The offseason has barely reached the conference finals, but Denver Nuggets fans are already hearing about more LeBron James rumors and mentions than they ever thought they'd probably hear. LeBron's set to be a free agent, and even at 41, he's still got plenty in the tank to help out a contender, so it makes sense that the Nuggets may have reached out regarding LeBron's status for 2026-27.
At least, we hope the Nuggets reached out to LeBron's camp. Otherwise, they may not be a contender.
NBA insider Shams Charania stopped by "The Pat McAfee Show," where he delivered the news about the contenders reaching out to James' longtime agent, Rich Paul.
"I spoke to Rich Paul the other day at the Chicago draft combine, last week. And he told me, like, every contender in the NBA has essentially, since the season ended, placed a call," Charania said.
The Nuggets said all options would be on the table this offseason, aside from trading Nikola Jokic, who helps make this wild idea work in the first place. Now I understand, I have not been a LeBron fan either. But if he could come in for cheap, he makes a ton of sense.
LeBron would have to play for a veteran's minimum
The easiest way to make LeBron fit into the Nuggets' financial puzzle for next season would be to sign for the league's veteran minimum amount, which is only $3.877 million. LeBron made $52.6 million with the Lakers last year, and even at 42 years old next season, he'd still likely get a better contract than the minimum. And he'd actually have to just admit he wants to play for a championship, and only that.
But if LeBron considers the Nuggets close to title contention, it's a move that would make real sense for the Nuggets. James would be a huge upgrade for the Nuggets over someone like Bruce Brown for nearly the same value. LeBron's still more athletic than most of the Nuggets roster. Plus, LeBron is a Joker fan, too.
LeBron has tremendous respect for Jokic
LeBron has great respect for Jokic's game. He's mentioned in the past that he thinks Joker's one of the most complete players he's played against. They get along, and having Jokic on the team could be the ace in the hole to land LeBron on such a narrow chance.
Would it be smart for the Nuggets? You bet, at the minimum. James still averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists at age 41. Most of us are out hitting up the rec ball leagues, and LeBron's still scoring 20 a game in the NBA.
Hate him or love him, he'd make a tremendous value for the Nuggets at a minimum price, and could be the one-year gap piece the Nuggets need to take on the Spurs and Thunder with a little more gusto next year.
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