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LeBron James signs two-year, $8 M deal with Sixers

7/26/2026

48 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

LeBron James announced on July 24, 2026 that he signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, including a 2027-28 player option.
The veteran-minimum deal pays $3.9 million per year, with James saying he is motivated only by winning another championship.
Governor Josh Shapiro declared “LeBron James Day” while President Donald Trump called him “a racist,” leading the Sixers to waive a non-guaranteed player to meet the cap.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NBA launched its first salary-cap, echoing the NFL’s $34.6 million hard cap that year and a league-wide push to curb payrolls and add luxury taxes. The change followed the 1970s-80s fight against the reserve clause and 1990s free-agency bidding wars. LeBron James’ 2026 veteran-minimum deal with the 76ers shows the cap’s lasting impact on high-profile contracts and political debate.

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Story summary

LeBron James announced on July 24, 2026 that he signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, including a 2027-28 player option.
The veteran-minimum deal pays $3.9 million per year, with James saying he is motivated only by winning another championship.
Governor Josh Shapiro declared “LeBron James Day” while President Donald Trump called him “a racist,” leading the Sixers to waive a non-guaranteed player to meet the cap.

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