LeBron James has made his free-agent decision

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LeBron James has made his free-agent decision

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 24, 2026 11:54 AM ET

After weeks of speculation, LeBron James is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers.

James confirmed Friday that he has decided to sign with the 76ers. In a thread on X, he stated that he believes he can help the organization win a championship, which is his big priority.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote.

another championship.

I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.

Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with the Sixers, which includes a player option.

BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ALOlTkgdAV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 24, 2026

After nearly a month of speculation that largely focused on the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, it is the Sixers who land the superstar. James and his camp were tight-lipped throughout the entire process, and were thus able to pull off a decision that has genuinely surprised most of the NBA world.

The 76ers pushed very hard for James, who was drawn in by the presence of fellow Klutch Sports client Tyrese Maxey. The team’s trade for Jaylen Brown earlier in the offseason certainly helped their case as well.

Philadelphia went 45-37 last year and reached the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs before falling to the New York Knicks. Expectations will be much higher now for the upcoming season with James in the fold.

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