There’s finally a silver lining to the Knicks’ championship for the Sixers

LeBron James confirmed that he would have joined the New York Knicks if they had not won the NBA championship last season. Speaking to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, James explained that he envisioned finishing his career at Madison Square Garden, but decided against joining the team after New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. He subsequently signed a minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bryan Toporek argues that New York's title indirectly benefited Philadelphia by setting off a chain reaction that enabled the 76ers to assemble a superteam. After Boston traded Jaylen Brown to the Sixers for Paul George and two draft picks, James's interest was piqued, leading him to sign with Philadelphia.