With the NBA Finals just days away, 28 other teams have now shifted their focus solely on preparing for next season, starting with what could be a wild free agency period and offseason. As they watch the final two teams fight for the Larry O’Brien trophy, each is trying to figure out what tweaks (or overhauls) are necessary to reach the winner-take-all stage that’s about to unfold.
With free agency just 33 days away, here are 10 blockbuster trades and moves teams should make to address their organizational shortcomings and roster holes.
Philadelphia 76ers sign LeBron James
After yet another early playoff exit — and another campaign in which superstar big man Joel Embiid dealt with injury issues — Philadelphia needs to add a big star in hopes of taking the next step in its evolution.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported the Sixers would love to add nine-time All-Star and two-way wing Paul George, who so far has seemed lukewarm on the prospect of staying with the LA Clippers. (“Yeah, if it works that way, absolutely,” he said when asked about the potential of signing to play with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden long-term.)
But what if Philly landed LeBron instead?
It would require James to opt out of the one year and $51.4 million he has left on his Lakers deal (Rich Paul already referred to James as a free agent during a Western Conference finals broadcast last week). After a season in which both he and Anthony Davis were the healthiest they’ve been as a duo since teaming up in 2019-20, James might feel like there isn’t enough upside to win another title with the purple and gold.
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