LeBron James and the New York Knicks may have been linked in the offseason chatter, but the idea never really got off the ground.
With James now set to play a major role for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks have faded into the background of a saga that had plenty of what-ifs attached to it. James will be splitting time between living in New York and Philadelphia for the 2026-27 season, which at least gave the rumor some surface-level logic. Still, the latest reporting points in a different direction: James appears content with the 76ers, especially the group around him.
The Knicks were never viewed as one of the main threats to land the four-time Finals MVP. Most of the offseason speculation centered elsewhere, with many believing James would return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, join Anthony Edwards with the Minnesota Timberwolves, or link up with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.
Instead, James chose to buy into what Philadelphia had built after the team traded for Jaylen Brown. That move gave him what looked like the clearest path to a title, with a more balanced roster around him.
Even so, James did bring up the Knicks as a possible destination during his Media Day duties with the 76ers. But according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, that mention didn’t mean the door was truly open.
"If the Knicks had pushed it, there would've been a real chance of it happening, let's put it that way. From my understanding, it was kind of a non-starter.
Is it bc Leon Rose is LeBron's old agent and the break was never kind of cleaned up? I don't know," ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin said about whether a move to the Knicks was possible in the 2026 offseason on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
For now, James is settled in Philadelphia on a two-year contract, and the fit with his new teammates is the part worth watching.
In Other News...
Knicks Hire Could Matter If Frontcourt Plans Are Still Alive
The Knicks have filled a small but potentially useful spot on the bench by hiring Ed Flynn as their new video replay challenger, a move that comes after Jordan Brink departed for Chicago. Flynn arrives with recent Pelicans experience, having worked in New Orleans video department, which gives New York a fresh set of eyes and some built-in familiarity with a roster the Knicks have already monitored closely.
That background could matter if the Knicks keep pursuing frontcourt help from New Orleans, where interest has already been noted in centers Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic. No deal has come together, and the Pelicans have not been willing to move either player yet, but Flynns hire at least adds another wrinkle to a conversation that may not be finished. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Center Battle Just Got More Crowded Than Fans Expected
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Bradley enters a crowded mix, and the next stretch of preseason play will matter as the staff tries to figure out which big man can best handle the reserve duties. The Knicks do not need flash here nearly as much as stability, and how this rotation takes shape could say plenty about how they intend to protect their starters through the grind of the year. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Harts Injury Update Created A Real Knicks Concern
Josh Harts right ring finger has become one of those lingering Knicks problems that refuses to go away. He injured it during the 2025 playoffs, had a procedure in July, then re-injured it before training camp and spent last season playing with it wrapped, a reminder of how much he has been willing to endure to stay on the floor.
Hart said the damage is severe enough that the only lasting fix would be a full joint replacement, but that kind of surgery would keep him from playing because of the contact restrictions. For now, he plans to keep tapping the finger up and push the issue off until after his career, which leaves New York continuing to manage a nagging problem on one of its most important glue guys. [Read more 🡒]