Insider: Sixers 'a threat' to sign LeBron James in free agency

With a projected $65M in cap space, the 76ers are armed to the teeth to make a big splash in free agency this offseason. The franchise has already been linked with impending free agents such as Paul George, Klay Thompson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, with other names such DeMar DeRozan and Pascal Siakam also earmarked as potential targets. 

But, LeBron James? Could the Sixers form a Big 3 comprising James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey?

ESPN's Brian Windhorst foresees the Daryl Morey-led Sixers front office swinging for the fences.

"When you look at the options, I think Lakers are in a very strong position. I'd be surprised if he's not a Laker," Windhorst said on Monday's "Get Up" on ESPN. "But it is fair to point out that Daryl Morey has been trying to sign LeBron for a decade now — multiple different opportunities. And of the teams that have a chance to win a championship next year, the Sixers are the only team with the cap space to offer LeBron a max contract. Other teams could do sign-and-trades but the Lakers wouldn't have to cooperate." 

"The 76ers are a threat," Windhorst added. "I don't think they're a serious threat, but certainly, you never rule anything out in the NBA.

Windhorst's comments came in the aftermath of James' agent, Rich Paul, telling TNT's playoffs simulcast last week that his client is "a free agent" and has yet to decide on his next team. 

This summer would mark the first instance of James becoming a free agent since 2018. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania,  James is expected to play "at least two more seasons" before calling time on his storied career. As such, his next contract could very well be his final one.