The consensus was already that the Philadelphia Sixers were the winners of the Jaylen Brown trade, but now? You can say they look even better now that LeBron James is coming to town on a two-year, $8 million deal, as first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
Two months ago, the Sixers made it past a thrilling Game 7 win over Brown and the Celtics in the first round. That excitement was fleeting, as the Knicks swept them in the semifinals, raising even more questions about the direction Philadelphia should go in to try to win a title.
Well, they answered by sending Paul George's contract to Boston for Brown, and three weeks later, landed LeBron. The second part wouldn't have happened without the first part, as Rich Paul, James' agent, said a few weeks ago that the Brown trade was a "great thing" for Philadelphia's chances at the 41-year-old superstar.
You can say that again!
BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ALOlTkgdAV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 24, 2026
Jaylen Brown trade already paid off with LeBron James
As soon as LeBron informed the Lakers before the official start of free agency that he wouldn't be back in LA for his 24th season, the speculation started. The Cavaliers, Heat, and Warriors were the main three teams that came to mind for most people, but after the Brown trade, the Sixers became a real destination for him.
Brian Windhorst said on ESPN the day James told LA he was leaving that actions, not words, would move LeBron. The insider asked specifically, "Who is going to make moves that make this more attractive for LeBron James?" Philadelphia heard that loud and clear.
By that point, Miami had traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Cleveland, which felt like the favorite, hadn't (and didn't) make a big move, other than extending Donovan Mitchell.
Now, the Sixers didn't trade for Brown solely to lure LeBron in; it was an obvious move that makes them better. They're off George's contract for a player who is a lot more durable, seven years younger, and won the NBA Finals MVP with the Celtics in 2024. That alone was enough to make them a real contender in the East again, before James made his decision.
It certainly didn't happen overnight, but Philadelphia is back with what has been an offseason that fans thought could only happen in their dreams. The Brown trade was hard enough to believe, but this? The Sixers owe the Celtics another thank-you for this one, as it wouldn't have been possible without them.
This is real life. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown call Philly's newest residents.
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