nba basketball and lebron james

When LeBron James reaches free agent status on July 1 of this year, one of his first orders of business will be to announce his future home in basketball. One of the top contenders for James is the Philadelphia 76ers—a possibility that has been relatively controversial given the 76ers have been a “laughing stock in the NBA for years,” (Marcin 1). Yet the 76ers have also had an incredible season thus far, and have built a team made of fresh young talent.

They have been called a “rapidly improving team” showing a tremendous amount of future promise, especially as young talent needs to be developed systematically (Stuter). This is exactly the kind of environment that would suit James, who has been called more than once “the greatest player ever to play,” (Zillgitt 1). James has been working hard with Cleveland but his talents would most likely be appreciated by the 76ers. If LeBron were to sign with the 76ers in 2018, the result would be mutually beneficial.

The 76ers may need LeBron more than he needs them, but ultimately, LeBron will also be concerned about his prospects for playing with a team with the capacity for winning a title. Former general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, Sam Hinkie, planted the seeds of young talent years ago, “stockpiling draft picks to land young, cheap talent,” and envisioning a “forward-thinking plan,” (Marcin 1).

James is in the perfect position to reap the rewards of Hinkie’s strategy, edging his way into the team as the perfect leader, mentor, and motivator.

As a player who has become comfortable in the position of leadership, it makes sense that James would seek out another opportunity like he has had with the Caveliers to help groom young players and deliver them—and himself—a championship: “if James’ goal remains competing for championships and Cleveland is no longer the place, the Sixers can make a compelling case,” (Marcin 1).

Although they are one of the youngest teams in the league, they also possess some of the most promising players, including those who have made the All-Star Game like Joel Embid. James has demonstrated respect for the 76ers roster in recent games, too, and particularly for the most obviously talented 76ers players like Joel Embid (Joseph). James needs to play with a young team, but a confident one that will feed off of what James brings to the court.

As Zillgitt also points out, the 76ers also have the added bonus of “a committed fan base,” which can inspire all members of the team to thrive (1). James needs a team with talent that is self-confident and ready for good leadership, but still impressionable and willing to learn. From James’s point of view, the 76ers do make sense. From the 76ers perspective, the upstart team could certainly use some assistance in climbing the steep hill towards winning more games.

The 76er’s strategy of sharking young draft picks and saving money on their salary cap was a strategic move specifically for moments like these when they can afford players like James. According to Zillgitt, “The Sixers are one of a few teams who have significant salary cap space to use in the summer of 2018,” and may be uniquely poised to afford James at $34 million (1). Recently, the 76ers let go of Amir Johnson and his $11 million contract (Winfield). The 76ers, moreover, have also signed J.J.

Redick to a $23 million contract, showing that the team is prepared to blend veteran talent with their young players as part of their strategy (Zillgitt). As Winfield points out, the 76ers are one of the few teams—if not the only team—that can afford two expensive veterans. Playing James and Redick together would also yield tangible results for Philadelphia as well as for the players themselves. Both James and Redick are 33 years old, and both need to play with younger players to keep their stats high (Winfield).

If LeBron.