Kenny Atkinson had already started picturing LeBron James back in Cleveland, so watching him pick another contender stung for a couple of days. The Cleveland Cavaliers head coach admitted his staff had counted on a reunion before the 41-year-old forward joined the Philadelphia 76ers instead, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Atkinson didn’t soften how the news landed.
That’s the emotions of it,” Atkinson said. James signed a two-year, $8 million contract that carries a player option. Rich Paul, the Klutch Sports Group CEO, relayed the terms to ESPN’s Shams Charania, and the Sixers made the move official in July.
Roughly six teams drew serious consideration from the four-time champion. He chose Philadelphia as the place to finish his career. Bill Simmons is convinced the Cavaliers were the original destination.
I don’t think there’s any other reason he went to [Philly]. It’s not like, ‘I’ve always wanted to play for the Sixers.’ Listen, he was going to [the Cleveland Cavaliers]. I don’t know what happened.
I can’t wait for the story. Something happened,” Simmons said. That read matches Atkinson’s account, though expecting a signing differs from having one in hand.
The coach offered no details on whether an agreement was ever close. Both clubs met on Oct. 22 for Philadelphia’s home opener. The Sixers wiped out a 29-point deficit and won 114-106.
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