May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks towards his bench after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks towards his bench after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Even at 41 years old, LeBron James remains one of the biggest stories in sports. We saw that firsthand this summer when he entered unrestricted free agency. In the bidding war that followed, it was the 76ers who came out on top, signing the four-time NBA champion to a two-year, $7.9 million contract.
So far, we still know very little about what ultimately convinced LeBron to become a Sixer, but his former teammate Dwyane Wade fully understands the decision. In a recent chat, he spoke on the King choosing Philly over the Miami Heat (where they played together), suggesting that there’s more to the move than has yet to be revealed.
“From a basketball standpoint, I thought it was a very strategic move at this point in his career. It definitely gives him the best chance,” said Wade on the Conversations with Cam Podcast. “I feel like it gives him the best chance in the East to be able to get back to compete for a championship. I think Miami would have been a good move as well, but a lot of moving parts in that needed to go right. I feel like this is a little bit more, right away from the beginning, the best chance for basketball. But also, too, I don’t think we’ve seen the end of what this move is. I think it’s more to this move.”
Wade is perhaps LeBron’s most iconic NBA teammate. The two ran the league together for four years on the Heat, winning back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. While their run was relatively shot-lived, Wade got to know LeBron on a more personal level and it’s a relationship that stands today. Naturally, Wade was curious as curious as anyone about LeBron’s decision, but he doesn’t hold it against his former teammate for not reconnecting with the Heat.
While it would have made a great storyline, Wade says the Sixers are LeBron’s best chance to win. Plus, Wade claims there that James may still have some unfinished plans for his new team. Whether it’s a major trade proposal or a future signing, Wade believes LeBron could have something in the works that helped him make up his mind. Ultimately, we may never know unless the move is made.
Even if not, it doesn’t change much about LeBron’s situation. Between him, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe, the 76ers still have (arguably) the best starting five in the NBA. With averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 51.5% shooting last season, James is the perfect addition on the wing, as he brings championship experience, veteran leadership, and a smart basketball mind to the rotation.
In Miami, they are not nearly as stacked. As much as LeBron was lured by a reunion with Erik Spoelstra and the legendary ‘Heat Culture,’ he just didn’t feel as confident in their chances of success, even after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
So, if you’re the Sixers, you have to feel confident heading into this new season. According to Wade, LeBron not only chose them, but he chose them with a vision in mind to improve and reshape the team, a vision that has yet to be fully played out.