LeBron James has announced he's joining the Philadelphia 76ers, calling it the “last decision” of his playing career. Back in 2018, businessman Asher Raphael had put up billboards near Cleveland to woo James to Philadelphia. Although James joined the Lakers that year, Raphael's effort now seems prescient. Raphael, co-CEO of Power Home Remodeling, says the news has been thrilling. The original billboards went viral, promoting the 76ers' rebuilding process. Raphael believes James playing alongside Joel Embiid and others will boost the team. Philadelphia hasn't won an NBA championship since 1983.
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LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers. James made the announcement on social media, saying it will be his “last decision” and that it comes after he strongly considered retirement. James says “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.” James wrote he was “done” when his 23rd NBA season ended. He says “I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game.”
AP Wire
LeBron James says he will play with the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose have been revealed as the cover athletes for NBA 2K27. Wembanyama is featured on the Standard Edition, Clark on the Deluxe Edition, and Rose on the limited-time Ultra Edition. The Standard Edition launches on September 4, while Deluxe and Ultra editions offer early access starting August 28. Rose, who was also on the cover of NBA 2K13, sees this as a chance to inspire young athletes.
LeBron James remains undecided about where he'll play this season. The NBA's all-time scoring leader and current free agent spoke Thursday but didn't reveal his next team choice. Fans at Fanatics Fest in New York eagerly awaited his decision. James, recording an episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast, mentioned teams such as Cleveland, Miami, and Golden State but gave no hints. He confirmed leaving the Lakers after eight seasons. James, the NBA’s oldest active player, has a storied career and is entering his 24th season. Speculation continues as fans await his next move.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have achieved one of their primary aims of the offseason while the wait continues on whether LeBron James will return to the franchise for a third time. The team announced Thursday that Donovan Mitchell has signed his four-year, $273 million contract extension. Mitchell’s extension has been the Cavaliers’ biggest move of the offseason while everyone in the NBA waits to see where James decides to sign. The Cavaliers are a sentimental favorite for James to return. The 41-year-old from Akron, Ohio, was the top overall pick by Cleveland in 2003 and has spent 11 of his 23 seasons wearing wine and gold He left for Miami in 2010 but returned four years later to lead the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in 2016.
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Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the extension hadn't been announced. Tuesday was the first day that the Cavaliers could offer Mitchell the extension. The seven-time All-Star had two seasons remaining on his contract and could have waited to re-sign until next summer, when he would be eligible for a five-year supermax deal worth $350 million. The extension includes a $76 million player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker.
LeBron James is at the center of NBA attention despite a wave of trades. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, and others have moved teams, but all eyes are on James. His agent, Rich Paul, says James remains the league's face. James, turning 42 in December, will play his 24th season, but not with the Lakers. Paul hinted at possible teams, including Philadelphia and New York, on the “Game Over” podcast. James' decision timeline is unknown, and money isn't a major factor. He seeks a title-contending team that suits his lifestyle. The wait for his choice continues.
NBA free agency: Norman Powell to Chicago in another All-Star move as teams continue shaping rosters
Add Norman Powell to the list of this past season’s All-Stars who are changing addresses this summer in NBA free agency. Powell has agreed to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million with the Chicago Bulls, according to a person with knowledge of the talks. Powell also had received some interest from the Detroit Pistons, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be finalized until July 6 at the earliest.
The Philadelphia 76ers made their first two free-agent moves under new team president Mike Gansey, agreeing to a deal with Knicks center Ariel Hukporti on Wednesday after reaching a deal with veteran forward Dean Wade a night earlier, according to a person with knowledge of the agreements. The 76ers added frontcourt depth by agreeing with Hukporti on a $3.4 million, one-year deal. They agreed to a $39 million, four-year deal with Wade, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deals cannot be signed yet. Wade spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Cavaliers.