Things aren’t looking good for the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. Joel Embiid still hasn’t resumed on-court activities, and Paul George recently underwent surgery. As such, the Sixers could be in for a rough start to the new basketball year.
That is, of course, unless Daryl Morey decides to shake things up. Fox Sports recently proposed a trade that would swap out George in return for LeBron James, who appears surplus to requirements with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade proposal looks like this:
Sixers Receive: LeBron James
Lakers Receive: Paul George and a 2030 unprotected first-round draft pick
“Philadelphia could base a trade package for James around George and a future unprotected first-round pick (2030),” Fox Sports reasoned. “The Lakers get an immediate replacement for James in George and future draft capital for their troubles, while the 76ers shed future payroll and embark on a compelling, short-term experiment. And Philadelphia certainly qualifies as a big market, likely to James’ desire.”
A trio of LeBron, Embiid and Tyrese Maxey could be enough to dominate the Eastern Conference, assuming everyone is healthy. Furthermore, LeBron would bring a championship hunger that surpasses anything currently on the roster. He would hold Embiid accountable, especially in terms of conditioning.
Furthermore, the trade would allow Morey to move on from the George trade while still saving face. On paper, it would be a significant win.
Sixers’ Unlikely to Acquire LeBron James
While the dream of bringing LeBron to the City of Brotherly Love is undoubtedly enticing, it’s hard to envision the move ever becoming a reality. First of all, LeBron’s family resides in Los Angeles.
He would be moving away from them all by moving back to the Eastern Conference. It’s also worth noting that Bronny James is not part of Fox Sport’s proposed trade, and we all know how important playing alongside Bronny has been to LeBron.
That’s why it’s unlikely LeBron would waive his no-trade clause to allow this deal to go through. Sure, his tenure with the Lakers looks to be all but over, but jumping into a situation with the Sixers, where the current star player can never remain healthy, is far from ideal.
Sixers Receive Warning Over Tyrese Maxey
According to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, speaking via a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, the Sixers could risk losing Maxey, unless they turn around their recent struggles.
“They’re on the clock when it comes down to Tyrese Maxey, and when I say on the clock,” Perkins said. “…Because if they keep trending in this direction of no culture and no stability, guess what? Tyrese Maxey is gonna want out of Philadelphia, and we know who his agent is, it’s Rich Paul. And Rich Paul doesn’t give a damn. I’m telling you this – this is something I know.”
Maxey is the Sixers’ future star. He will take over from Embiid once he retires or moves on from the franchise. As such, Morey will understand the importance of keeping his budding star happy.
Perhaps a move to bring LeBron to the franchise would do the trick. Unfortunately, in this instance, that move seems to be consigned to wishful thinking.
Therefore, Morey must keep his ear to the ground when it comes to Maxey and his happiness with the franchise.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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