The surprising Philadelphia 76ers have an overwhelming number of reasons to pursue LeBron James in 2018 NBA free agency. Here are the top five.
The Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals this year in the playoffs. What fans, players and coaches concluded from that outcome can vary, but there is no denial that the Sixers need more to compete for an NBA championship.
Getting there is where any coalition shakes apart. Some believe the team can “grow” to get to that point organically. Others believe the team can negotiate there, converting draft and player assets for upgrades via the trade market.
A third option is to enter the free agent market and simply pay for the right talent in the right position.
On one hand, if the team dabbles in free agency, it should aim for the top with LeBron James. On the other hand, why pass on the first two options? Well, growing the team with no infusion of outside talent creates tremendous pressure to project young players five years into the future. No team can manage that by itself and expect to contend for titles.
Sources: Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has declined his $35.6M player option for 2018-19 and will enter free agency.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2018
The second option — making trades — surrenders value for the hope of better value. In either scenario, the team cannot sync in its best players simultaneously. Only free agency affords that possibility, and that leads to the five reasons Philadelphia 76ers need to pursue LeBron James this summer.