New York Knicks Declined LeBron James’ Plea To Join Them During Free Agency, Reveals Analyst

The LeBron James free agency saga finally came to a close when he agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers last Friday. On Sunday, James made it official when he signed a two-year deal worth $8 million, inclusive of a player option and a 15% trade kicker. The Sixers were one of five teams that were after LeBron. These other teams include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors.

Apparently, James' agency team went beyond the five teams and reportedly approached the New York Knicks earlier this summer. In a recent episode of the PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David revealed that LeBron's team approached the Knicks to offer his services. However, New York turned down the opportunity.

"LeBron's team approached the Knicks about him joining them," Bet-David said. "The Knicks are like, 'Nah, we're good. We're passing on this one.' ... The Knicks got a good thing going on in the locker room. This would be the worst move they can make to that team. Respect to the Knicks for not even flinching and moving on from taking him."

The Knicks are currently the reigning NBA champions. While adding LeBron could bolster their roster, it could also disrupt the team's current dynamic. Given how New York is looking to defend its title next season, it's smarter to maintain the lineup that helped bring home the gold.

While other key players like Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are no longer on the team, bringing in a player like James could prove problematic.

Jalen Brunson is already the established captain of the Knicks. The King claiming his throne in New York could easily bury Brunson, reducing him to an All-Star-caliber role player and potentially resulting in the team's downfall.

With James now set to join the 76ers, the situation is quite similar. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are the alphas of the team. The addition of LeBron and Jaylen Brown could change this dynamic entirely.

However, one major difference would be that the 76ers aren't the defending champions. Meaning to say, they can afford to risk chemistry issues without jeopardizing anything.

LeBron James Reveals Challenges in Leaving the Lakers

After eight years of witnessing LeBron James suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers, he's set to enter his next chapter in his career. James shocked the world when he decided that he no longer wanted to play in LA. Apparently, it wasn't an easy decision to make.

In a recent episode of Boardroom Talks, James revealed that it was his daughter, Zhuri, who made leaving LA difficult. According to sources, the James family won't relocate to Philadelphia, especially since Bronny James is still part of the Lakers.

Given that LeBron is signed to a two-year deal with the 76ers, he won't be as present in their LA-based household as he used to be.

"It's my almost 12-year-old daughter who is pulling the weight a lot," LeBron said. "I said, 'Baby, I'm letting you know. I don't want you to hear it from nobody else, but I won't be playing for the Lakers next year. I will be playing somewhere else. So I won't be home all the time.'"

"'You may not have an answer right now. You can give me an answer now, you can wait, you can write it down. I just want to know how you're feeling about it, because you mean a lot to me,'" LeBron continued.

Another major reason why the James family won't relocate is that Zhuri has already established a life in LA.

LeBron previously expressed that he doesn't want his daughter to go through the hassle of starting a new life, making new friends, and other scenarios of that nature.

Zhuri has also been actively developing her volleyball career. While dad will be in Philly to continue working, her mother, Savannah, will remain present in her life to support her and help nurture her athletic career in LA.