As LeBron James' free agency decision continues into its second week, the Philadelphia 76ers remain actively engaged in pursuing the four-time NBA champion, according to multiple league sources. The team has enlisted the help of three of its key players-Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown-to communicate directly with James in an effort to persuade him to join Philadelphia.
Tyrese Maxey, a 25-year-old guard and fellow Klutch Sports client like James, has taken a leading role in these discussions. Maxey and James have a close relationship, having trained together during past offseasons. Maxey has previously referred to James as a "big brother," underscoring the personal connection between the two athletes. This familiarity and trust make Maxey a natural choice to lead the Sixers' outreach.
Joel Embiid, the reigning 2022-23 NBA Most Valuable Player, has also been in contact with James. Their connection extends beyond the NBA, as the two recently teamed up to win a gold medal for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This shared experience on the international stage has strengthened their bond and could serve as an additional factor in James' decision-making process.
Jaylen Brown, another key figure in the Sixers' campaign, has a history of playoff battles with James. Brown faced James when the latter was with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brown was playing for the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry has evolved into mutual respect, with James publicly endorsing Brown's MVP candidacy earlier this year. In February, James praised Brown's high level of play and questioned why Brown's name was not receiving more attention in MVP discussions. This endorsement highlights the respect James has for Brown, who is now a teammate in Philadelphia.
James has also expressed admiration for the Philadelphia fan base. During a December game in Philadelphia where he scored 29 points-including 12 in the fourth quarter to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 comeback win-James praised how passionate and loyal Philly fans are to their home teams. "One thing you know about Philly fans, they don't care about anybody besides their home teams, and I respect and I love that," James said. He noted his long history playing in Philadelphia and his appreciation for the city's support of basketball.
Sources close to the situation have identified the Sixers as one of the top destinations for James, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. The Cavaliers, where James previously had two stints, and the Heat, where he also played, remain strong contenders in the free agency race.
In support of the Sixers' efforts, Bob Myers, president of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment-the ownership group behind the Sixers-recently appeared on the "Game Over" podcast. The show is hosted by Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports and James' longtime agent. Myers made a clear pitch for Philadelphia as an ideal landing spot for James, emphasizing the team's potential to win. "If he was here, I'd say, 'I honestly believe this is your best chance to win,'" Myers said. "You have to decide all the other things that are equally important. What I would just say is, if it's about winning, let's talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philadelphia."
Mike Gansey, president of basketball operations for the Sixers, echoed similar sentiments in an interview with The Athletic. Gansey, who was an executive with the Cavaliers during James' second stint there and also competed against him in high school in Northeast Ohio, expressed admiration for James and a desire to bring him to Philadelphia. "We've had conversations with Rich [Paul], really, since the Jaylen trade," Gansey said. "LeBron and his camp have kept quiet, and there has been speculation for different teams. But we'd obviously love to have LeBron. I respect the heck out of him. In my opinion, he's the best player of all time."
James is scheduled to be in New York this week for a series of public appearances that may offer additional insight into his plans, though no direct announcements are expected. On Thursday, he will attend Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center for two key events. The first is the Game Plan business and sports summit, hosted by Rich Kleiman of The Boardroom and CNBC. Later, James will participate in a live taping of his podcast, "Mind the Game," with Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton as the guest.
Also on Thursday, James will be honored at the Time 100 gala, where he will receive recognition as the magazine's "Athlete of the Century." This accolade reflects James' impact on and off the basketball court throughout his career.
On Friday, James will return to Fanatics Fest for a live taping of his barbershop-style talk show, "The Shop." The episode will feature tennis legend Novak Djokovic, along with Maverick Carter, Travis Bennett, and Steelo Brim, who frequently appear on the show. These appearances highlight James' influence beyond basketball and his engagement with a wider cultural and business community.
As the free agency period extends, the Philadelphia 76ers continue to position themselves as a compelling option for LeBron James. Through personal relationships with key players, endorsements from team leadership, and the city's passionate fan base, Philadelphia is making a strong case to secure one of the greatest athletes in basketball history. With the Cavaliers and Miami Heat also in the mix, the decision remains wide open, but the Sixers' efforts demonstrate their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around the legendary superstar.