It might be LeBron James' decision week in the NBA, which could lead to big news for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Since the start of free agency, the Sixers have been linked to the superstar forward as potential suitors to win the LeBron sweepstakes. Throughout the process, it has been confirmed that the interest is mutual.
However, nothing is exclusive for Philly. Sure, LeBron likes the Sixers. But he also likes the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Golden State Warriors. Every day, a new favorite emerges.
NBA analyst Bill Simmons has been saying that LeBron will choose the Cavaliers for quite some time now. Heading into July 20, Simmons is sticking to his initial prediction.
While discussing the state of LeBron's market, the NBA analyst tossed out an interesting factor for the Cavs, which might give them the upper hand on the Sixers in the LeBron market.
Cleveland is finding an edge over Philly
“I would still bet on Cleveland, I think that’s gonna happen," Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast. "I think they’re just trying to figure out how to get him on the team where they don’t have to just pay him the minimum."
At the start of LeBron's free agency sweepstakes, it was made clear that his next move would not be financially driven. LeBron simply wants to be in a positive basketball environment, with a chance to compete for a championship.
Still, it has to be difficult going from making over $101 million over two seasons to just making the minimum for a team. At this stage of the offseason, that's all the Sixers have to offer to LeBron.
As for the Cavs, who had a quiet offseason and haven't signed everybody back yet, including the star guard James Harden, they are now rumored to be looking for creative ways to be able to offer LeBron James more than the minimum, which could be more enticing.
During the 2025-2026 NBA season, LeBron James appeared in 60 games for the Los Angeles Lakers. While shooting 51.5% from the field, James averaged 20.9 points per game.
Beyond his scoring, the veteran forward came down with 6.1 rebounds per game and dished out 7.2 assists per game. He also came up with 1.2 steals per game on defense. Once again, James was voted into the NBA All-Star Game, continuing a 22-year trend.
James, even during his age-42 season, is certainly worth more than the minimum. That shouldn't eliminate the Sixers from the race, but it seems the Cavs could be using that to their advantage.
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