For weeks, LeBron James’s future seemed tied to a limited number of candidates. The 76ers, Heat, Cavaliers, and Warriors appeared to be the only options on the table, with perhaps a small nod to the Timberwolves, but nothing more. But this wasn’t the case throughout the process, as other franchises expressed their interest in the forward and even put substantial offers on the table.
Specifically, we’re talking about the Clippers, who according to Dave McMenamin, ESPN journalist, went as far as offering the Akron-born forward a one-year contract worth 20 million, which would have allowed him to remain in Los Angeles. However, LeBron has made clear that at this stage of his career what he seeks is to contend for the championship, and it seems likely that this option, with the Californians halfway in their rebuild, wouldn’t have appeared attractive to him.
The option that was more interesting in this regard was the Celtics, whom McMenamin also identifies as a suitor. However, Rich Paul himself has emphasized that the Jaylen Brown trade was a key factor in James’s decision to go to Philadelphia, so there is a possibility that this move could have led him to rule out Boston.
