‘Moments Before the World Knew’ — NBA Insider Details How Tyrese Maxey, 76ers Found Out About LeBron James’ Free-Agency Decision

The LeBron James free agency cycle lasted a little less than a full month. Right before the pandemonium began, he informed the Los Angeles Lakers of his desire to play for a new team. Since then, rumors have continued to circulate about where the four-time MVP could end up.

Finally, the decision was announced on July 24, 2026. Joining his fourth franchise, he was going to the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, a veteran insider has gotten the inside scoop on how his new team found out about the decision.

LeBron James Was Legitimately Taking His Time

With teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Golden State Warriors also in the hunt, there were a ton of options at James’ disposal. With almost all of those organizations making major moves, the four-time NBA champion had a lot to assess.

Ultimately, though, the allure of playing alongside one of his favorite young players, Tyrese Maxey, alongside the complete roster the 76ers sported after trading for Jaylen Brown was enough to sway his decision.

However, Marc Stein on his Substack confirmed that the decision wasn’t made in haste. Instead, James made up his mind just hours before it was revealed to the world at large.

“You’ve presumably read by now that, according to James’ longtime agent Rich Paul, his starriest client didn’t actually make a binding decision to go to Philly until roughly 1 AM ET last Friday,” Stein revealed, “Hours before James (via Twitter) and Topps Trading Cards jointly announced his decision.”

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But the secrecy went beyond the general public as well. Even his new teammates and organization weren’t kept in the loop until the final moment. Going a step further, Stein revealed when the 76ers learned of the decision.

“I’m told that Sixers players and team officials, meanwhile, were in the dark about the final outcome only until moments before the news went public.”

But even then, only a select few got the information directly.

That list included: “New Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president Bob Myers, Sixers executive vice president Jameer Nelson, and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey via a group text initiated by Paul only moments before the world knew.”

It remains to be seen how a new stop in his career works out for James. So far, he’s delivered a championship to every organization he’s ever played for.

But in a parity-driven league, his chances of running roughshod over the competition, especially at 41, might not be as high as they once were.