LeBron James free agency: Nuggets pairing with Nikola Jokic a legit option?

This one would be fun. Really fun.

According to Tim Bontemps and Dave McMenamin of ESPN, multiple league sources have floated the Nuggets as a legitimate option for LeBron James in free agency.

The appeal starts with Nikola Jokic.

“Who is the only guy on [James’] level from a basketball IQ standpoint in the league?” one Western Conference executive said to ESPN. “Go there and team up with that guy.”

It’s hard to argue.

Put James next to Jokic, along with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, and you’re talking about one of the smartest, most skilled cores in the league. Maybe the smartest.

There are pathways, too.

A sign-and-trade could come into play with the Lakers, potentially involving Peyton Watson or Cameron Johnson, who’s shooting 42.8 percent from three this season.

The Nuggets have shown interest before. Denver pursued James back in 2018, led by team president Josh Kroenke. There are also personal ties, including assistant coach Jared Dudley.

From a pure basketball standpoint, this might be the cleanest fit on the board.

It would give James a real shot at another title. Maybe the best one available.

More LeBron Free Agency

• Some view Lakers as most natural fit
• Clippers idea feels unlikely, but ties remain
• Knicks would offer upside, but risks real