League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

LeBron James chooses Philadelphia 76ers over Miami Heat this offseason

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 3:16 AM

Last updated Jul 25, 2026

LeBron James chooses Philadelphia 76ers over Miami Heat this offseason

Summary

LeBron James has officially joined the Philadelphia 76ers after considering a return to the Miami Heat. Rich Paul, James' agent, initially believed Miami was the likely destination due to their strong pitch. However, James opted for a fresh start in Philadelphia, where he joins stars like Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown. This decision comes as the Heat deal with the disappointment of missing out on James, who previously enjoyed two championship wins in Miami. The 76ers are now positioned as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference after adding James to their roster.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•LeBron James signs with the Philadelphia 76ers after leaving the Lakers.
•Rich Paul thought Miami was a strong possibility for James.
•James avoids a return to Miami to preserve past memories.
•76ers enhance their roster with James and Jaylen Brown.
•Heat face challenges after losing out on James during the offseason.

Latest Updates

4:19 AMYahoo Sports — Rich Paul believed LeBron James was headed back to the Heat before choosing the 76ers
3:16 AMYahoo Sports — Rich Paul Originally Expected LeBron James To Pick Miami Heat

What they're saying

"
The Miami Heat are dealing with the disappointment of LeBron James picking the Philadelphia 76ers over them, but it turns out they were close to landing him. James was interested enough in Miami’s pitch that his agent Rich Paul thought he was going there. Every prediction market made the Heat a strong favorite to sign […] The post Rich Paul Originally Expected LeBron James To Pick Miami Heat appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports