Rich Paul: Jaylen Brown trade tipped LeBron to Sixers
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- Rich Paul confirmed LeBron James committed to the Philadelphia 76ers at 1 a.m. Friday after an "emotional roller coaster every single day" choosing among Philadelphia, Cleveland, Miami, and Golden State.
- The July 1 Jaylen Brown trade with the Boston Celtics transformed the Sixers into the top choice, with Paul saying "Now you got Jaylen Brown... this looks a lot different."
- LeBron James cited a shot at a fifth championship as his motivation in announcing the decision on X, and Paul said every team "was at some point leading the race."
- Tyrese Maxey's existing relationship with LeBron — both Klutch Sports clients who have worked out together for five years — was a key factor, with Paul noting Maxey would face "no pushback" in a secondary playmaker role.
- Minnesota was in consideration during the process until the field narrowed to four teams, with Paul citing Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connolly as a reason the Wolves stayed on the radar.
- James went "back and forth" several times Thursday before making his final choice, with Paul adding: "I think the city of Philly is going to embrace him."
Why it matters: The Sixers' July 1 acquisition of Jaylen Brown from Boston — not any prior courtship — was the swing factor that landed LeBron James at 1 a.m. Friday. That gives Philadelphia a core of LeBron, Embiid, and Maxey augmented by an All-NBA wing, with a fifth championship as the stated goal.
