Sports · Basketball · 2 hrs ago
LeBron James’ move to the Sixers disappoints Cleveland fans
LeBron James chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers, disappointing many fans in Cleveland, where he began his NBA career.
His latest decision was less painful for local fans than his 2010 move to Miami, but Cleveland had been involved in his past free-agency decisions.
The Cavaliers responded by trading for Peyton Watson, sending Max Strus and an unprotected 2031 first-round draft pick in the deal.
Watson is seen as a potential upgrade on the wing, with defensive ability and room to grow as an offensive player.
Philadelphia also signed former Cavalier Dean Wade, whose defense is valued but who can be hesitant to shoot.
The Sixers are due to visit Cleveland next month, and fans will see how James is welcomed on his first return there as a Philadelphia player.
The teams are set to meet twice in Cleveland this season.
LeBron James chose the Philadelphia 76ers over the Cleveland Cavaliers after considering five teams in free agency.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he felt depressed for a day or two when the deal with James fell through.
Cleveland fans were disappointed, according to Danny Cunningham, who was interviewed by PhillyVoice.
James faced Cleveland in the teams’ season opener on Thursday, and Philadelphia won 144-106.
The Cavaliers pivoted to a five-team sign-and-trade deal to acquire forward Peyton Watson.
- Who
- LeBron James chose the Philadelphia 76ers; Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said he was disappointed.
- What
- James signed with Philadelphia rather than returning to Cleveland.
- When
- The decision came during the 2026 offseason. The teams met on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Cleveland and Philadelphia; the season opener was played in Philadelphia.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
James told the Los Angeles Lakers he would pursue free agency to play a record-setting 24th NBA season elsewhere.
Cleveland was among five finalist teams James considered, and he visited the Cavaliers.
James chose Philadelphia and signed a two-year contract; the sources report its value as $8 million and $7.94 million.
Philadelphia beat Cleveland 144-106 in the teams’ season opener.
- Teams considered
- Cleveland, Minnesota, Miami, Golden State and Philadelphia
- James’s contract
- Two years; sources report $8 million or $7.94 million
- Season opener score
- Philadelphia 144, Cleveland 106
- Cleveland’s acquisition
- Peyton Watson, in a five-team sign-and-trade
- Watson’s contract
- Four years, $88 million
4 sources
What people are saying
when you're expecting something to happen and it doesn't happen, that first day or two, you're just like, you're depressed, quite honestly. That's the emotions of it.
There was definitely some disappointment among Cleveland fans that James opted to head further east for his (presumably) final chapter of his career.