For the third time in his NBA career, LeBron James was the biggest name in NBA free agency. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Timberwolves, Warriors, Heat, and Cavaliers were all listed as viable landing spots for him before he signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

All offseason long, James claimed that money had nothing to do with his decision. He just wanted to play meaningful minutes on a team with title hopes. After Philly traded for Jaylen Brown, it became clear that they fit the bill, and he headed East.

While the Spurs were reportedly in the running, they were always seen as a dark-horse landing spot. Even on just a one-year minimum deal, James' arrival would have stunted the Spurs' young core. It turns out that both San Antonio's front office and James' representation were on the same page all along.

READ MORE: Eastern Conference Leader Not Expected to Beat Spurs in NBA Finals

READ MORE: Spurs Grades: Stephon Castle Season Recap, Prediction For Next Year

READ MORE: Dylan Harper Breaks Silence on Role With San Antonio Spurs

At this point in his career, James can no longer be the best player on a title-worthy team. That's why the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, and, assuming everyone is healthy, James will be the fourth option behind Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.

Of course, a celebrity of James' caliber will be treated like the best player on a team, even if he no longer plays like one. That's not to say that he isn't still elite, but he's clearly lost a step.

The Spurs, who are just kicking off a title window, didn't want to dedicate resources to a 41-year-old, and James' camp never expected them to. In short, the Spurs don't need a player like him.

“It’s similar to the Knicks," said Rich Paul. "These are two teams that finished as the last two teams in the season. Spurs were the runners-up. And when you have a guy like Wemby, you have to respect his growth, his position on the Spurs. It’s not easy when LeBron James shows up; it just doesn’t matter who you are.”

Even though Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper would have been the core of the Spurs' future, James commands more than his fair share.

"It's not like you're plugging in a person," Paul added. "This is a mountain."

In a perfect world, James could have signed with the Spurs, played a season, won a ring, and been on his way. However, the circus that follows him might have damaged the Spurs' youth's progression, and that wasn't a risk either party wanted to take.