INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Intuit Dome on January 22, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LeBron James reportedly joining the Philadelphia 76ers is the latest development in the constantly evolving Eastern Conference. How this affects the big picture in the uber-competitive East is simple: Philadelphia is one of the favourites to come out of the East.
But how does this impact the Toronto Raptors? Their seven-game series against the 76ers defined the 2019 championship run, and a potential trilogy (remembering the 2001 series featuring Vince Carter and Allen Iverson) seems like it’s a realistic possibility.
Assuming Kawhi Leonard is traded to the Raptors, here’s how each team’s rotation looks:
Toronto
PG: Immanuel Quickley/Jamal Shead
SG: RJ Barrett/ Ja’Kobe Walter
SF: Kawhi Leonard/Collin Murray-Boyles
PF: Scottie Barnes/Kyle Anderson
C: Jakob Poeltl/Trayce Jackson-Davis
Philadelphia
PG: Tyrese Maxey/Labaron Philon Jr.
SG: VJ Edgecombe/Anfernee Simons
SF: Jaylen Brown/Dean Wade
PF: LeBron James
C: Joel Embiid/Adem Bona
Using these rosters – and acknowledging that should both organizations meet expectations and make ensuing trade deadline moves – let’s look at what advantages and issues the Raptors would have in a playoff matchup.
Starting lineup
As currently constructed, the 76ers boast one of the most complete starting lineups in recent memory. Offensively, they have the flexibility to hunt various matchups. The outside shooting isn’t necessarily elite, but they have enough firepower on the perimeter to get by. While it isn’t the most quantifiable stat, their starters have the stage presence to make big shots in high-pressure moments.
When healthy, Maxey and Embiid have always been a problem for the Raptors. Toronto still doesn’t have anyone on the roster to contain Maxey’s game-breaking speed and penetration, nor do they have the body to consistently contain Embiid.
What the Raptors do have is a duo best suited to negate the new additions of Brown and James. Even at 35-years-old, Leonard is more than capable of preventing Brown from taking over. While 76ers Head Coach Nick Nurse views James as a jumbo-wing hub, Barnes should have the advantage at this point in their respective careers regardless of scheme.
However, there should also be major concerns about what James does to unlock the off-ball versions of Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe.
Despite the 76ers seemingly having the better starting five, they also have to deal with the best player on the court in Leonard. No one on their roster can guard Leonard and that matters in the post-season. Can Barrett knock down enough open shots when the 76ers rotate off him? Can Quickley hold his own defensively against Maxey without getting into foul trouble, so that he can be a threat on offence? Can Barnes continue his playoff ascension and dare James to prove that he still has enough in the tank?
Bench mob
During Game 7 of the 2019 playoff series, the Raptors opted for a strict seven-man rotation (Serge Ibaka played 29 minutes, while Fred VanVleet logged 15 minutes). Meanwhile, the 76ers deployed eight players. Assuming the DeMar DeRozan reunion falls through, it’s reasonable to project Shead, Walter and Murray-Boyles as the group that Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajakovic leans on.
Depending on what you value most off the bench, both the Raptors and 76ers have a case for the better unit. Toronto’s options are defensive stalwarts who are asked to be opportunistic scorers. While Philadelphia flaunts more offensively oriented players. Wade was unexpectedly annoying while guarding Brandon Ingram, but that won’t be an issue with Leonard.
There will also be fun minutes pitting Murray-Boyles against James, both in traditional and small-ball lineups. We’ll give the Raptors the slight edge in this department because of the flexibility that their bench offers.
Potential Needs
Raptors:
Perimeter defence
Big man (preferably one that can stretch the defence)
Tyson Fury fulfilled his side of the bargain for a potential heavyweight blockbuster against Anthony Joshua by stopping the veteran Polish fighter Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand.
About 1,500 fans watched the bout, which had no live broadcast, and saw Fury largely dominate his overmatched 46-year-old opponent, who slipped to an eighth defeat in his past 11 contests. While Wach remained upright, he was pulled out after the end of the seventh round by his corner, battered into submission by Fury, who made it back-to-back wins in 2026 after a 16-month layoff.
LeBron James shook up the summer and claimed the weekend by signing a team-friendly two-year deal worth $8 million with the Philadelphia 76ers. Could LeBron be the final piece to the process? Is this the moment that Philly sports fans have been waiting for? Oddsmakers make the 76ers 9-to-1 to win the NBA Finals, tied for the third-best odds with the Knicks (+900) and behind the Thunder (+270) and Spurs (+270).
Let's take a look at the odds to win the NBA Finals before LeBron signed with the 76ers courtesy of DraftKings:
Miami: +1700 Cleveland: +2000 Philadelphia: +2000 Golden State: +3000 Los Angeles: +4500
Odds to win the NBA Finals after LeBron signed with the 76ers courtesy of DraftKings:
Philadelphia: +900 Cleveland: +2500 Miami: +3000 Los Angeles: +3500 Golden State: +6000
Oddsmakers are basically washing their hands of the Warriors' title hopes and laughing at anyone who bought stock before the James news. Although, we can all agree that a team with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler would have been must-see TV.
Cleveland took a slight hit in odds to win it all as James would have solidified one of the best starting fives if he signed there, but naturally, he had to break Cleveland's hearts again. Cleveland had the second-best odds of landing James.
After Miami signed Giannis Antetokounmpo, James would have made them a title favorite out of the East, but Miami moves from +1700 to +3000 making the Heat a long shot without The King.
The only teams odds that improved after LeBron signed with Philadelphia is Los Angeles — but that's mainly because he didn't end up on the Warriors. LeBron handed the keys to Luka Doncic who became the face of the Lakers, but let's be honest, there was never enough talent around both players for the Lakers to compete with the Western Conference, so this is a great career move for James.
"“I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.
“The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.
I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.
Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home! "
Philadelphia has a dedicated fan base that wants to win as bad as he does. A stacked roster with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball. You have Joel Embiid, the franchise cornerstone, Jaylen Brown, a former NBA Champ attempting to rewrite his narrative, VJ Edgecombe, a young and up and coming star, plus Tyrese Maxey, a star coming off a career year that will split the on-ball usage with James, who is the best player since 2000 and one of the GOAT's.
Because of James, you can no longer double team Embiid. No matter who is at the three-point line, all five players are capable of hitting the triple or attacking the rim. Off the bench, Anfernee Simons,Labaron Philon, and Dean Wade come in as instant offense and give this team range. The depth behind Embiid and James is where the questions with this team lie. Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona won't be enough, but there is still time for Philadelphia to make moves and given LeBron's impact — it shouldn't take much time for a player or two to follow James to Philadelphia.
At +900 odds to win the title, you may see people saying it's not worth betting anymore, but are you really taking anyone besides the Knicks to come out of the East? I sure wouldn't.
The only speculation left for the 41-year-old James is what jersey number he will wear. The NBA's all-time leading scorer has only worn the No. 23 and No. 6 during his entire 23-year career.
At the time of his announcement that he was joining the Sixers, the No. 23 was available, as the player who wore that number last season, guard Tyrese Martin, signed a one-year contract with FC Barcelona. Martin only spent nine games with Philadelphia after signing a two-way contract with the team in February.
LeBron James career jersey number timeline
2003-10: No. 23
After being the No. 1 pick of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, James stuck with the No. 23 he had worn during his high school career. He spent eight seasons with the Cavaliers before his first free agent decision.
2010-14: No. 6
When James made his televised debacle, better known as "The Decision," he and his cohorts, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who were waiting for his talents to come to South Beach, made some bold predictions during their welcome rally. James said they would win "not 4, not 5, not 6" championships during his stint in Miami. But the only six that James would see would be his jersey number. He did win two championships in four seasons before departing.
2014-21: No. 23
James returned to Cleveland, making his announcement in a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated. James also returned to his familiar No. 23 and made good on coming back home during his second stint there by delivering Cleveland their first NBA championship with an epic Finals comeback against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
2021-23: No. 6
James signed a four-year, $153.3 million free agent deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and didn't make the switch back to No. 6 until the 2021 season. That jersey decision was short-lived as he went back to No. 23 in 2023. James did help deliver the Lakers another championship in 2020 during the pandemic bubble playoffs in Florida.
2023-26: No. 23
In the last three seasons, James wore No. 23, as the No. 6 is retired league-wide in honor of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell.
The Montreal Canadiens have had a quiet start to the off-season when it comes to adding new talent. Although this is the case, it is possible that things could change on that front before the start of the season.
The Canadiens could use another skilled winger to solidify their top six. Their options in free agency are not the strongest at this stage in the off-season, so they would need to address this need through the trade market if they wish to before the season.
If the Canadiens want to add a top-six winger before the start of the campaign, they should strongly consider doing business with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is because both Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are intriguing trade candidates on Pittsburgh's roster.
If the Canadiens acquired Rust, he would give them a two-time Stanley Cup champion who is coming off another strong season in 2025-26. In 72 games last season with Pittsburgh, the 34-year-old winger posted 29 goals, 36 assists, and 65 points. This was after he had 31 goals and 65 points in 71 games for Pittsburgh in 2024-25. With numbers like these, he would be a strong pickup for Montreal's top six.
Rakell, on the other hand, posted 24 goals and 48 points but in 60 games last season. This was after he posted 35 goals and 70 points in 81 games for the Penguins during the 2024-25 season. He would also be a nice addition to Montreal's top six if acquired. This is especially so when noting that he can play both wings.
Both Rust and Rakell would be more than one-year rentals for Montreal if acquired. Rust has a $5.125 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, while Rakell has a $5 million cap hit through 2027-28. These are bargain cap hits for what each player provides, so they could be worth targeting for Montreal.
The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at potential options for the Sabres, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned with Chicago. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Kekalainen ideally would like to make up as much of the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, but also possibly someone who can fill the leadership gap or add some snarl and sandpaper to the middle-six.
Someone who has yet to be signed, but is one of the youngest free agents still available is winger Eeli Tolvanen. The 27-year-old was a first round pick of the Nashville in 2017. After spending a year in Finland, the young Finn finished the 2017-18 season with the Preds and played most of the next two seasons in AHL Milwaukee.
Patrick Kane returns to Chicago instead of joining the Sabres.
After briefly returning to Finland during the COVID pause, Tolvanen returned to Tennesse and scored 22 points in 40 games, but only scored 23 points in 75 games in 2022. After playing 13 games in 2022-23, the Preds tried to sneak the winger back down to the AHL on waivers, but he was claimed by the Seattle Kraken.
Tolvanen’s totals increased with more responsibility and ice time. He scored 16 goals in 48 games to finish off the 2022-23 season, increased to 41 points in 2023-24, snd scored a career-high 23 goals in 2024-25, before taking a downturn last season to 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 78 games.
The 5’10”, 182 lb. winger projects more as a middle-six forward with skill, which the Sabres could use if their plan is to promote from within and elevate someone like Zach Benson, Jack Quinn, or Kulich into the top six. Tolvanen is not strong defensively (he was -18 last season with Seattle), but could fill a role on a second power play unit and would likely score in the teens, based on his average goal scoring six of the last seven seasons.
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 26: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Four on April 26, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Because his father is LeBron James, Bronny James has always been linked to him.
Bronny getting drafted, his first time playing in a game and even his playoff debut were all framed as a father-son NBA moment. However, LeBron is no longer a Laker and is taking his talent to the Sixers.
For those who think that means Bronny playing in Philadelphia is a foregone conclusion, think again.
Reports have indicated that his future is not linked to LeBron and he remains a part of LA’s young core.
And now, during the “Brock & Alex” show on 97.1 The Fan LA, Lakers beat writer Khobi Price discussed the Bronny situation, explaining in detail why he might remain part of the franchise.
“The Lakers are more than happy to keep Bronny James. They drafted him in the second round two years ago. They developed him. They’re a fan of him. He has a lot of people who like him within the building. It’s not going to be one of those situations where they’re just going to send Bronny to wherever LeBron goes. It would take something real for the Lakers to want to trade him.”
During Las Vegas Summer League, he was present for Lakers games supporting the young guys. He also participated in the team’s veteran minicamp, according to reporting from Dan Woike of The Athletic.
That doesn’t seem like a player who has checked out and assumes he will no longer be a part of this franchise.
Even if, hypothetically, the Sixers would like Bronny, the Lakers shouldn’t just move him to please LeBron or Philadelphia.
They value Bronny, and a bad trade would be poor asset management and weaken LA’s guard depth for no reason.
So, sure, Bronny might be on the move, but that should only happen if it’s a trade that makes sense. The Lakers are in win-now mode and focused on building around Luka Dončić.
Bronny is a part of that vision, and that should only change if what they are getting in a trade can impact winning immediately.
If not, then Bronny can continue to grow and develop on the Lakers, and additional minutes will be on the table for him this year.
James announced Friday, July 24 that he will sign with the Sixers in a move that lands James on his fourth different team across his NBA-record 24 seasons. Yet, despite his career earnings and despite his stature as the premier player of this generation, James’ contract with Philadelphia will be worth $8 million over two years, with the final season being a player option, a person with direct knowledge of the contract confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not publicly authorized to discuss terms of the deal.
LeBron James contract details
The contract gives James some flexibility at the end of the 2026-27 season, allowing him to opt in for 2027-28. The deal is essentially the veteran minimum exception.
It is, furthermore, the most affordable contract of James’ career and only rivals the average annual salary of his rookie deal ($4.7 million per season).
In short, James’ contract is so team-friendly because he can afford it. James and his agent, Rich Paul, had said repeatedly in the leadup to Friday’s announcement that money would not be a significant factor in determining his next team. None of his finalists – the Sixers, Cavaliers, Heat, Warriors and Timberwolves – were operating with much cap space, though each had been reserving a small slice in case James decided to join them.
“I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
Given the massive haul of his career earnings — not to mention all of the off-court revenue he generates over his various businesses and endorsement deals — James had the ability to be selective and sign on to the team he felt most capable of winning a championship.
Given that the 76ers retooled and added Jaylen Brown in a massive trade, James joins a roster that is ready to compete with the very best teams in the East.
Less than a year after being hired, former Vancouver Canucks pro scout and 19-year NHL veteran Jack Johnson has departed from the organization. Johnson was hired by the Canucks back at the start of January, with this being his first official post-playing career NHL role.
Johnson’s 1228-NHL game career resulted in a grand total of 77 goals, 265 assists, and one Stanley Cup as a member of the Avalanche in 2021–22. In his most recent season, 2024–25 as a member of the Blue Jackets, the defenceman put together six assists in 41 games.
Now departing from the NHL, Johnson will continue his post-playing career as the associate coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes’ women’s team in the NCAA. Ohio State most recently won NCAA championships in 2022 and 2024.
Apr 6, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman jack Johnson (3) skates with the puck in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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The announcement quickly took off on social media, as fans celebrated the Sixers becoming LeBron’s newest team.
In what he said was tue final free agency decision of his career, James expressed his continued passion for basketball and his determination to chase another title.
"I love this game, and I still have more to give," James wrote in a social media post. He emphasized that his primary motivation is to help end the 76ers’ 43-year championship drought. The new contract will usher him into his record-breaking 24th NBA season.
Here’s a look at some of the reactions pouring in across social media as basketball fans process the news of James taking his talents to Philadelphia.
Social media reacts to LeBron James' move to 76ers
Here are some social media reactions to LeBron James' announcement that he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.
By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan... I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What was first just a dream has become a frightening reality for those who may oppose the City of Brotherly Love.
Philadelphia now has both Michael Jordan AND LeBron James.
And now the Sixers are adding the second-best player (or so) in basketball history to their roster. It’s hard to believe it’s real but James is coming to Philly. Our good friends over at Liberty Ballers have full coverage of the big news.
I realize that not all BGN readers are also Sixers fans but this is clearly a huge development for Philly and the NBA writ large. We already have multiple entries in The Feed about this topic:
Wild times! And funny that two of the biggest names in the NBA GOAT debate, one of them being the actual player, are now in the same sports city.
Guessing we’ll see LeBron attending some Eagles games this season. And a larger Eagles presence at some Sixers games.
Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up 🏌🏽⛳️ @KingJames
James made it clear he had one goal in deciding to play for the 76ers after being courted by a plethora of teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James wrote in a post to X.
James isn't alone in his belief about the 76ers being a championship-caliber squad. Oddsmakers believe the Philadelphia will be among the favorites to win the 2026-27 NBA title after inking the 22-time All-Star to a two-year, $8 million contract.
Even so, the 76ers haven't risen to the top of the list yet, as two Western Conference squads are the co-favorites to win the 2027 NBA Finals.
Here's a full look at how James signing with the 76ers has shaken up the NBA power structure.
Ranking NBA teams by odds after LeBron signs with 76ers
Odds via BetMGM as of Friday, July 24.
T-1. Oklahoma City Thunder (+275)
The Thunder have one of the NBA's deepest teams, led by perennial MVP candidate Shai Gligeous-Alexander and a quality collection of young talent headlined by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Sam Presti retooled Oklahoma City's roster during the offseason to avoid the dreaded second apron, but the squad still has the talent needed to be one of the NBA's top contenders.
T-1. San Antonio Spurs (+275)
The Spurs made a surprise run to the 2026 NBA Finals as Victor Wembanyama blossomed into one of the league's most impressive two-way talents. If Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle can continue their development alongside Wembanyama, San Antonio's young core could soon power it to an NBA title.
3. New York Knicks (+800)
The Knicks won their first NBA title since 1973, dispatching the Spurs in five games during the 2026 NBA Finals. Can New York do it again? The Knicks are returning most of that title-winning core, and the chemistry possessed by the Jalen Brunson-led starting five should make the team a tough out in the Eastern Conference.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (+1000)
No team has improved more during the 2026 NBA offseason than the 76ers. Not only did they ink LeBron on a two-year contract, they also traded Paul George and two first-round picks to add Jaylen Brown to their starting lineup. Adding those two talents to a strong core that already featured Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe could allow Philadelphia to emerge as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
5. Boston Celtics (+1400)
The Celtics made a head-scratching trade dealing Brown to the 76ers for George. Even so, Boston has been a perennial contender under Joe Mazzulla and shored up one of its biggest weaknesses by signing center Mitchell Robinson from the Knicks in free agency. That should allow the Celtics to remain competitive, though their overreliance on the 3-point shot could again be their undoing.
6. Denver Nuggets (+2200)
The Nuggets are returning most of the team that went 54-28 last season and finished third in the Western Conference standings. Perennial MVP Nikola Jokic and microwave scorer Jamaal Murray remain an elite duo, so Denver can be expected to once again have one of the league's most potent offenses.
T-7. Cleveland Cavaliers (+2500)
The Cavaliers were unable to lure LeBron James back to Cleveland for a third go-round with his hometown team. As such, the Cavs will rely on Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to carry them during the upcoming season. Their newest piece, veteran point guard Dennis Schroeder, will help give the team another ball-handling option after being acquired as part of the DeAndre Hunter trade.
T-7. Detroit Pistons (+2500)
The Pistons were the Eastern Conference's lone 60-win team last season but couldn't get past the Knicks after being taken to seven games in the first round by the Orlando Magic. Cade Cunningham remains Detroit's primary building block but the supporting cast around him will look different in 2026-27, as the Pistons offloaded Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert and Isaiah Stewart while bringing in John Collins and Isaiah Joe, among others.
T-7. Minnesota Timberwolves (+2500)
The Timberwolves were a sleeper in the James sweepstakes but couldn't persuade him to come to Minnesota. Now, the Timberwolves will rely on the young duo of Anthony Edwards and offseason trade acquisition LaMelo Ball to help them get to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
T-7. Toronto Raptors (+2500)
The Raptors are awaiting approval for the trade that landed Kawhi Leonard back in Toronto. If it goes through, it will raise the Raptors' ceiling. If not, Toronto could once again find itself battling to avoid the play-in tournament amid a crowd of Eastern Conference playoff teams.
As the Detroit Red Wings prepare for the 2026-27 season, one of the biggest questions surrounding the organization is what the next phase of the rebuild will look like and which young prospects are ready to establish themselves as full-time NHLers.
Last season marked a significant milestone for Detroit's youth movement with Emmitt Finnie, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård all earning spots on the Red Wings' opening-night roster, offering fans a glimpse of the organization's promising future.
Finnie emerged as the lone rookie to secure a long-term role in Detroit, while Brandsegg-Nygård returned to the minors after a brief NHL stint. Sandin-Pellikka remained with the Red Wings for 68 games before also heading back to continue his development, gaining valuable NHL experience along the way.
The biggest in-season arrival, however, came when the Red Wings finally called up 2023 ninth-overall draft pick Nate Danielson.
With Detroit continuing its search for an impact center, expectations were high when the 21-year-old from Red Deer, Alberta, made his NHL debut. While flashes of his potential were evident, Danielson's first taste of NHL action proved to be more of a learning experience than an immediate breakout.
Danielson recorded two goals and five assists for seven points in 28 games before an injury prematurely ended his season. Although the offensive production fell short of what many fans had hoped for, the young center gained valuable experience adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NHL.
Heading into training camp, Danielson appears poised for another opportunity as Elite Prospects currently projects him to make Detroit's opening-night roster, and a strong offseason could significantly improve his chances of securing a permanent role.
If Danielson can build on the lessons learned during his first NHL stint and arrive at camp stronger and more confident, he could become an important piece of Detroit's lineup when the Red Wings open the season against the New York Rangers.
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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 12: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
And just like that, it was over.
BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ALOlTkgdAV
One tweet from Shams Charania was all it took to end several weeks of speculation, amateur detective work, Timberwolves emoji analysis, and increasingly elaborate attempts to convince ourselves that LeBron James had always dreamed of spending the final chapter of his career in Minneapolis.
According to Charania, acting on information from Rich Paul, LeBron will join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year contract for the upcoming season. Minutes later, James confirmed the decision with a post of his own on X, officially closing the door on Minnesota and ending his latest “Where will he go?” saga.
He is not taking his talents to Lake Minnetonka to form a super team with Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. He is not slipping into the glaring vacancy at power forward, organizing Minnesota’s offense, chasing another championship, and forcing the NBA to place half the Timberwolves’ schedule on national television.
Instead, LeBron has decided to hitch the twilight of his career to Joel Embiid’s knees, which at this point appear to be held together by athletic tape, optimism, and whatever material IKEA uses for the backs of inexpensive bookshelves. Good luck with that.
The news is disappointing, even if it is not exactly shocking. Minnesota was reportedly among the handful of serious contenders, but there was always a difference between being in the conversation and being the final choice. Wolves fans understood that. There was no guarantee that the greatest player of his generation would suddenly look at the Upper Midwest and decide this was the natural destination for the closing act of his career.
Still, it was fun to imagine. For a few weeks, Wolves fans could picture LeBron wearing Minnesota colors and occupying the precise position this roster still needs to fill. On a purely basketball level, the fit made an enormous amount of sense. The Wolves currently have a glaring hole at power forward after an offseason that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn and Naz Reid to Charlotte. James could have stepped naturally between Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, giving Minnesota a formidable three-four-five combination built around length, strength, intelligence, and defensive versatility.
He also would have been joining Anthony Edwards at exactly the moment Edwards is beginning to make a credible push toward becoming the face of the league. That part mattered beyond wins, losses, and lineup combinations. LeBron choosing Minnesota would have represented the most dramatic validation imaginable for a franchise that spent most of its history as a punchline. For decades, imagining a player of LeBron’s stature voluntarily signing with Minnesota would have required the kind of suspension of disbelief normally reserved for superhero movies.
But the organization is not that franchise anymore. Under Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, with Tim Connelly reshaping the basketball operation and Edwards becoming a legitimate superstar, the Timberwolves have climbed out of the NBA basement and established themselves near the top of the Western Conference. They have become a legitimate contender. National media members have spent the past weeks talking about Minnesota as a place where championships might actually be won rather than somewhere promising seasons go to die.
That is why LeBron’s final decision stings, but it should not erase the significance of Minnesota being involved in the first place. The Wolves did not win the sweepstakes, but they were invited into the room. For this franchise, that alone represents progress.
Of course, progress does not solve the power-forward problem. The Wolves dramatically reshaped their roster this summer. Randle and Reid, two cornerstone pieces of the team’s recent success, are gone. Their departures carried an obvious basketball cost and, in Reid’s case, a substantial emotional one. It remains to be seen how Connelly and Finch will address the void created by their departures.
Those tough transactions allowed the Wolves to acquire LaMelo Ball from Charlotte, creating one of the most exciting backcourts in the NBA. Ball and Edwards now give Minnesota an almost absurd amount of creativity, athleticism, flair, and offensive possibility. Together, they could produce the kind of nightly highlight package that would have consumed Sports Center back in the 90’s.
Minnesota still has Gobert anchoring the middle and providing the basis for an elite defense. He remains a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and, unlike Philadelphia’s preferred center, actually stays on the court.
Oh, and I forgot to mention…. “We got Jaden McDaniels.”
That sentence should never be treated as an afterthought.
Ball, Edwards, McDaniels, and Gobert form an impressive foundation. The roster may be imperfectly configured, especially at power forward, but its strengths are obvious and substantial.
While the LeBron drama has been sucking the oxygen out of the room, other Wolves developments flew under the radar. Apparently, Anthony Edwards got married, adding another unexpected chapter to an offseason already packed with roster changes, superstar rumors, and franchise-altering decisions. That news may not change Minnesota’s offensive rating, but it contributes to the larger sense that Edwards is entering a different phase of his life and career.
Signs of that evolution are beginning to show up elsewhere. Reports suggest that Edwards is attempting to organize a team gathering in Paris so the new-look roster can build cohesion alongside Gobert. That may sound like a minor offseason detail, but leadership is often revealed through exactly these kinds of actions. Edwards has always possessed the charisma, confidence, and talent of a franchise player. The next stage is becoming the person who actively shapes the team’s culture, brings teammates together, and understands that championship contention begins long before opening night.
For the first time, there is no question about whose team this is. Randle is gone. Reid is gone. Mike Conley’s veteran influence has diminished as Edwards has ascended. LeBron is heading somewhere else. Ant is now the undisputed leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves, not merely their most talented player. That distinction matters.
There have been moments in Edwards’ career when his immense ability appeared to be developing faster than his maturity. That is not unusual for a young superstar, particularly one who entered the league with the personality and confidence to command a room before he had fully learned how to command a franchise. But organizing offseason workouts, prioritizing team chemistry, and showing renewed energy after the acquisition of Ball all suggest that Edwards understands the responsibility now sitting in front of him. The Wolves do not need him to become LeBron James. They need him to become the fullest possible version of Anthony Edwards.
The Western Conference will not make it easy. It never does. Oklahoma City remains a powerhouse, although the financial realities of the second apron have begun pressing against its roster. San Antonio has rapidly become a major threat, and the Wolves know firsthand how difficult that matchup can be. Minnesota pushed the Spurs to the limit despite a hobbled Edwards, no Donte DiVincenzo, and the complete disappearance of Julius Randle.
The Wolves came close under difficult circumstances. Now they will return with a dramatically different offensive structure, a rejuvenated Edwards, and Ball providing the playmaking they sorely lacked. There will be growing pains. The frontcourt balance remains unresolved. The chemistry between the new backcourt will require time. Ball’s health will always be part of the equation.
Could the Wolves fare better than LeBron’s new team? That is impossible to answer in July, but Philadelphia’s path is hardly risk-free. James may believe the Sixers provide his best championship opportunity, yet their entire plan rests heavily on Embiid remaining available when the games matter most. Recent history suggests that is less a roster strategy than an annual hostage negotiation with the human body.
Perhaps Philadelphia will put everything together. Maybe Embiid will stay healthy, LeBron will summon one more deep postseason run, and the Sixers will finally escape the maze of second-round disappointments that has defined this era. Or maybe the New York Knicks will ceremoniously bounce them from the playoffs again while Philadelphia wonders why it built another championship plan around a center who cannot reliably survive until May.
For Wolves fans, the correct response is neither despair nor denial. LeBron would have helped. His arrival would have elevated Minnesota’s profile, solved a positional need, and delivered one of the most important moments in franchise history. Losing that possibility is disappointing.
But the Wolves are not suddenly lost because a 41-year-old superstar chose another destination. Their future remains tied to Edwards, Ball, McDaniels, Gobert, and whatever additional moves Connelly can make to balance the roster. It remains tied to the growth of young players, the development of team chemistry, and Edwards’ evolution from explosive superstar into complete franchise leader.
The path did not disappear when LeBron chose Philadelphia. It simply became Edward’s path again.
And perhaps that is not entirely bad. There will be no daily LeBron drama consuming the season. No endless debate about whose team it is. No national media caravan treating every quote as evidence of an internal power struggle. No need to reshape the franchise’s identity around the preferences of a superstar nearing the end of his career.
The Wolves can move forward with Ant at the center of everything. They can allow Ball to unlock the offense, Gobert to stabilize the defense, McDaniels to terrorize opposing wings, and Edwards to determine how far this group can climb.
Because in the end, did we really want that geriatric, flopping diva arriving in Minneapolis, disrupting the chemistry, dominating every press conference, and stealing attention from the greatness of Anthony Edwards anyway?
Do not answer that.
I am working through something.
For now, I will sit with my sour grapes, prepare myself for the LaMelo-Ant experience, and look forward to another season of following this strange, exhilarating, occasionally maddening franchise through every high and low.
The Wolves’ pursuit of their first Western Conference title, and ultimately their first NBA Finals appearance, will continue without LeBron James.
The free agency decision that the entire NBA had been waiting for has finally come. Late Friday morning, LeBron James announced via his Instagram that he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that the contract is worth $8 million over two years with a player option for the 2027-28 campaign.
With all the 76ers have done under new lead executive Mike Gansey, most notably acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics for Paul George and future draft capital, James' decision makes Philadelphia an unquestioned title contender next season. However, how will LeBron's decision to head east affect his fantasy outlook and the outlooks for his new teammates? Let's take a look.
Joel Embiid
Embiid's biggest issue throughout his career has been availability, and the 7-footer has appeared in 39 games or fewer in each of his last three seasons. The additions of Brown and James should give the 76ers more flexibility regarding Embiid's usage. Combined with the injuries, this likely lowers Embiid's fantasy ceiling. "The Process" had a fourth-round ADP last season, and that's likely to remain the case in 2026-27. If Embiid can remain reasonably healthy, he can be a fantasy stud even with Philadelphia's roster additions; few teams have a center capable of neutralizing him.
Tyrese Maxey
Maxey was Philadelphia's best fantasy performer last season, and that should remain the case in 2026-27. While the scoring may decrease, his assist tally should receive a boost after averaging a career-best 6.6 helpers per game in 2025-26. The 76ers may be able to give Maxey a little more rest after he averaged 38.0 minutes per game last season, which could improve his efficiency. Maxey's ADP was just outside of the first round in 12-team formats last season; he's got a strong case to be a first-round pick in standard leagues this fall.
VJ Edgecombe
If there's a holdover to be concerned about regarding fantasy value with LeBron headed to Philadelphia, it's Edgecombe. One of the best fantasy rookies in the NBA last season, the athletic guard outperformed his ADP (97) by a significant distance, offering fifth-round per-game value. Edgecombe's usage of 19.6 ranked 17th among rookies last season, and that number is likely to drop. However, remaining a top-100 fantasy player should not be an issue for VJ, given what he brings to the table as a shooter, defender and secondary playmaker.
Jaylen Brown
Coming off of what he considers to be the best individual season of his career, Brown's new rotation became even more crowded with the LeBron decision. The former Celtic posted career-high averages in points, rebounds and assists, and his usage of 36.2 was also a career-best. Points and usage are likely to decrease, which places even more "stress" on Brown's defensive numbers, percentages, and turnovers in fantasy basketball. Close to a top-25 player when punting turnovers, Brown once again finished outside the top-50 in nine-cat formats.
The “supporting cast”
Dean Wade, who wasn't a reliable fantasy option in Cleveland, takes the most significant hit with Friday's news. Appearing to be in line for a place in the 76ers' starting lineup, he'll have to come off the bench now that LeBron is a 76er. Dominick Barlow, who made 59 starts last season, also gets knocked down a peg. However, like Wade, there was not much to gain from rostering Barlow in most fantasy leagues.
Anfernee Simons will still be in a position where he can provide scoring off the bench, but his fantasy upside remains severely limited. And while there remains a lot to like about first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr.'s long-term fantasy outlook, he's in a tough spot regarding the ability to make an impact as a rookie.
