Sixers rumors: 76ers want to sign LeBron James, trade for Kawhi Leonard

The Philadelphia 76ers made incredible progress during the 2017-18 NBA season. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have taken the team to the next level, but now the team's brass wants to go even higher with the additions of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard this summer.

After a breakout season with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid leading the way, the Philadelphia 76ers have big plans for the NBA offseason. Although the team is already very talented and with a young core that could be successful for many years to come, the front office is ready to make some bold moves this summer to make them legitimate title contenders right away.

The team's top target during the NBA offseason is none other than Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James. They may have a decent shot at landing LeBron, but they may also be targeting another top-tier star in the league this summer. According to Keith Pompey of Philly.com, the 76ers may go after Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs in a blockbuster trade.

Don’t be surprised if they also try to acquire San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard in a trade. Sources have said the Sixers have expressed interest in the two-time all-star. While he is eligible for a five-year, $219-million “super-max” extension with the Spurs this summer, there are reports that Leonard wants out after staying away from the team for most of the season with a quad injury. He played in only nine games.

Leonard has a great relationship with Sixers coach Brett Brown. However, trading for him would be risky without first getting a guarantee that he’ll agree to a contract extension. Leonard is set to become a free agent on July 1, 2019.

At this point, there's no question the 76ers will be as aggressive as any team in the NBA during the offseason and for the first time in a long time, they'll actually be a desirable location for star players. The Los Angeles Lakers expected to be their toughest competition with the Houston Rockets potentially also in the mix to grab another star.

Even though the thought of James, Leonard, Simmons, and Embiid is a dream for the 76ers, it remains to be seen if it is actually plausible. However, if the 76ers can figure out a way to make it happen, they'd instantly be thrown in the title-contending conversation and could become the new king of the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future.