LeBron James Rumors: 76ers Gaining Confidence They Can Sign Cavaliers Star
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly growing keen on their chances of landing LeBron James this summer.
According to the New York Times' Marc Stein (via Complex's Aaron Mansfield), the Sixers believe they have a legitimate chance to sign James in free agency because of their recent run of postseason success and the Cleveland Cavaliers' shaky showing against the Indiana Pacers.
"The Cavaliers suddenly look so rickety again that I now fully understand why whispers about the Philadelphia 76ers and their growing behind-the-scenes confidence that they can woo LeBron to Philly this summer are getting louder," Stein said.
James has not made any firm declarations when it comes to which teams will or will not be in the running for his services assuming he declines his $35.6 million player option for next season.
However, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor wrote in March that several league sources indicated LeBron will only consider pitches from the Cavaliers, Sixers, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Based on the Sixers' run of form since the All-Star break, it's not hard to see why they would qualify for James' shortlist. They have two foundational pieces in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons—something the Cavaliers are lacking—and their youth could help extend James' window for title contention well into the next decade.
That said, Embiid recently told reporters he doesn't think the Sixers need to make any big splashes based on the way they've developed.
"A lot of people say that we have a bright future," he said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey. "But I think our time is now. We have a pretty good chance [to contend for a title]. We have a special team, you know, a lot of great guys. I don't think we need anybody else."
The Sixers, who have already advanced to the second round of the playoffs after beating the Miami Heat in five games, will square off against the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks in Round 2.
Cleveland, meanwhile, has a chance to send the Indiana Pacers packing on Friday. If not, the two will square off in Game 7 on Sunday.
