LeBron James’ free agency is not being held up by Anthony Davis’ situation in Washington, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Charania dismissed the idea that James is waiting for another major transaction before making his next move.
“They’re not waiting for Anthony Davis to get traded anywhere,” Charania said. “Not waiting for anyone else to move around anywhere.”
The comments provide clarity amid weeks of speculation linking James’ future to Davis, who has been the subject of trade rumors despite the Washington Wizards showing little interest in moving the 10-time All-Star.
James became one of the NBA’s biggest free agents after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers following eight seasons with the franchise. The four-time MVP remains productive entering his 24th NBA season, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 regular-season games during the 2025-26 campaign before posting 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists across 10 playoff games.
Miami has emerged as one of the teams most frequently connected to James following the Heat’s blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks. During Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference, Heat president Pat Riley fueled additional speculation by saying, “We have another one to land.”
Riley later clarified that another move could happen organically but stopped short of identifying James as the player he referenced.
“As far as the 24-year veteran, you know, that is something that would happen organically,” Riley said. “You never know that you’re ever going to win a title until you win one. But you’ll never win one if you don’t have the talent and the coaching to do it.”
Miami already reshaped its roster this offseason by sending Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick and multiple future draft assets to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Portis. The Heat now project to build around Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins while exploring additional opportunities to strengthen the roster.
According to previous reporting from Dallas Hoops Journal, Klutch Sports Group explored potential Davis destinations with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. However, neither franchise reportedly has interest in acquiring the veteran center or offering him a maximum contract extension when he becomes eligible on Aug. 6.
Washington also appears in no rush to make a decision on Davis’ future. Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported that both Davis and the Wizards are expected to take a patient approach once extension talks become available, while The Athletic previously reported the franchise has no interest in trading him unless it receives an overwhelming offer.
Davis arrived in Washington as part of the Feb. 5 blockbuster deal with the Mavericks but has yet to play a regular-season game for the Wizards. Before the trade, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals in 20 games with Dallas.
