Despite speculation linking LeBron James to New York, a new report says the Knicks were never a realistic landing spot after winning the NBA championship.
LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers sparked speculation about several teams that could have landed the future Hall of Famer in free agency. Among them were the New York Knicks, but a new report indicates that possibility never gained real traction.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks were effectively out of the running early in free agency despite James' long-standing appreciation for Madison Square Garden.
Instead, James ultimately agreed to join Philadelphia on a two-year contract, bringing another superstar to the Eastern Conference contender.
Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesStein reported that New York was not considered a legitimate destination after the Knicks captured the NBA championship in June, a stance that was established by James' longtime agent, Rich Paul.
Knicks Were Never a Real Option
In his latest Late Night NBA Intel newsletter, Stein explained that the Knicks' championship changed the outlook surrounding any potential pursuit of James.
"The option of joining the Knicks and making his beloved Madison Square Garden his new home arena was not really there for James after the Knicks won it all in June," Stein wrote.
Mar 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesInstead, James landed with the 76ers, a move that allows him to remain close to New York while joining a roster already built to compete for another title.
Stein noted that signing with Philadelphia gives James the flexibility to maintain residences in both New York and Philadelphia if he chooses, while also placing him alongside one of the league's most talented cores.
The 76ers' pursuit culminated when the franchise officially signed James after waiving guard Dalen Terry, according to the NBA's transaction log.
Mar 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New York Knicks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesPhiladelphia Emerges as the Best Fit
Rather than attempting to reshape a championship roster in New York, James joined a Philadelphia team that already featured an established group of stars and was looking to strengthen its championship aspirations.
While the financial terms of the agreement were modest compared to previous contracts in James' career, the opportunity to compete immediately appeared to outweigh other considerations.
The report also sheds light on why rumors connecting James to the Knicks never progressed beyond speculation. Although Madison Square Garden has long been viewed as one of James' favorite venues, basketball circumstances ultimately mattered more than sentiment.
Philadelphia offered a clear path to contention without disrupting an already successful roster in New York.
As the NBA offseason continues, James' move to Philadelphia remains one of the summer's defining storylines.
While the Knicks were frequently mentioned in rumors throughout free agency, Stein's reporting suggests New York was never seriously positioned to sign the four-time NBA champion, leaving the 76ers as the team that ultimately secured one of the greatest players in league history.
