Despite being 41, LeBron James ended up being the most-coveted free agent this summer. The iconic NBA forward chose the Philadelphia 76ers as his next and possibly last destination. Since his arrival, the fanbase, media, and players alike have touted the team as one of the favorites to win the NBA championship.
With five proven scorers, Philadelphia has the talent to make the prediction a reality if things go as they plan. However, before James, the team made a move that, according to a team official, was the impetus for building what many consider a superteam.
76ers President Claims the Jaylen Brown Trade Led to Signing LeBron James
With fewer than two months until the start of training camp, all eyes focus on Philadelphia. The Sixers made multiple splashes during the offseason, none bigger than signing James to a two-year, $8 million deal.
With the attention centered on the forward, it was one of his new teammates that set things in motion According to the team president, Mike Gansey, it was the trade for Brown that cleared the path for James.
Mike Gansey on how getting Jaylen Brown opened the door for LeBron to join Philly
“I called Rich Paul right away and said ‘hey, we got Jaylen, is there a chance LeBron wants to come to us?’ ‘This changes some things’.
We don’t get LeBron without Jaylen” pic.twitter.com/Z6LvYhvtB1
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 5, 2026
“Mike Gansey on how getting Jaylen Brown opened the door for LeBron to join Philly. I called Rich Paul right away and said ‘hey, we got Jaylen, is there a chance LeBron wants to come to us?’ ‘This changes some things’ We don’t get LeBron without Jaylen.”
Last month, the 76ers traded veteran Paul George and four picks, including two first-round selections, to Boston to acquire Brown. In his final season in Boston, Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, finishing sixth in Most Valuable Player voting. Brown’s presence gives James another teammate with a diverse scoring repertoire.
Not to mention, he led the NBA, attempting 16 two-point shots last year. Brown is comfortable enough to make midrange jumpers all over the court. As a result, there is a clear space for James and, most importantly, Joel Embiid. He can knock down open shots and thrive in the post.
From a starting roster, most NBA teams may not be able to contain the 76ers, where all five presumed starters can make three-pointers and take the ball to the basket. Under those circumstances, that skill could negate double teams, as no one wants to leave anyone wide open.
Furthermore, all of the scoring punches could give James a metaphorical breather. Instead of shouldering the entire burden of carrying the 76ers, he could act as a facilitator. With Brown absorbing the eyes of defense, the 76ers, with James at the helm, could be a force in the upcoming season. At the same time, how will James and Brown mesh?
