
Other contenders in pursuit
League sources cited by Hoops Wire identify the Cleveland Cavaliers as the current favorite, with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat also firmly involved. Cavaliers guard James Harden has reportedly reached out to James during the process.
The 39-year-old forward has been linked to the Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat, 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves. A decision could arrive before the weekend, ahead of James’s scheduled appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York on Thursday and Friday.
Source: Hoops Wire
