The Philadelphia 76ers had the NBA world reeling after they acquired Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Shockingly, the deal did not involve Philadelphia’s young stars, VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers managed to acquire Brown by shipping 36-year-old Paul George, two first-round picks (2028 and 2031), and two second-round picks (2028 and 2030) to Boston. Philadelphia’s stunning move could open the door for another previously improbable scenario, according to NBA analyst Alex Kennedy.
NBA Analyst Believes 76ers Could Entice LeBron James After Jaylen Brown Trade
A day before the Brown trade, LeBron James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons caused a social media storm. The four-time MVP is planning to take his talents to another team that can help him compete for his fifth championship.
Previously, the Miami Heat, after they acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo about a week ago, and the Golden State Warriors, rumored to be interested in Anthony Davis, were reportedly the frontrunners for James’ services. The Cleveland Cavaliers, James’ star-studded home team, is also in the mix.
With Brown heading to Philadelphia, another contender might have surged into contention to land the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, according to PFSN’s Kennedy.
“Yesterday, @WindhorstESPN said that to win the LeBron James sweepstakes, a team will need to get his attention with a splashy move. The Jaylen Brown trade certainly qualifies. Could the 76ers stun everyone again by signing LeBron?” Kennedy tweeted.
Yesterday, @WindhorstESPN said that to win the LeBron James sweepstakes, a team will need to get his attention with a splashy move.
The Jaylen Brown trade certainly qualifies. Could the 76ers stun everyone again by signing LeBron?
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 2, 2026
And right on cue, Kennedy’s speculation was followed by The Athletic’s Tony Jones, who reported, “The Philadelphia 76ers have reached out and are expressing interest in acquiring LeBron James.”
SOURCES: The Philadelphia 76ers have reached out and are expressing interest in acquiring LeBron James. The story, is here. Please read – https://t.co/x3dKMkMj3l
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 2, 2026
The Warriors are waiting for a commitment from James before pursuing another star such as Davis to appease him. After Golden State reportedly told Jimmy Butler it wouldn’t trade him, acquiring the Washington Wizards star might not be possible.
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Meanwhile, Philly now has one of the best starting lineups across the NBA. Brown, Maxey, Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, and free-agent signing Dean Wade give coach Nick Nurse an impressive opening quintet that rivals the best in the league.
James does not have to rush his decision to sign with a new team. He can take his time while his agent, Rich Paul, looks for the right franchise that could make him happy.
At the very least, the 76ers have put themselves in consideration for James’ final chapter after shockingly acquiring Brown.
