Why it's trending
LeBron James remains unsigned weeks into free agency, fueling speculation about his next team. The Sixers are a reported suitor, and a potential trade for Anthony Davis—his former Lakers teammate—has been floated as a way to lure LeBron. Conflicting reports from O'Connor and Charania have intensified debate.
LeBron James is still a free agent nearly a month into the offseason, and a popular theory suggests he's waiting for a team to acquire Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving. Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reported that 'the popular theory around the league is that LeBron has been slow-playing his decision to see if any of his suitors could find a way to land Irving or Davis.' The Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams linked to James, and a trade for Davis could be a potential draw.
However, ESPN's Shams Charania refuted that theory on the Pat McAfee Show, stating, 'My sources tell me that LeBron James, his agent Rich Paul, that inner circle, they're not waiting for another domino right now. They're not waiting for Anthony Davis to get traded anywhere.' Charania also confirmed that Warriors' trade talks for Davis have 'gone nowhere,' and the Wizards reportedly have no interest in trading Davis, per Marc J. Spears of Andscape.
The timeline: LeBron entered free agency on July 1. By late July, O'Connor reported the 'slow-playing' theory. Charania pushed back on July 24. Meanwhile, Davis posted a cryptic Instagram video with J. Cole's 'The Cut Off,' amid links to LeBron. The Wizards plan to hold extension talks with Davis starting Aug. 6, but there are 'rumblings' he'd sign for less if traded to a contender, per O'Connor.
For the Sixers, a Davis trade would likely require sending Joel Embiid ($58.0M) to match Davis's $58.5M salary, as noted by Liberty Ballers. But with conflicting reports and the Wizards' stance, a LeBron-Davis reunion in Philadelphia remains highly speculative. The next key date is Aug. 6, when Davis becomes extension-eligible, which could clarify his future.
Timeline
- NBA Free Agency Begins
LeBron James becomes a free agent. He does not immediately sign with any team.
- Slow-Playing Theory Emerges
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reports a 'popular theory' that LeBron is delaying his decision to see if a team can acquire Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving.
- Charania Disputes Theory
ESPN's Shams Charania says on the Pat McAfee Show that LeBron's camp is not waiting for any trade, including for Davis.
- Davis Posts Cryptic Video
Anthony Davis posts a black screen with J. Cole's 'The Cut Off' on Instagram, amid links to LeBron James.
- Davis Extension Eligibility
Anthony Davis becomes eligible for a contract extension with the Wizards. The team plans to hold talks.
Questions people ask
Is LeBron James waiting for the Sixers to trade for Anthony Davis?
It's unclear. Yahoo Sports reported a theory that LeBron is slow-playing his decision to see if a team can acquire Davis, but ESPN's Shams Charania says LeBron is not waiting for any trade. The Wizards have reportedly shown no interest in trading Davis.
Could the Sixers trade Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis?
In theory, yes. Liberty Ballers notes that a trade would likely require sending Joel Embiid ($58.0M) to match Davis's $58.5M salary. However, no such trade has been reported, and the Wizards are not listening to offers.
Join the conversation 0
Comments are reviewed before publishing.