Tyrese Maxey’s infectious energy and a shock trade for Jaylen Brown lured the King to Philly rather than South Beach, aiming to finally propel Joel Embiid toward a long-awaited championship.
MIAMI, Fla. – It’s no secret the Miami Heat pursued LeBron James in free agency this summer; a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, hosted by him and Hall of Famer Steve Nash, the 22-time All-Star broke down why the Philadelphia 76ers ended up being the choice.
The segment started with the relationship with two-time All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who’s coming off a career season. He averaged 28.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 70 games (all starts). Maxey led the league with a 38-minute average and received All-NBA Third Team honors.
“I just love everything about Tyrese Maxey,” James said. “Every day, you get the same person, which is very rare in sports and life. When I became a free agent and we decided to let the Lakers know that I wouldn’t be returning, he was one of the first people that would call my line.”
Maxey is on the trajectory of being one of the league’s premier faces. He will share the backcourt next to James, as the four-time champion is reportedly playing point guard. It’s a role that helped him and the Lakers win the 2019-20 championship in the Orlando Bubble. Maxey will likely be the Sixers’ go-to scoring option. He’s known for making acrobatic shots and quickness; a threat in the fast break.
The next thing James pointed at was the Jaylen Brown acquisition. He emphasized not having any idea it was going to happen upon signing. Brown is coming off an MVP-caliber season: 28.7 points on 47.7 percent shooting, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and a steal in 71 games (all starts).
“People saw that something was going to happen there, but I don’t think anybody thought Philly would be a part of that,” James added.
Brown gives the Sixers another ball-handler, shot maker on all three levels, and a defensive presence in the back or frontcourt. The former Finals MVP played the last 10 seasons with the Boston Celtics and emerged as a franchise cornerstone piece. However, Brown’s reported involvement in Giannis Antetokounmpo negotiations resulted in a heavy breakup that left the fanbase frustrated. It was mostly because Paul George was the main piece in Brown’s return package from the Sixers.
Finally, James wants to help Joel Embiid finally get over the hump. He’s the only player in league history to win an MVP but not reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Embiid is arguably one of the most talented centers, but injuries have been the biggest restraint. Over the last three seasons, he’s played in fewer than 40 games each.
The Sixers have made an Eastern Conference Finals appearance since the 2000-01 season, when franchise legend and Hall of Famer Allen Iverson was still in the league. James gives them a great chance to end the drought, but the Heat will be an obstacle required to hurdle.
As the 41-year-old goes another round against Father Time, another championship pursuit is on the horizon.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
