LeBron James‘ agent Rich Paul says that James went through immense emotional turmoil “every day” until the 41-year-old made his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers early Friday morning.
Paul confirmed what many people had expected, that James was deciding between four teams — the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
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“You can see from the end of the season…the emotional attachments and how hard it is to go away from a Miami and go away from a Cleveland,” said Paul on the “Game Over” podcast Friday afternoon. “Who wouldn’t want to play with Steph Curry and Draymond Green? I’m seeing the emotional roller coaster every single day.”
Paul also added that he believed every team in the race was leading at some point for James’ services, but James opted for Philadelphia because the team had become a much more attractive option since trading for Jaylen Brown. Furthermore, James’ relationship with Tyrese Maxey, who is also represented by Klutch Sports, played a role in the decision as well.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Why did LeBron James choose the 76ers?
Paul says that James chose the 76ers because of their ability to contend for a championship immediately. Paul noted that the decision to trade away Paul George in exchange for Jaylen Brown while already boasting a roster with star players like Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and up-and-comer VJ Edgecombe gave James the clarity he needed to make his decision.
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Paul also believes that the team’s head coach Nick Nurse will find a way to implement James’ into the team’s tactics without diminishing anyone else’s impact.
Paul said, “[James] helps Tyrese [Maxey] in terms of pick-and-roll action. … I think Nick Nurse can take a little page out of Ty Lue’s book and use Tyrese as the screener. When you talk about a guy like VJ Edgecombe, he definitely helps him.”
Were other teams in the running?
The Minnesota Timberwolves were another team Paul mentions in the podcast, though he clarifies that they were not one of the final four teams James was considering.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James’ emotional roller coaster led to signing with the 76ers
