LeBron James has opted out of the storybook ending many in Northeast Ohio were hoping for. Instead of a retirement tour with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James has decided to head one state over and chase a championship with a new-look Philadelphia 76ers team. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he’s signing a two-year, $8 million deal.
The Sixers have been the undisputed winners of the offseason. Swapping out an aging Paul George for Jaylen Brown is widely regarded as the best trade this offseason. That
move alone would’ve vaulted them into contention in a competitive Eastern Conference. Now, they may be the favorites to win it.
This is a tough blow for the Cavs.
Not only would this have been an ideal ending for James’s career from the Cavs’ perspective, but he also would’ve filled a gaping hole on Cleveland’s roster. The Cavs need a wing (or preferably two) that can shift between playing the three and four with the loss of Dean Wade in free agency. James could’ve filled that role nicely. Now, the Cavs will have to shift their attention elsewhere to fill that need.
More than that, this move cemented the Sixers as a team ahead of the Cavs in the Eastern Conference hierarchy. Cleveland’s path through the conference is expected to be much tougher this season than it was at any point in the core four era.
This upcoming season will be James’s 24th year in the league. The Sixers will be the fourth separate franchise he’s suited up for. Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games with the Los Angeles Lakers.
