LeBron James signs two-year $8 million deal with 76ers

LeBron James has signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that ended months of speculation that he might join the Golden State Warriors and team up with longtime rival Stephen Curry. The decision, announced on July 24, pairs the 41-year-old superstar with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie VJ Edgecombe on a roster widely seen as a championship contender.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, a close friend of James, publicly stated his belief that the historic rivalry between James and the Warriors was the primary factor preventing the partnership. On his podcast, Green said James was concerned about how joining the franchise that defeated him in three of four consecutive NBA Finals would impact his legacy and be perceived by fans. "I ultimately don't think Bron was ever able to get over the history," Green said. "He's gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors... You went to team up with Steph. I think that played a big role in the Warriors not landing LeBron."

This perspective was echoed by other reports indicating James would have been more interested in playing with Curry on a team other than the Warriors,...