A lot has happened with LeBron James' protracted free-agency saga since we last provided a timeline of events.
That may depend on what you think constitutes "a lot," but either way, the NBA remains on hold while the league's all-time leading scorer makes his decision.
LeBron's next team odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Heat | -130 |
| Cavaliers | +230 |
| Warriors | +500 |
| 76ers | +900 |
| T-Wolves | +3300 |
The Miami Heat have vaulted the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers for the best odds to secure James' services on the heels of a YouTube mishap (more on that later). The Minnesota Timberwolves have plummeted from +1400 to +3300 since our last post.
We last updated the LeBron timeline on July 9. Here's a look at everything that's happened since then:
July 9: Admirers leave voice notes for LeBron
Teams interested in signing James reportedly voice notes voice notes to the 22-time All-Star's agent, Rich Paul. ESPN's Shams Charania asserted that owners, team presidents, and general managers all recorded messages.
In order to entertain those of us who have endured this drawn-out adventure in employment, here's hoping Paul releases these voice notes after James makes his decision.
July 12: Draymond makes his pitch
Draymond Green is one of several Warriors past and present to weigh in on James. Green said he made a "crazy" pitch to LeBron while they were on a golf trip together in Puerto Rico. Green is reportedly expected to sign a team-friendly long-term deal with Golden State after declining a $27.7-million player option for 2026-27 to create the financial flexibility needed to sign James.
Steph Curry said James joining the Warriors "would be such a unique story in NBA history," while former Golden State forward Andre Iguodala said James' consideration of a move to The Bay reflects Curry's stature.
July 13: Reaves adjusting to life after LeBron
Let's go back to James' last stop and check in on how Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is coping. "I don't know if I've honestly processed it yet," Reaves said. "He's kind of all I've ever known. Just him being around, joking around, acting like he's 15."
Indeed, spare a thought for Reaves, who inked a four-year, $185-million deal to be the long-term Robin to Luka Doncic's Batman. In this scenario, James is The Riddler, because we're all puzzled by what's taking so long.
July 14: 76ers stars recruit King James
Do you like cheesesteaks? Would you like to win a fifth ring? Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and freshly acquired Jaylen Brown all reportedly reached out to James about a potential move to the City of Brotherly Love. These advances piggybacked Sixers exec Bob Myers' pitch in early July.
James endorsed Brown's case for MVP last season, adding that their relationship was "pretty respectful besides the shit he said about Bronny (James) at Summer League." Brown was filmed saying "I don't think Bronny is a pro" while sitting courtside at a Summer League game in 2024.
July 16: LeBron is nearing a decision ... or is he?
James teased his decision during his first public appearance since leaving the Lakers. "I won't hold you guys up too much longer," the 41-year-old said in New York City.
He also riled up Sixers fans the following day by saying his priorities in choosing his next team included "trusting the process more than anything." Fans in attendance at Fanatics Fest responded with a mixture of boos and cheers to the phrase made popular by former Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie.
James swiftly poured cold water on any connection. "I've been saying, 'Trust the process' since I was drafted in, like, 2003," James insisted. "I don't know if Embiid was even born yet." Embiid was born in 1994, but who's counting?
July 20: Heat's Riley stresses patience
Patience is a virtue. Pat Riley certainly thinks so. During a television appearance, the Heat president said, "I have nothing, as I think probably everybody else that had an opportunity to talk with him are just sort of waiting." Hall of Fame executives and former coaches: They're just like us.
James guided the Heat to four NBA Finals appearances and two championships from 2010-14. According to Riley, not being a nuisance could be an asset. "I'm not calling (Paul) every day and bugging him," the executive said. "He'll make a decision."
July 20: Paul says teams have done enough
Speaking of Paul, he clarified that James has all of the information required to make his decision. "There's been several people to call and say, 'Hey Rich, is there anything more we should be doing, we could be doing?'" Paul said during an episode of his podcast, "Game Over."
"And my answer is, 'No, we don't need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It's clear. All the messages have been sent.'" So what is James waiting for? Presumably only James, Paul, and his family (more on that later) know the answer.
July 21: Heat jump the gun on unveiling
As mentioned above, the Heat soared to the top of the oddsboard after a video titled "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference" briefly appeared on the team's YouTube channel, scheduled to stream July 27. The team swiftly removed it before releasing a statement.
"It was a mistake by the Heat's social media department while preparing for the possibility of LeBron picking the Heat. But there is no validity to it right now," the statement read. Something's fishy in South Beach.
July 23: Bronny tight-lipped on father's future
Streamer Biggy22x asked Bronny if the elder James was going to sign with the Warriors. "Man, I don't know where he's going," Bronny said with a laugh. "That would be crazy if he did." Would joining a franchise within a shanked 3-wood of several golf courses be that "crazy" for LeBron?
What's actually "crazy" is that we're still waiting for James' decision nearly a month after he tied a bow on his eight-year spell in Los Angeles and committed to a record-extending 24th NBA season.
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