Report: Six teams still believe they have legitimate shot to sign LeBron James

LeBron James still hasn’t tipped his hand.

While the NBA’s all-time leading scorer continues to weigh his options, at least six teams reportedly believe they have a legitimate chance to sign him.

Marc Stein of The Stein Line said on the ALL NBA podcast that the Cavaliers, Warriors, 76ers, Heat, Timberwolves and Nuggets all remain confident they’re still in the mix for James.

None of those names comes as a major surprise.

Cleveland and Golden State have been connected to James almost from the moment it became clear he wouldn’t be returning to the Lakers. Philadelphia, Miami, Minnesota and Denver have surfaced repeatedly in recent weeks as possible landing spots for the four-time MVP.

James’ agent, Rich Paul, recently revealed that 27 of the NBA’s other 29 teams reached out after James informed the Lakers he planned to move on. Stein’s latest report suggests six organizations believe they have more than just a puncher’s chance.

The financial side of the equation could ultimately decide plenty.

Leaguewide, the expectation is that several contenders would need James to accept a veteran minimum contract unless additional moves are made. The Cavaliers and Warriors still have avenues to create more cap flexibility, while the Sixers, Heat, Timberwolves and Nuggets would likely need to clear salary before making a larger offer.

But this much we know: James isn’t rushing the biggest decision of this offseason, and six teams apparently aren’t ready to stop believing they’ll be the one that lands him.

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