LeBron James reportedly explored the possibility of joining the New York Knicks during free agency. The interest just wasn't mutual.
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According to Hoops Wire, James' camp reached out to the Knicks before the four-time NBA champion ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. New York, however, wasn't interested in pursuing a deal.
The reasoning reportedly was simple: The Knicks believe they already have a championship roster.
Fresh off winning the NBA title, New York is expected to return with a core featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. Per Hoops Wire, the organization saw no reason to disrupt that group—even for one of the greatest players in NBA history.
The report also states the Knicks believe they're still better than the revamped 76ers despite Philadelphia's blockbuster offseason. That confidence will almost certainly be tested.
James joined a Sixers team that already featured Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe before adding All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown earlier this summer.
The result is one of the NBA's most talent-rich rosters—and a team many expect to challenge New York in the Eastern Conference.
Instead of wearing blue and orange, James will now see the Knicks several times a year as a division rival.
If Hoops Wire's report is accurate, the Eastern Conference's newest rivalry almost had a very different look.
