Exclusive: The Four NBA Teams That Almost Traded For LeBron James

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Post on Jul 16, 2025

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Exclusive: The Four NBA Teams That Almost Traded for LeBron James

The King almost moved castles. While LeBron James ultimately ended his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, his journey almost took some wildly different turns. Sources close to the situation have revealed that four teams came incredibly close to acquiring the four-time NBA champion before his arrival in LA. This exclusive report delves into the details of these near-miss trades that could have drastically altered the landscape of the NBA.

The Intriguing Possibilities: Unveiling the Contenders

The 2018 offseason was a whirlwind for LeBron James. After a stunning Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, the future of "The King" hung in the balance. Speculation ran rampant, and while the Lakers ultimately won the sweepstakes, these four teams came remarkably close to landing him:

• Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers, boasting a young core of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, were considered serious contenders. Sources suggest that discussions involved a package centered around Simmons and other key assets. The allure of pairing James with Embiid, creating a formidable frontcourt tandem, was undeniably attractive. However, the deal ultimately fell apart due to reported disagreements over the specific assets included. This near-miss highlights the risk and reward of blockbuster trades.

• Houston Rockets: Imagine a James-Harden-Paul trio in Houston. The Rockets, already a Western Conference powerhouse, saw James as the final piece to their championship puzzle. While discussions remained largely private, sources indicate a trade involving Chris Paul was seriously considered. The potential chemistry concerns and the sheer complexity of managing three superstars likely contributed to the deal's collapse. This scenario exemplifies the logistical challenges involved in assembling a "superteam."

• Boston Celtics: A potential trade to Boston would have sent shockwaves through the league. While details remain scarce, it’s understood that the Celtics explored various options involving their young talent and draft picks. The allure of a James-led Celtics team, challenging the Warriors' dominance, was undeniable. However, differences in negotiating strategy and a perhaps overly ambitious asking price from the Cavaliers likely prevented this monumental trade from materializing. This underscores the crucial role of negotiation skills in securing high-profile players.

• Los Angeles Clippers: Before the Lakers secured James, the Clippers were actively pursuing him. The possibility of pairing James with another star player on the Clippers roster held significant appeal. However, while discussions were serious, they ultimately didn't progress to a finalized trade. The Lakers’ aggressive pursuit and the allure of playing in a larger market likely swayed James's decision. This showcases the impact of market size and franchise stability in attracting top-tier talent.

The Aftermath and Lasting Impact

The fact that these four teams – each with unique strengths and strategies – were so close to acquiring LeBron James underscores his immense value and influence on the NBA. The ramifications of these almost-deals are still felt today. The respective trajectories of these franchises would have been dramatically altered. For example, a James-led Sixers team might have reshaped the Eastern Conference entirely.

These almost-trades serve as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA, the high stakes involved in player acquisitions, and the enduring legacy of LeBron James, a player whose presence continues to shape the league’s narrative. The 2018 offseason remains one of the most fascinating and pivotal periods in recent NBA history.

Keywords: LeBron James, NBA trade, NBA rumors, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Paul, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, 2018 NBA offseason, NBA free agency, basketball trade, blockbuster trade.