The Philadelphia 76ers’ initial pursuit of LeBron James began in 2018 when he entered free agency. Back then, Ben Simmons was the main recruiter due to his youth and status within the Klutch agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers ended up winning the sweepstakes that time around, and Philadelphia was left in second place. Little did the Sixers know they were just about a year away from planting the seed that would eventually land LeBron in Philly seven years later.
Here’s a look at the crazy series of events that involved Markelle Fultz and Mike Muscala, and without which, would never have landed LeBron in a Sixers uniform.
Markelle Fultz‘s tenure in Philadelphia was not what anyone expected. It was filled with disappointment and ultimately ended with a trade to the Orlando Magic.
The 76ers received Jonathon Simmons, a protected first-round pick (via OKC), and a second-round pick in exchange for the former number one overall pick. The first-round pick was a top-20 protected pick for the 2020 draft. This is a key piece of information in this chain of events.
The Oklahoma City Thunder controlled whether Philadelphia would receive the pick, and it appeared unlikely to convey. Then one shot from a former Sixer changed everything.
Mike Muscala, a 76er for 47 games in the 2018-19 season, made his way onto the Thunder for the bubble season in 2019-20. The reserve center, who averaged fewer than five points per game, was about to unknowingly change the future of the franchise.
The Thunder were losing to the Miami Heat in the final game of the season. If they lose this game, the pick that was dealt to Philadelphia would land exactly at 20. With ten seconds remaining, Muscala knocked down a three to give them the lead.
The Thunder held on to win, and the pick fell to 21, allowing it to convey to Philadelphia. That’s when the next domino fell.
Tyrese Maxey fell all the way to the 76ers in the 2020 NBA draft. The Kentucky guard was primed to be the future in Philadelphia immediately. Many evaluators projected Maxey to be selected much earlier, making him one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Maxey got the opportunity to take over the lead role in 2021 after the Ben Simmons drama. His minutes jumped from 15 minutes a night to 35 minutes per game. His production climbed to more than 17 PPG, and the Sixers knew they had something special.
He turned himself into an All-NBA player who now averages nearly 30 points a game. The 76ers have a franchise guard, and someone who brings another key factor behind the scenes.
Maxey has been backed by Klutch and Rich Paul throughout his entire NBA experience. This relationship helped form another between Maxey and LeBron. The pair worked out each summer together and grew a great friendship over time.
LeBron James has chosen Philadelphia as the destination to end his career. He views it as an opportunity to compete for another championship and add to his incredible legacy.
Maxey was the main recruiting piece that Philadelphia had to offer. The Klutch agency factor, as well as the strong relationship built over the summers, made the 76ers a realistic landing spot.
LeBron now joins Philadelphia and gives them an opportunity to compete immediately. The difference that this series of events made for the franchise is something that no one could have ever expected.
I bet you never anticipated that the Markelle Fultz trade would be the beginning of a series of events that landed LeBron James in Philadelphia seven years later.
Muscala knocking down a game-winner in a random bubble game handed the 76ers their franchise guard. Using Maxey’s relationships and connections, they landed LeBron James in 2026.
Looking back, it’s incredible that the Fultz trade, Muscala’s clutch three-pointer, and Maxey’s draft-night slide all became part of the same story. It’s another reminder that one seemingly insignificant moment can change the future of an NBA franchise, much like how the Boston Celtics’ failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo was shaped by an unexpected butterfly effect.
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