LeBron James Free Agency Rumors Round Up: Everything Reported About Star’s Latest Situation on Jul. 13
· Yahoo Sports
LeBron James remains unsigned two weeks into the 2026 NBA free agency. Nobody knows what “King James” will do, but the reporting on Jul. 13 suggests he’s close to making a decision. Denver seems to be out of the race, but five teams, including Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Golden State and Minnesota, are still in the running.
Meanwhile, the steam around the Warriors potentially signing James has also picked up, with Draymond Green’s “crazy” pitch reportedly making a difference.
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Here’s a look at all the reports surrounding James’ free agency as of Jul. 13:
Anthony Slater: Warriors aware of their advantage in LeBron James pursuit
NBA and Warriors insider Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors are aware of their advantage in pursuing LeBron James. Slater said on SportsCenter that Golden State hasn’t been optimistic about its chances since the start of free agency. The Warriors’ brass believes that James will likely choose Cleveland.
However, Golden State knows it has the upper hand as most of its players can reach James.
“They also have an advantage and they know it,” Slater said. “Draymond Green is pitching LeBron James on vacation and I was in Tahoe the other day and Steph Curry said he’s been in contact with him. Not many people in this process can reach LeBron James directly, but the Warriors players can.”
Slater said Curry’s pitch on the historic element in the duo teaming up was one of the most interesting parts in this process.
Shams Charania: LeBron James is getting closer to his decision, has five options
ESPN’s Shams Charania, who was the first to report LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers on Jun. 30, said that the 41-year-old is inching closer to his decision with each day passing. Charania mentioned the Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers and Timberwolves as his five remaining options, eliminating the Nuggets.
Charania reiterated that James wants to compete for a championship and his decision won’t be driven by money, giving many underdogs the chance to have a run at him.
What happens to Bronny James? Alex Schiffer reports that the team that adds LeBron James will look to trade for his son
The biggest question once James confirmed his departure from Los Angeles was his son Bronny’s future with the franchise. According to Front Office Sport’s Alex Schiffer, James’ suitors have discussed acquiring Bronny if they land his 41-year-old father.
“Multiple front office sources from teams in the mix for James said they have discussed acquiring Bronny should his father pick their team,” Schiffer wrote. “‘We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t discuss it,’ one Western Conference executive told FOS. “
Bronny is under contract for two more years with a team option in the 2027-28 season. The Lakers guaranteed his $2.3 million salary for this season last week.
Alex Schiffer: LeBron James to decide between Cavaliers and Warriors
While Shams Charania said that five teams have a shot at landing James, Schiffer reported that the Cavaliers and Warriors could be the two teams he ends up with. Schiffer claimed his conversations with front-office executives suggested the same.
“While another league source expects James to sign with the Cavaliers, the consensus among executives polled by FOS is that James will likely pick between the Warriors and Cavaliers,” Shiffer wrote. “‘I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland,’ a Western Conference executive said.”
A return to Cleveland would be a fitting storybook ending, while a surprising move to Golden State will give him the chance to play alongside his greatest rival and choose a tougher path to the finals or championship.
Chris Haynes: Rich Paul has given all the information to LeBron James, who now has to pick a team
Amazon Prime NBA insider Chris Haynes closed the day with the biggest development in James’ free agency. Haynes claimed that James’ agent, Rich Paul, told him that the four-time MVP has all the information he needs to make a decision.
“I’ve talked to LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul and he said [LeBron] has all the information needed. So now it’s all up to LeBron James to make a decision,” he said on Prime during Monday’s Summer League action.
James now has to evaluate his best fits, role and ability to contend for a championship when choosing his next landing spot. For now, it seems extremely unclear, but it won’t be surprising if he makes a decision sooner rather than later.
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