On Friday, the long-awaited news about where LeBron James will be playing next season finally arrived. And despite all the speculation about the 22-time All-Star heading back to the Cleveland Cavaliers or teaming up with pals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the Golden State Warriors, ESPN broke the news that James is instead joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
Furthermore, as expected, the future Hall of Famer will be taking a big discount to take his talents to the City of Brotherly Love. James has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal worth only $8 million. The contract will include a player option after year one. The 41-year-old will now look to make more history by helping the Sixers break a 43-year championship drought in 2026-27.
Following the conclusion of the LeBron James free agent sweepstakes, we look at the biggest winners and losers from July’s grand chase.
76ers
May 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of center court with the Philadelphia 76ers logo before game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers are clearly the biggest winner in the James news. Did they need the four-time MVP? Not really after acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics just a few weeks ago. However, he now rounds out an absurd starting five (when healthy) of Joel Embiid, James, Brown, VJ Edgecombe, and Tyrese Maxey. The New York Knicks have a huge threat to a repeat just a couple hours away in Philly.
Loser: Stephen Curry & Golden State Warriors
NBA: Playoffs-Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It seemed the basketball world preferred to see James join Curry and Green on a greybeard superteam for his final run in the NBA. Instead, he made another decision that is sure to get blowback from fans outside Pennsylvania.
For months, the speculation was that the Warriors would make a big splash this summer. That has yet to happen, and there is no reason to believe at some point they will. It is looking more likely that Golden State returns with the same old and injury-prone team as last year.
Winner: LeBron James & Rich Paul
NBA: Playoffs-Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
May 13, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Savannah James, LeBron James and Rich Paul sit in the front in the fourth quarter of game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Whether you hate it or love it, James and his agent Rich Paul were the biggest story in sports over the last month, besides the World Cup. For one last time, the sports world was focused on the duo as they had fans hanging on every word and move they made. At the very least, it has made Paul’s podcast with Max Kellerman one of the most notable in sports media.
Loser: Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Dallas Mavericks
Jan 30, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Cleveland Cavaliers logo on the shorts of Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Cavaliers 104-97. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Besides joining the Warriors, many fans loved the idea of James returning to Cleveland for one last dance with the team where he became a superstar. Instead, he again spurned them for a conference rival.
The Cavaliers will still be a good team next season. However, instead of joining them, James has helped push Cleveland further down in the Eastern Conference pecking order heading into next season.
Winner: Bob Myers
bob myers
Feb 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers talks during the Andre Iguodala jersey retirement ceremony at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Many laughed off Bob Myers’ appearance on Paul’s podcast and his public pitch for James to come to Philly. Well, who is laughing now? Myers was the best executive in the NBA during his time with the Warriors, and he proved on Friday he still has the magic touch by somehow persuading the NBA legend to take $8 million to play with the 76ers.
Loser: Pat Riley, Giannis Antetokounmpo & Miami Heat
miami heat
Jul 16, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
A case can be made that the Miami Heat are the biggest losers in the James free agent sweepstakes. After winning the chase for Giannis Antetokounmpo in June, they became a better team than they were last year. However, to do that, they gutted the depth of their roster. They really needed James to help round out a team that may not even be among the top six in the East.
Instead, they will have to go budget shopping in the weeks ahead to get more talent around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo for next season.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos