News Article
Published
Oct 23, 2026 at 02:47 PM EDT
Kenny Atkinson had already started picturing LeBron James back in Cleveland, so watching him pick another contender stung for a couple of days.
The Cleveland Cavaliers head coach admitted his staff had counted on a reunion before the 41-year-old forward joined the Philadelphia 76ers instead, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Atkinson didn’t soften how the news landed.
“We were anticipating and excited to land LeBron and then you have that news, having gone through free agency a lot, when you’re expecting something to happen and it doesn’t happen, that first day or two, you’re just like, you’re depressed, quite honestly. That’s the emotions of it,” Atkinson said.
James signed a two-year, $8 million contract that carries a player option. Rich Paul, the Klutch Sports Group CEO, relayed the terms to ESPN’s Shams Charania, and the Sixers made the move official in July.
Roughly six teams drew serious consideration from the four-time champion. He chose Philadelphia as the place to finish his career.
Bill Simmons is convinced the Cavaliers were the original destination.
“It was the decision he thought he could make to try to win a title. I don’t think there’s any other reason he went to [Philly]. It’s not like, ‘I’ve always wanted to play for the Sixers.’ Listen, he was going to [the Cleveland Cavaliers]. I don’t know what happened. I can’t wait for the story. Something happened,” Simmons said.
That read matches Atkinson’s account, though expecting a signing differs from having one in hand. The coach offered no details on whether an agreement was ever close.
Both clubs met on Oct. 22 for Philadelphia’s home opener. The Sixers wiped out a 29-point deficit and won 114-106.
Tyrese Maxey poured in 32 points, and Joel Embiid had 24. James contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds against the franchise that had hoped to bring him home.
Because his two-year deal includes that player option, James controls how long his Philadelphia stay lasts. Cleveland, meanwhile, already has one loss to show for missing out on him.