LeBron James’ $8 Million Deal With 76ers Compared to Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Salary Workaround

LeBron James took a massive pay-cut to sign a two-year, eight-million-dollar contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

LeBron James’ $8 Million Deal With 76ers Compared to Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Salary Workaround

Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

After LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, many wondered why he did not choose a familiar environment, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat.

Starting with the basketball fit, both those teams were often referred to as better situations for the 41-year-old to thrive than the Sixers. The latter’s team structure would not just inhibit the King from impacting a game, but would undermine the others who have proved to be capable on their own.

Then, many claimed that James did not have any ties with Philadelphia. Going back to his hometown team or the Heat would place him in a position where he could dictate terms.

But with the 76ers, he is not the lone superstar, which means there are chances of friction developing down the line. On top of that, when it came to light that he signed for nearly half of what the other teams offered, some theorists believe something else was in the works.

What are your thoughts on the idea that a trading company would have the news before anyone? Before Shams, before anyone, that they would release a trading card that takes prep… they had the news and the information… How much is that deal with Topps worth?

Dan Le Batard said on his namesake show

The longtime analyst placed hypotheticals that when Topps released a signed trading card minutes after LeBron James announced his decision, it should raise questions about whether it is similar to what Aspiration and the Clippers did for Kawhi Leonard.

He wondered if the trading card company gave the four-time champion enough so that he could sign for what is one of the cheapest contracts in the league to join the 76ers.

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Dan Le Batard states how powerful rich owners get around salary cap circumventions

After trying to compare LeBron James‘ bargain-basement deal with that of Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, Dan Le Batard‘s colleague shot back by suggesting that the 22-time All-Star would have gotten the deal with Topps irrespective of where he went.

Michael Rubin (c) with NBA stars at his latest White Party
Michael Rubin (c) with NBA stars at his latest White Party (Image via Ballislife/X)

Moreover, the amount they could pay him would not be significant enough to lure him to the 76ers. On this note, the show host went on to talk about how rich owners get away with illegal deals.

Do you know how much money you have to have for other NBA owners to be scared of your money?… If rich people don’t yell and scream about what Ballmer’s doing, and what Rubin’s doing, is it because they are all doing it?

Dan Le Batard said

The former ESPN analyst pointed out that the NBA was forced into launching an investigation after public outrage grew once Pablo Torre exposed the possible scam. The other owners have mostly been quiet about Steve Ballmer and the Clippers did.

Some even defended the billionaire, which, to Le Batard, is a clear enough indication that everyone does salary cap circumvention in some manner. That is why he strongly believes that the Topps trading card was an indication of what Fanatics owner and Philadelphia native Michael Rubin may have done for LeBron James.

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LeBron James’ agent met 76ers owner days before the announcement

Many will dismiss Dan Le Batard’s argument as being someone who is hurt that LeBron James did not join his hometown Miami Heat. But an instance did happen days before the forward announced his decision that gave fuel to these theories.

A video appeared on social media where James’ agent, Rich Paul, was seen arriving at The Twenty Two in New York City. After taking pictures with a fan, the Klutch Sports CEO started moving towards the entrance when David Blitzer put his arm around the super agent.

As soon as the two were together, they started walking towards the main door. It was as if the co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers was waiting for Paul. This video was from a few days before the four-time league MVP announced his decision to join the team.

That means that apart from recruiting pitches from players and voice notes, LeBron James’ agent was meeting with team owners. The only question is whether he met just with the Sixers’ owner, or did he meet with all of his client’s potential suitors?

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