As the Philadelphia 76ers try to entice LeBron James to join them in free agency, they appear to believe they may end up having one advantage.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, one of the key selling points that the Sixers plan to make in their meeting with James’s agent Rich Paul is that they believe they have a “real chance” of trading for San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard.
Among the Sixers' planned top selling points to LeBron James' agent Rich Paul today: Philly believes it still has a real chance to win the Kawhi Leonard trade sweepstakes, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2018
ESPN’s Zach Lowe indicated that the Sixers’ offer to San Antonio isn’t acceptable at the moment, but they could certainly change that.
Philly is absolutely still kicking around Kawhi possibilities. Unclear if/when they will jack up their offer to where the Spurs will seriously consider. https://t.co/LS8w6X6c72
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) July 1, 2018
The 76ers look like significant underdogs in the LeBron sweepstakes at this moment, so they would probably need something big to turn the tide. Adding Leonard would certainly qualify, though it may simply be a selling point given that they have no concrete evidence of this to offer.
On the other hand, if one report is to be believed, James has already made up his mind and this is moot. It can’t hurt to try, though.
