The race for LeBron James continues to build, with more contenders entering the mix as teams weigh up fit, finances and championship timelines.

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As Denver and Philadelphia emerge as serious suitors alongside other established options, the wider off-season picture is also shifting quickly, with several franchises already locking in key veteran additions as they reshape their rosters for the season ahead.

LEBRON WATCH: DENVER AND SIXERS ENTER THE CONVERSATION

The race to land LeBron James is widening, with multiple contenders now emerging as possible destinations for the NBA icon ahead of his 24th season.

The Denver Nuggets have joined Golden State, Cleveland and Miami in expressing interest in James, while San Antonio is no longer seen as a realistic option after agreeing to terms with veteran forward Tobias Harris.

At the same time, the Philadelphia 76ers have also entered the conversation following one of the most dramatic moves of the off-season, acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster trade that sent Paul George and multiple draft picks in return.

Taken together, the two developments have reshaped early free agency chatter around James’ next move, with both Denver and Philadelphia now viewed as intriguing, if very different, landing spots.

For Denver, the appeal is built around basketball fit and championship structure. The Nuggets remain anchored by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, whose passing ability and offensive control make him one of the most unique big men in NBA history.

Pairing Jokic with James would immediately create one of the most intelligent and versatile offensive combinations in the league. Rather than carrying a heavy scoring load, James could operate more selectively alongside Jokic, sharing playmaking duties and conserving energy for the postseason.

As NBA insider Chris Haynes reported, James is expected to take a measured approach to his decision, with a clear focus on joining a team capable of competing for a title in the short term.

However, Denver’s biggest obstacle is financial. The Nuggets are projected to operate above the NBA’s second tax apron, which would limit them to offering only a veteran minimum contract unless a complex sign-and-trade can be engineered. That puts them at a significant disadvantage compared to other suitors such as Golden State, which could offer access to the mid-level exception worth around $15 million ($21.7 million AUD) annually.

The central question for Denver is straightforward: would James accept a major pay cut for the chance to compete alongside Jokic on a proven contender?

On the other side of the discussion, Philadelphia’s case is more about star power accumulation and roster upside.

The 76ers’ acquisition of Jaylen Brown, who is on a five-year $304 million ($441m AUD) contract, alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey has already transformed them into one of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. But some around the league believe that move could also position Philadelphia as a serious landing spot for James, as per The Athletic’s Tony Jones.

NBA reporter Evan Sidery suggested the new-look roster could give the 76ers a strong recruiting pitch.

“The Sixers now have a golden opportunity to recruit LeBron James to form a truly lethal starting line-up: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron, and Joel Embiid,” Sidery wrote on X.

“On paper, it seems like an ideal LeBron destination after that trade.”

While there is no indication James is close to a decision involving Philadelphia, the idea of him joining Embiid, Brown and Maxey would instantly create one of the most powerful line-ups in the league on paper.

At 41 years old, James remains firmly focused on competing at the highest level, with winning a championship expected to outweigh most other considerations.

For now, both Denver and Philadelphia sit among a growing list of contenders, with the Cavaliers, Warriors and Heat also monitoring developments closely as the league waits for James to make his next move.

‘A MISTAKE’: SPURS SIGN HARRIS

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt depth, agreeing to a two-year, $31 million deal with veteran forward Tobias Harris, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The 33-year-old joins San Antonio after helping lead the Detroit Pistons’ turnaround over the past two seasons. Harris averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season while shooting 46.7 per cent from the field and 36.8 per cent from three-point range.

Known for his scoring versatility and floor spacing, Harris also elevated his play during the postseason, averaging 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds as Detroit made a deep playoff run.

While the Spurs clearly value Harris’ experience and offensive skill set, not everyone is sold on the move.

Yahoo Sports NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor was highly critical of the signing.

“Tobias Harris to the Spurs, what a mistake,” O’Connor said.

“Spurs fans are in for a rude awakening here with Tobias Harris.”

O’Connor argued San Antonio would be better off investing development minutes into rookie forward Carter Bryant.

“I just think Tobias Harris is subtraction by addition for San Antonio,” he said.

“I’d rather San Antonio invest those minutes into Carter Bryant over the course of the season instead of giving Tobias Harris 25 or 30 minutes a night.”

He also suggested the Spurs should have pursued other options. “Rui Hachimura would’ve been a better acquisition for San Antonio,” O’Connor said.

“I think Tobias Harris is just a mistake for San Antonio. I don’t like it.”

Despite the criticism, Harris gives the Spurs another proven veteran alongside Victor Wembanyama and provides flexibility, with the two-year contract unlikely to interfere with future extension plans for the franchise’s young core.

Tobias Harris is off to the Spurs.Source: AFP

His arrival does, however, create a crowded wing rotation featuring Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson and Bryant, giving San Antonio plenty of depth but also some difficult decisions when it comes to allocating minutes.

NBA CHAMPION JOINS BOSTON

The Boston Celtics have made another significant move in free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with veteran centre Mitchell Robinson, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Robinson arrives in Boston after helping the New York Knicks capture an NBA championship, bringing elite rebounding and rim protection to a Celtics frontcourt that has been seeking more size and defensive presence.

The deal includes a player option in the third year, giving Robinson some flexibility as he enters a new chapter in his career.

For Boston, the signing is a clear attempt to shore up the interior around its established core. Robinson has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable offensive rebounders and shot blockers, offering impact that doesn’t rely on scoring volume.

Last season, he played a key role in New York’s title run, providing energy, physicality and crucial second-chance opportunities during the playoffs. His departure marks the end of an eight-year stint with the Knicks after being drafted in 2018.

The move also fits into a wider trend across the league as contenders continue to prioritise size and defensive versatility heading into the new season.

Boston’s acquisition of Robinson is expected to strengthen its rotation behind the starting frontcourt, while giving the team another proven playoff performer who can anchor the paint in high-pressure moments.

BULLS SIGN POWELL

The Chicago Bulls have added another scoring threat to their back-court, agreeing to a two-year, $45 million deal with veteran guard Norman Powell, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Powell arrives in Chicago after a standout season with the Miami Heat, where he delivered the most productive scoring year of his career and established himself as one of the league’s most efficient perimeter threats.

The 33-year-old averaged 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season while shooting close to 47 per cent from the field, continuing a strong run of form that has seen him consistently clear the 20-point mark in recent years.

For Chicago, the move adds proven scoring punch and veteran experience to a roster looking to stabilise its offence and strengthen its spacing on the perimeter.

Powell has long been valued for his three-point shooting and ability to create offence in bursts, with his athletic scoring and off-ball movement making him a difficult matchup when he gets going.

The deal also reflects Chicago’s intent to reshape its back-court balance heading into the new season, adding another reliable scorer who can operate alongside the team’s primary creator in Josh Giddey.

Powell’s career has taken him through Toronto, Portland, the LA Clippers and Miami, where he built a reputation as a dependable playoff performer and streak scorer capable of changing games quickly.

OTHER SIGNINGS (SO FAR)