[ESPN] “In the end, there were three strikes against Cleveland: Family not being an issue in LeBron’s choice, the front office not making a deal for Brown and the Cavs’ roster not featuring Garland.”
Source: Brian Windhorst, “LeBron chooses 76ers: Why not Cavs or Heat? Here’s what Windy knows,” https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49443519/lebron-76ers-cavaliers-heat-everything-windhorst-knows-stunning-decision
There is a bit more detail in the original article about the other teams in the running for LeBron.
Couldn’t he have won immediately with Cleveland?
A case could be made for that outcome. A starting five of James, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen for the Cleveland Cavaliers would have been a powerhouse that rivals what the 76ers can be with James, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid.
Let’s again turn to James’ statement: “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning.”
Money not being a factor was crucial for the Cavs, who, similar to Philly, are capped out. But James’ explanation that there was a de-emphasis on family – again, there were lots of guesses at what “basketball happiness” meant, and some included playing at home – clearly did not benefit the Cavs.
If the Cavs traded for Brown, would it have made a difference?
The 76ers’ acquisition of Brown absolutely made a difference for them. Before that deal, it was unreasonable to believe they’d have made James’ top five destinations, much less been his choice. If the Cavs had made that deal, which likely would’ve taken a package that included Mobley to get the Boston Celtics interested, it would’ve changed their hand.
It is not as simple as saying Brown being on the roster was the entire difference, however.
Maxey was an unquestionable key factor in the 76ers’ landing James. Maxey had a strong relationship with James, as both are represented by Klutch Sports. With James joining a new team that has lots of egos and needs, having a connection with the point guard was an edge for Philly.
Some will say Harden’s role as Cleveland’s point guard affected James’ decision, but there is more nuance than that. It’s not that the Cavs having Harden was a factor, sources said, but rather who the Cavs did not have. To get Harden from the LA Clippers in February, the Cavs traded Darius Garland, a Klutch-repped point guard with whom James has had a yearslong relationship.
In the end, there were three strikes against Cleveland: Family not being an issue in LeBron’s choice, the front office not making a deal for Brown and the Cavs’ roster not featuring Garland. To say it was one of these factors more than the other might be missing the big picture.