76ers predicted to sign ex-Lakers $69M versatile high-IQ defender to reunite with LeBron James image
The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a season where they upset the Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs before being beaten by the New York Knicks. The 76ers are chasing their fourth NBA championship after having a great offseason.
Philadelphia was able to pull off a stunning trade for Jaylen Brown after his relationship with the Boston Celtics went to pieces. Then, they brought in four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote. "James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania."
The organization is going all in on a championship run over the next two years. It is now or never for Philadelphia. The 76ers have already brought in a former teammate of James in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
“Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating a buyout with the Grizzlies and intends to sign with the 76ers, per Chris B Haynes. KCP joins Bron in Philly," Bleacher Report posted.
With Philadelphia signing Pope, they only have one roster spot left for the season. There are still some options available. The Sixers Sense’s Nicolas Kyle Pring believes the team should sign Maxi Kleber.
“Kleber has long been one of the few real three-and-D big men in the NBA. While injuries have taken away some of his effectiveness in that role, he remains a dependable, defensive-minded big man who can give any team a different look on both ends, at least in spurts. The 76ers have a glut of big men right now, but there is little variance in the skill set of the players they currently have manning the position. Kleber, who played with LeBron over the last couple of years, would be a solid addition for the team's final roster spot,” Pring wrote.
Kleber and James have been teammates for the last couple of seasons after the former Dallas Maverick was included in the Luka Doncic trade. When he was used in the rotation, he was a great veteran to have.
Kleber has made $69 million throughout his career. This would allow the end of the bench to be more stable. He may not get the most minutes or play in some games, but he could still provide some good help.
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