Could "The King" wind up in Philly?
The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off an extremely disappointing, injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign.
Their 24-58 record last season was largely the result of injuries to key players. Joel Embiid appeared in just 19 regular-season outings while dealing with a left knee injury, and Tyrese Maxey also missed significant time due to back and finger injuries. While the team’s future success hinges on health, Fox Sports speculates that LeBron James could take a leap of faith and join the high-upside team — if he ultimately requests a trade.
Should the four-time MVP waive his no-trade clause, Fox Sports suggests Philadelphia could trade Paul George and its 2030 first-round pick for James.
“Put James with star guard Tyrese Maxey and Philadelphia’s compelling young core, and the 76ers should be at least a top-eight seed in an Eastern Conference reeling in injuries,” they wrote. “Plus, if Embiid can return at some point during the season, Philadelphia then has a three-headed scoring monster in Embiid, Maxey and James and is a legitimate threat in the East.”
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A healthy trio of Maxey, Embiid and James could be one of the league’s most dangerous. The 76ers would also gain future cap flexibility by parting ways with George, who underwhelmed during the 2024-25 season.
Philadelphia would retain its young core, which includes 2024 first-round pick Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. McCain was the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award before sustaining a season-ending torn meniscus in December.
If Embiid stays relatively healthy and both prospects contribute, the 76ers have the pieces to make a playoff run. Provided Embiid can stay on the court, James could make Philadelphia a legitimate contender in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
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Category: Basketball
