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LeBron James would join Knicks if not for their NBA title, agent claims

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 2:52 AM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

LeBron James would join Knicks if not for their NBA title, agent claims

Summary

Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, stated that LeBron James would have signed with the New York Knicks had they not won the 2026 NBA Finals. The Knicks claimed the championship after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in a five-game series. This victory complicates James’ 2026 free agency, as he explores multiple potential destinations now that he has declined his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. Among the teams discussed are the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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By the Numbers

•Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals in a five-game sweep.
•James has declined his player option with the Lakers.
•Paul outlined possible teams for James, including the 76ers and Nuggets.
•James enters his 24th NBA season, turning 42 during the season.

Latest Updates

2:52 AMYahoo Sports — LeBron James would be going to Knicks if they hadn’t won NBA Finals, agent says

What they're saying

"
NEW YORK — If the Knicks wouldn’t have won the 2026 NBA Finals, LeBron James would be headed to New York City. But the Knicks did win the title — emphatically, in a five-game gentleman’s sweep of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. As a result, according to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, James’ 2026 free agency is more complicated than expected. “Everything looks great in July. ...
— Yahoo Sports

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