LeBron James Turned Down Many More Millions From One Team This Summer
LeBron James said his decision this summer wasn't going to be based on money, but rather on a chance to be happy and to win. He certainly backed that up with his two-year, minimum deal to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. We're learning that he discussed a deal worth far more than double that $8M he'll get from Philly over two years. But James turned down the Clippers, and a chance to stay home in LA.
LeBron James and the Clippers discussed a 1-year, $20M deal that allowed him to stay in Los Angeles before he joined the Sixers. (@mcten) pic.twitter.com/PXWQthPsgM
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 29, 2026
The Clippers were offering a one-year, $20M deal to keep LeBron in Hollywood, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"The LA Clippers even discussed a lucrative one-season contract north of $20 million that would allow him to stay at his Brentwood, California, home, sources said.
"But, as (agent Rich) Paul shared that his client was prioritizing his 'basketball happiness' above all else this time around, the alchemy of what that meant was a personal mix that only James could truly define."
That definition did not include the Clippers. Or needing to stay in LA. But he wasn't spilling any leaks until it was time to make his final decision.
"He talked, he learned, he listened and he said nothing," a source close to James told ESPN. "He didn't tell you what he was thinking. He didn't tell you what he was looking for. And I think LeBron just decided this was the time he was going to make it about what he wanted, and he was going to block out all the noise."
In the end, he made his Hollywood exit, and gave his heart to the City of Brotherly Love. Not even money could sway him this time.