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LeBron James Declines Heat, Joins Philadelphia 76ers

7/24/2026

Summary

LeBron Joins 76ers

LeBron James passed on the Miami Heat and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Pat Riley said the Heat need a playmaker, shooter and big man.
The Heat have 12 contracts under $209 million cap and can add a 15th player with $7 million exception and contracts include Giannis Antetokounmpo ($58.5 million) and Bam Adebayo ($49.5 million).
Demar DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 pts, and Klay Thompson, who could receive $7 million through a $17.5 million buyout, are free agents.

Summary

LeBron Livestream Error

Miami Heat posted then removed a YouTube livestream titled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference” for July 27, calling it a preparation mistake.
A league source said only LeBron knows his decision, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks noted 2010 sign-and-trade that gave Miami six first-round picks used to bring James back in 2014.

History

Historical Context

In July 2010 LeBron James announced on *The Decision* that he would join the Miami Heat, which used its $48 million cap space to execute a sign-and-trade sending four first-round and two second-round picks to Cleveland and Toronto for James and Chris Bosh. That super-team model sparked a trend of star-driven roster building, echoed today as James moves to Philadelphia while Miami reshapes its roster under cap constraints.

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LeBron Joins 76ers

LeBron James passed on the Miami Heat and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Pat Riley said the Heat need a playmaker, shooter and big man.
The Heat have 12 contracts under $209 million cap and can add a 15th player with $7 million exception and contracts include Giannis Antetokounmpo ($58.5 million) and Bam Adebayo ($49.5 million).
Demar DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 pts, and Klay Thompson, who could receive $7 million through a $17.5 million buyout, are free agents.

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