Celtics confirmed as failed LeBron James suitor

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Celtics confirmed as failed LeBron James suitor

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Julian Ojeda, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 11:42 AM ET

The Boston Celtics were among the teams that attempted to sign LeBron James before the NBA superstar ultimately agreed to a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to a new report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

James’ free agency became one of the league’s biggest offseason storylines, with multiple contenders making pitches to the 41-year-old before he decided to continue his career in Philadelphia.

McMenamin reported that one of the more unexpected teams to pursue James was Boston, a franchise that spent years battling him in some of the NBA’s most memorable playoff series.

“There were surprising suitors along the way. The Boston Celtics, James’ consistent nemesis through the years, expressed interest, sources told ESPN. The LA Clippers even discussed a lucrative one-season contract north of $20 million that would allow him to stay at his Brentwood, California, home, sources said.”

Boston’s reported interest stands out given the long history between James and the Celtics. Throughout his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, James faced Boston in numerous postseason matchups, helping shape one of the defining rivalries of his era.

LeBron James passed on the Celtics to team up with Jaylen Brown on the 76ers

Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Clippers also reportedly made a strong push, offering James the opportunity to remain in Los Angeles while playing on a one-year deal worth more than $20 million.

The Celtics’ pursuit also carries an added layer of irony. James ultimately chose the 76ers, where he will team up with former Boston star Jaylen Brown after Brown’s departure from the Celtics earlier this offseason. Had Boston still featured Brown on its roster, the franchise may have been able to present an even more compelling pitch centered around pairing two future Hall of Famers.

Instead, James opted to pair up with Brown in Philadelphia, giving the 76ers one of the league’s most accomplished duos while ending Boston’s hopes of pulling off one of the most stunning moves in recent NBA history.

For the Celtics, missing out on James means they will continue building around their remaining core as they look to remain among the Eastern Conference contenders. While the pursuit ultimately proved unsuccessful, McMenamin’s report confirmed Boston was willing to explore one of the offseason’s biggest blockbuster moves in hopes of adding the four-time NBA champion.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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