The NBA World is still buzzing following NBA icon LeBron James’ announcement that he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th season. The 41-year-old’s free agency decision was one of the biggest stories in sports this summer, and there is still plenty of speculation and rumors regarding James’ decision.
An NBA analyst recently revealed that James had inquired about joining another Eastern Conference team, but was shut down.
NBA Analyst Reveals New York Knicks Informed LeBron James They Weren’t Interested In Signing Him
NBA insider Sam Amico says the defending champions were not interested in adding James as they look to win a repeat next season. Amico said, “Sources tell Hoops Wire that James’ camp reached out to New York at one point during his free agency, but the Knicks weren’t interested in pursuing him.”
Amico added that the Knicks still believe they’re better than the 76ers despite their rivals adding James. It’s an unsurprising development considering the Knicks’ success against the 76ers last season.
They plan to repeat behind the strength of their nucleus: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges.
Jeff Teague says if LeBron James wins a championship in Philly next year it’s bigger than the Knicks championship:
“I think it’ll be bigger than New York. Yeah if he go to Philly and win a championship. That’d be crazy…. I mean, it was lit, but it wasn’t lit. It was lit if you… https://t.co/xjeVJxAdZp pic.twitter.com/hHLdQBWj8J
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 25, 2026
The Knicks did lose center Mitchell Robinson this summer as he signed with the Boston Celtics, but they signed two-time All-Star Andre Drummond to help replace Robinson’s production.
James’ inquiry into possibly joining the Knicks won’t please his critics, who have previously lashed out at what they believe is a ring-chasing mentality. The pressure on James would have been immense, as anything short of the Knicks repeating as champions would invite even more scrutiny of his legacy.
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James will likely still face scrutiny if the 76ers don’t win this upcoming season. James Harden, Jimmy Butler III, Paul George, and others have been unable to help Joel Embiid cement his place among the greats by winning a championship. Now it’s up to the 22-time All-Star and fellow new arrival Jaylen Brown to help complete the process.
The 76ers also have arguably the new face of the franchise, Tyrese Maxey, and rising second-year guard VJ Edgecombe, who may take a step back this season as he competes for touches with James and Brown on offense.
The Knicks likely believe their cohesion gives them the edge over a 76ers team with more star power, but one that will almost certainly face early growing pains as it tries to figure out how everyone fits together.
Ultimately, the Knicks’ lack of interest in James could provide more fuel for him to help the 76ers take down the defending NBA champions.
