Friday’s news morning got off to a slower start than expected after a relatively quiet night of sports, but it went straight to the moon soon after ESPN’s Shams Charania announced LeBron James signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
With countless NBA fans and an array of celebrities in attendance, the big news has been offered endless levels of surprise and excitement, paired with a special announcement. Governor of PennsylvaniaEven Charles Barkley was ready to move on Stephen A. smith show To discuss the surprising LeBron-to-Philadelphia move after making a selfless U-turn on the way to the golf course.
In a word, Barkley was “stunned” by the announcement of James’ two-year contract with the 76ers.
But this is Sir Charles. There’s always a lot to take in, especially when an NBA legend has already sacrificed his favorite pastime of Friday afternoons on the golf course.
Why Charles Barkley says Jaylen Brown trade sealed LeBron’s decision
(Photo by Alan Berezowski/Getty Images)
“I think the kicker was Jaylen Brown (being traded from Boston to Philadelphia). He (James) wouldn’t have come to Philly if they didn’t get Jaylen Brown,” Barkley said of James being the key reason for choosing the 76ers.
“I don’t know what the Celtics were thinking about trading away a great player like Jaylen, who they (the Sixers) have to play against five times a year, and also have to beat in the playoffs… but it certainly makes the Sixers the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.”
Charles Barkley credited the Celtics for LeBron joining Philly:
“I was surprised, he has no connection with the 76ers. But I think the kicker was Jaylen Brown. I don’t know what the Celtics were thinking. If they hadn’t got Jaylen Brown, LeBron would have come to Philly. Someone… pic.twitter.com/qwSt6GIkfe– Jaytex (@SportsWithJay0) 24 July 2026
Barkley offered his thoughts on the Browns trade factor playing a big role in James’ ultimate decision, stating that he personally would prefer the 41-year-old James to finish his career where it began by returning home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He also said that a return to the Miami Heat would also mean something.
But to expand on Barkley’s point about “what were the Celtics thinking” in trading for a “great player like Jaylen”, it’s important to add that it was almost certain that the Celtics would be traded for the 2024 NBA Finals MVP this offseason.
and after one Blockbuster deal fails With the Milwaukee Bucks having sent seven-time All-NBA First Team selection Giannis Antetokounmpo to Boston, it simply became a matter of where and when Brown would be sent packing, and what that trade return might look like.
Surprisingly, said returnee was 36-year-old Paul George and four draft picks, including two first-rounders.
Making a trade within your own division always comes with some risks, but it’s highly doubtful that Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens had any idea that trading Brown to Philadelphia would serve as some kind of beaming bat signal that would turn the 76ers into a realistic landing spot for King James in what was to become a painfully long free agency decision.
But what’s done is done and now 76ers star center Joel Embiid and his social media wish from 12 years ago have finally become a surprising reality.
@kingjames Hey brother, hope you’re having a great day… Do you want to join us in Philly?? Calmness
– Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) 1 July 2014
According to DraftKings, shortly after James’ announcement, a major shift was already taking place regarding the Sixers’ chances of winning their division, conference, and NBA championships next season.
The Sixers are now picked second to win the East
Potential changes since LeBron’s signing:
+2000 to +900 Final Winner
+750 to +370 Former Winner
+450 to +220 Atlantic Winner pic.twitter.com/4yetjTDeCB– DraftKings Sports (@DKSports) 24 July 2026
The 76ers have not won an NBA championship in 43 years, with the franchise’s last title coming in 1983 thanks to a stunning four-game sweep against Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers.
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