NBA Rumors: Bronny James Still Eyed by 76ers Due to Chance of LeBron Signing Contract

Daryl Morey's desire for stars could make the Philadelphia 76ers a landing spot for Bronny James in the 2024 NBA draft.

Speaking to Randi Richardson of TODAY, NBC Sports' Kurt Helin reported the Sixers continue to be mentioned as a destination for Bronny because of the possibility it might convince LeBron James to sign with the team in free agency:

"That's absolutely it, that is for teams like Philadelphia, which is a team I've heard mentioned. Once you get past the early 40s in the draft, all those guys are projects. You take guys who are like Bronny. That guy has potential; we can develop this. There are a lot of teams that might (think), hey, we're already going to roll the dice on a guy in the 40s, why don't we try this and see if we can get LeBron to come?"

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman had Bronny going to the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 55 pick in his most recent mock, but did note rival teams are "uncertain" the 19-year-old will be drafted.

Rich Paul, Bronny's agent, told ESPN's Jonathan Givony the Lakers and Phoenix Suns are the only teams his client had a pre-draft workout with, and this was "by design" because of where they think he might be selected and what's in the best interest for Bronny's development:

"This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there. It's important to understand the context and realize that this has always been the strategy with many of my clients throughout the years, especially those in need of development like Bronny. My stuff is by design."

There was a time when LeBron said one of his goals was to play in the NBA with his son, though he has since walked that back.

"I haven't given it much thought lately, obviously I thought about it in the past," LeBron told reporters during his end-of-season press conference in April. "The end of the day, the kid has to do what he wants to do. I don't even want to say kid no more, the young man will decide what he wants to do and how he wants his career to go."

The 76ers want to take a big swing this offseason, but it's unclear if they will be able to connect when they do. There have been conflicting reports about where things stand with them in their pursuit of Paul George.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported last week that Philadelphia's interest in George had "significantly waned" recently and the club was going to be aggressive elsewhere with its cap space.

However, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on Monday that Philly maintains "significant interest" in George.

There are few front office executives in the NBA who will do whatever it takes to land a superstar talent more than Morey. Trying to woo LeBron by drafting Bronny would come with significant risk because if it doesn't work and LeBron stays with the Los Angeles Lakers or signs elsewhere, the Sixers might also miss out on George or another All-Star-caliber player if they have to wait things out.

The 76ers own the 41st overall pick, 14 spots ahead of the Lakers in the second round. Given how low-risk it is to select a player at that point in the draft, it might be worth it for Morey to take the chance on Bronny to at least give LeBron something to think about.

But Morey has to keep all of his free-agent options open in order to avoid missing out on all of the other high-level players who could help the Sixers get over the hump in the playoffs.