LeBron James’ free agency ended with him signing a two-year deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, it turns out that James once envisioned himself playing with the New York Knicks, but their NBA Finals victory ended those dreams, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said during media day. “One of the best places I’ve ever played. I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”
James left after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the five finalists were said to be the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and the 76ers.
James’ camp reportedly reached out to the Knicks during the process, but New York had no interest in signing him. Now, James said that the Knicks winning the NBA title changed his mind on going there, although the thought of playing at Madison Square Garden was an intriguing one.
James answered many questions during his media day with the 76ers, including one about whether or not the two-year contract will be his last in the NBA.
While James wanted to play at Madison Square Garden, the 76ers open the regular season at MSG against the Knicks in James’ first game as a member of the 76ers.
