Shockwaves were sent across the NBA today when ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania announced that LeBron James is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Among those weighing in on the blockbuster signing is a former three-time NBA All-Star, who can’t believe James ultimately chose the 76ers.
3-Time All-Star Rejects LeBron James’ Surprising Move to 76ers
Gilbert Arenas, a former 11-year NBA veteran turned analyst, shared his reaction on X shortly after Charania broke the news. The three-time All-Star captioned the post, “Aye Bronny bust his [expletive] for leaving us for PHILLYYYY @gilliedaking how did this happen?”
Within the video clip, Arenas seemed lost for words before stating, “This don’t look right. I’m sorry … I know Savannah didn’t approve this. Nobody approves going to Philly … Congratulations, but I’m booing. Yeah, I’m booing.”
Aye Bronny bust his azz for leaving us for PHILLYYYY 🤔 @gilliedaking how did this happen? pic.twitter.com/KUScQjxBth
— Gilbert Arenas (@NoChillGilZero) July 24, 2026
Other organizations involved in the James sweepstakes included the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, who Charania described at one point as “frontrunners.”
The 76ers were consistently mentioned in the discussion, but seemingly never a favorite to land the 22-time All-Star. That’s why it came as a surprise to many, including Arenas, when Charania made the official announcement on Friday.
Notably, Arenas also had reason to believe James was, in fact, going elsewhere. While speaking at Fanatics Fest, he revealed details of a conversation he had with Miami Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. “I had a little conversation with Giannis; they’re thinking in Miami that they’re getting him.”
However, James is officially a 76er, and from a strictly basketball perspective, Philadelphia offered as strong a case as any other contender. The 76ers’ projected starting lineup alongside James features All-NBA guard Tyrese Maxey, All-Rookie First Team selection V.J. Edgecombe, 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and 2022 NBA MVP Joel Embiid.
Additionally, when discussing the move on The Pat McAfee Show, Charania disclosed that a major factor in James’ decision to sign with the 76ers was the opportunity to win at a “high level” and “compete for a championship.”
.@ShamsCharania reacts to LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on the @PatMcAfeeShow ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/W5De5Rb56e
— ESPN (@espn) July 24, 2026
“It’s not about legacy of going back to Cleveland. It’s not about going to Miami where he also played,” Charania added. “Those were legacy plays with a chance to win a championship, right? But how do you give yourself the best chance? And so he feels joining the Sixers, it’s about winning. It’s about competing.”
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Although Arenas doesn’t agree with James’ move to the 76ers, it remains to be seen whether it was the right decision for the future Hall of Famer’s career.
