Sixers add LeBron James, ending a Finals drought that dates to 2001

Deal is two years, $8M, with a player option

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 241 min read

The Sixers haven’t been to the NBA Finals since 2001. LeBron James has been to the Finals on 10 different occasions sin Via @TheSteinLine on X

What happened: LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal carrying a player option, capping the Brown-George swap. The Sixers have not reached the NBA Finals since 2001. James has been to the Finals 10 times since then with the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers.

Why it matters: Philadelphia adds a player with more Finals trips than the franchise has taken this century, pairing him with a roster Joel Embiid has already said he's excited about heading into next season. James delayed free agency to monitor other trade markets before the move became official.

By the numbers: James has reached the Finals 10 times since 2001, split across three franchises: the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers. Philadelphia's own Finals count over that same span is zero.

What to watch: Attention turns to how James fits alongside Embiid and the retooled roster once the 2026-27 season opens, and whether he exercises the deal's player option.

Sources

@TheSteinLine 2026-07-24T15:50:44.841691+00:00

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