Report: Clippers considered one-year deal for LeBron James

LeBron James had no shortage of options before choosing the 76ers. The Clippers were apparently one of them.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Clippers discussed offering James a one-year deal worth more than $20 million before he agreed to sign with Philadelphia.

James ultimately narrowed his choices to the Sixers, Cavaliers, Heat, Warriors and Timberwolves, but McMenamin reported that interest around the league ran much deeper.

Rich Paul told ESPN that representatives from 27 teams reached out during the free-agent process, with the Clippers among the organizations that explored the possibility.

The fit would’ve been fascinating. James could have remained in Los Angeles, continued playing home games in the same arena and joined another veteran-led contender. Exactly how the Clippers planned to create enough financial flexibility for such an offer remains unclear, and the idea never gained serious traction.

Not long after LeBron decided against returning to the Lakers, the Clippers shifted their attention elsewhere, eventually sending Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.

In the end, James never seriously considered crossing the hallway.

Still, McMenamin’s report serves as yet another reminder that LeBron’s free agency extended well beyond the handful of teams that dominated headlines for most of the summer.

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