LeBron James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, but there was a world in which he could have gone to the New York Knicks instead. James’ agent and Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul revealed his client would have joined the Knicks if they hadn’t won the NBA championship in 2026.
Paul shared that they respected what the Knicks built and didn’t want to mess it up in any way. James is, after all, such a big piece to bring in both on and off the court, but OG Anunoby thinks it would have been fun if he’d come to New York. Anunoby recently sat down for an interview with Sports Illustrated where he was asked whether he would have welcomed the 41-year-old on the Knicks.
“I mean, if he wanted to join the team, then he could join,” Anunoby said. “I mean, but he could do whatever he wanted to. I mean, yeah, he’s earned the right to choose his destination. He’s a legendary player. So if he would have wanted to come here, it’d have been fun, I think.”
James has indeed earned the right. You’re talking about someone who is widely regarded as one of the two greatest players of all time.
James is no longer in his prime, but still averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26. The 22-time All-Star is very much capable of contributing to a winning cause and would have been a great addition on paper, at least.
Now, Paul had said that Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson would have to pick up the phone and tell them he didn’t mind James coming to New York. This is Brunson’s team and city, and they wanted to respect that.
Well, Brunson made it clear he wasn’t going to pitch the idea of joining the Knicks to James. The three-time All-Star was leaving those duties to the front office. So, that call wasn’t going to come.
James eventually decided to head to the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal, and it’s quite a superteam over there in Philadelphia now. The four-time MVP has joined forces with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers are now arguably the biggest threat to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference, and this would be a heavyweight clash for the ages in the playoffs.
OG Anunoby On Facing The New-Look 76ers On Opening Night
With the 76ers bringing in James and Brown this summer, it wasn’t much of a surprise when it was revealed they’ll face the Knicks on opening night. Anunoby was asked about that clash on Oct. 20, and he’s excited.
“Yeah, I mean, we played them in the playoffs last two out of the three years or whatever, but they’re a great team,” Anunoby said. “Very talented, well coached. Nick Nurse is a great coach. So it’ll be exciting. And it’s always fun playing them.”
The Knicks beat the 76ers in six games in the first round in 2024 and then swept them in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2026. They have had the upper hand, but will face a completely different animal now.
Anunoby, one of the finest two-way wings in the NBA, will have to be at his best for the Knicks. The 29-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in 2025-26.
Anunoby then upped his game in the playoffs and had that memorable clutch tip-in in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. That capped off the greatest comeback in Finals history and all but ensured that the Knicks ended their 53-year title drought.
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