5. Philadelphia 76ers
Even before Irving’s news, there were writers and fans speculating on LeBron’s future beyond the 2017-18 season who suggested Philadelphia would be an intriguing option for him.
After the Irving news, it would only make the Sixers and even more appealing destination.
LeBron is close to Ben Simmons. The Sixers have a trio of No. 1 overall picks – who if they stay healthy – figure to make some noise in the 2017-18 season.
If the Sixers make a playoff-berth, Simmons and Markelle Fultz both show why they were drafted No. 1 overall, and Joel Embiid continues to progress, Philadelphia will have a strong case for LeBron to join next summer.
Many of the arguments for LeBron staying in Cleveland consist of the following points: 1. The Cavs give LeBron the best chance to win the East. Do we know that now that Kyrie wants out? Will the return Cleveland gets in a trade be enough, both short-term and for the 2018-19 season to make that true? 2. LeBron’s best chance is to stay in the Eastern Conference. Why would he want to join the juggernaut-loaded West?
I’ll put it this way. If LeBron joined the Sixers today, they’d be the favorite to win the East. If there’s not a superstar-caliber player on his side in 2018-19 in Cleveland, I could make a case that the best “Basketball Decision” would be to join Philly.
The Sixers will have money to spend, all of their core locked up for years to come, and a relatively easy road in the Playoffs. Fultz, Simmons, Embiid and LeBron has the potential to be a better team than what the Cavs had in 2016-17.
A lot of that will depend on how well Fultz, Simmons and Embiid play this season, but the Sixers’ chances of landing LeBron has improved significantly due to Irving’s decision.
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