The narrative revolving around LeBron James’ upcoming free agency has become a consistent topic of debates in the NBA. Different teams have been trying to woo the King and the fans are even stepping up their game by renting billboards to entice James to bring his talents to their respective cities. There’s no denying that the Philadelphia 76ers has had the most aggressive pitch so far.
Last March 1, the young and talented core of Philly headed by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in what seemed to be an audition by the team to James, showing him that The Process is working. The following day, Rachel Nichols of ESPN’s The Jump along with Ramona Shelburne and Tracy McGrady discussed how the 76ers can possibly land not only James but also San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard.
Where the Cavs and 76ers are right now
The 76ers are currently at the number four spot in the Eastern Conference. They are one game behind the Cavs who rank third. Philly is on an eight-game winning streak while the Cavs are starting a new one after the Heat snapped their four-game winning streak on March 27.
Earlier this month, the two teams were on a collision course to meet in the first round of the playoffs. At that point, BPI predicted that the Cavs only had a 44% chance of winning. Since then, the 76ers have been racking up wins, overtaking the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers. The Cavs have also gotten their mojo back since Kevin’s Love return.
But the big question remains, will the Cavs make it out of the Eastern Conference? If so, will they have a shot at winning it all against the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets should either of those two make the Finals? If they lose, then our next question is worth looking into.
How can the 76ers steal LeBron from the Cavs
For one, they have enough cap space to accommodate James plus another All-Star player. Imagine the pitch they can make to the King, they have young talent plus they can provide James another star who can complete their mini dynasty, as Bill Simmons put it.
“There’s been some growing ‘LeBron to Philly’ buzz for four reasons: the Sixers have enough cap space and trade assets to accommodate LeBron and the likes of, say, PAUL GEORGE.”
Not only that, James had always wanted someone to mentor. Kyrie Irving didn’t want it so he asked to be traded. He wanted to be his own man without having to live under James’ shadow. Meanwhile, Simmons has been touted by James as a Young King, heir apparent to his throne. Moving to Philly will not only give him a shot at another championship but also allow him to leave a legacy of his greatness to a protégé.
Now, let’s backtrack a bit to that All-Star caliber player that Philly can recruit. In order to lure James to the 76ers, the additional piece they will be adding should be compelling enough to make James risk another hurl of hatred from the Cleveland fan base. And if there’s one player that has the championship DNA that the 4-time MVP is looking for, that would be Kawhi Leonard.
The Sixers will definitely benefit from Leonard’s defensive acumen. Even James awarded the utmost compliment to him as the player who defends him best. But what can they give to the Spurs for them to agree to trade their best player?
Philly actually has quite a lot of options that Rusty Gorelick of The Sixer Sense considered before the trade deadline that might still work in the offseason.
They could send either their 2018 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick or 2019 Sacramento Kings first-round pick plus Jerryd Bayless, Dario Saric, and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot in exchange for Leonard.
The Sixers can also trade their rookie Markelle Fultz, Bayless, Saric, and T.J. McConnell plus their 2018 lottery-protected first-round pick in exchange for Leonard and the Spurs’ rookie Derrick White. This is another option that could be amenable to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich because he will get a couple of young guys and great role players.
Since the Process will most likely be completed when James and Leonard arrive, the 76ers can already let go of all the first-round picks they’ve accumulated over the years and send them to the Spurs who can begin their own rebuilding process. After all the drama with Leonard’s injury, the Spurs organization can use a fresh start.
Philly can also send any combination of their 2018 first-round pick, 2018 second-round pick, 2018 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick or 2019 Sacramento Kings first-round pick, 2020 first-round pick, and 2020 Dallas Mavericks second-round pick to the Spurs along with Fultz and/or Saric in exchange for Leonard to Philly.
Another potential trade scenario could be a three-team swap that involves the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s been reported that Andrew Wiggins is unhappy with his reduced role with the team. What if the Sixers, Spurs and Timberwolves can work out a deal in which Philly receives Leonard, San Antonio takes Wiggins, and Minnesota acquires Fultz and Saric?
That’s not a bad haul for any of those teams.
Will these be enough to convince LeBron?
When you lay down all of these cards in front of James plus a little nudge from his agent Rich Paul, who also represents Simmons, then there’s a good chance that the 3-time NBA champion will take his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.
Imagine a starting lineup that features J.J. Redick (assuming he re-signs), Simmons, Leonard, James, and Embiid. There’s no other NBA team that anyone can think of which has this much firepower.
But then again, Cleveland is James’ home and there’s no place like it. Perhaps the Sixers can make it homier for him in Philadelphia?
No one really knows what James will do this summer. He has said time and time again that he is not thinking of that just yet. In a few months, we will all know where the King’s landing spot will be.
One thing’s for sure, the 76ers have already begun rolling the red carpet for him.
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