Close Menu
Login
Subscribe
Demo
Basketball

LeBron James next team predictions: Latest news, rumors on star’s decision

News RoomBy No Comments14 Mins Read
LeBron James next team predictions: Latest news, rumors on star’s decision

There’s been much to speculate about the next destination for LeBron James.

James decided to not allow the Los Angeles Lakers a bidding chance for him and informed the team that he would be moving on to a new organization in free agency.

Advertisement

There have been a handful of teams that are considered in the running for James.

James’ agent, Rich Paul, previewed a shortlist of teams on a whiteboard during an episode of his podcast with Max Kellerman, “Game Over.” The list of teams included the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.

Many of which have their own storyline and reasoning for a potential James signing, but for a team like the Warriors, they could finally pair James with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors are keeping a roster spot open for James but they don’t think he’d choose to play in the Bay Area.

Advertisement

“On the James front, Warriors sources continue to express a low level of optimism that James will ultimately pick them as his next team,” Slater wrote. “They intend to keep roster space open for James until he ultimately declares his choice.”

ESPN’s Shams Charania said on “Straight Shooter” with Stephen A. Smith that he doesn’t think the Warriors are at the top of James’ list, rather “on the periphery,” unless they were able to make a package deal for Anthony Davis. It should also be noted that Charania and Smith reported that both James and Green will “hang out this week” amid the 22-time All-Star’s decision-making process.

So what about the other teams that could possibly lure James into a contract for a season or two? Charania said it’s really boiled down to a top three hierarchy of: Heat, 76ers and Cavaliers.

Here’s the latest on the “contenders only” free agency sweepstakes for James:

1 / 39

LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend

LeBron James, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entered the NBA straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Take a look back at the four-time NBA champ’s career from high school to the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

LeBron James potential landing spots

Here’s the latest on the top-three contenders that James could sign with.

Advertisement

Miami Heat

A reunion in Miami would be one heck of a storyline. Once upon a time James promised Heat fans championship rings by famously uttering the words “not two, not three, not four, not five … not six.” He got them two with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and company, now he could join a new ‘big three’ with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and himself.

“There’s a draw with Miami. Pat Riley is a draw, Spoelstra is a draw,” Charania said. “I have gotten any feel that there’s still tension between LeBron and Pat Riley that would detour him from that. I think Bam and Giannis are big draws for him too. He played team USA for Bam and has a lot of respect for Bam. Giannis would want LeBron in Miami from my understanding as well. No state taxes…. In January, you think about Miami and, it’s Miami! If you have a team that is basically neck and neck but one of them is based in Miami, with no state taxes.”

Smith reported that “a lot of executives” believe Miami is the best destination for James.

Advertisement

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers have picked up steam in the running for James, Charania said.

“Philadelphia was not in the picture,” he said. “When the Sixers got Jaylen Brown I did some research … he (LeBron) is taking their pitch very seriously.”

They would be able to create a lineup featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, James and Brown.

Cleveland Cavaliers

What could be better than a Hollywood ending? A return home to where it all began. Many want it to be the perfect storybook ending to a legendary career. The Cavs do.

Charania said that the organization is making James their No.1-priority and their superstar Donovan Mitchell is on board with that.

Advertisement

Some are speculating that it could very well be. Signs are there. That’s what ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said.

“Yes, absolutely, he knows what he’s going to do,” Windhorst said. “If you ask me, ‘Are the vibes pointing towards Cleveland?’ Yeah, the vibes are pointing towards Cleveland, but it’s just vibes.”

Consider this, he’s celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 championship with Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Matthew Dellavedova, Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye.

He’s spending some offseason time there, which has fans on social media putting it all together after reuniting with his high school teammates from St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron. He was also with Cavs general manager Brandon Weems, but it could all just be coincidence.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: LeBron James next team predictions: Latest news, rumors on star’s decision

Read the full article here

Keep Reading

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply

2026 © Prices.com LLC. All Rights Reserved.