Sixers continue recruiting LeBron James, but cap situation complicates things

The 76ers continue to make their pitch to LeBron James. Whether it’s enough remains to be seen.

Philadelphia currently sits about $3.4 million below the hard cap at the first apron. However, the Sixers have already exhausted virtually all of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception, meaning they don’t currently have a mechanism to offer James that full amount without making additional roster moves.

That hasn’t stopped the recruiting efforts.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Tyrese Maxey has taken the lead in Philadelphia’s pursuit, with Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown also reaching out to James as the Sixers await his decision.

Maxey and James have grown close over the years through Klutch Sports and offseason workouts, with Maxey previously referring to the four-time MVP as a “big brother.”

Meanwhile, team president Mike Gansey acknowledged that the Sixers have remained in contact with James’ agent, Rich Paul, throughout the process.

“We’ve had conversations with Rich, really, since the Jaylen trade,” Gansey told The Athletic. “We’d obviously love to have LeBron.”

Gansey added that he believes James is simply weighing several attractive options.

“I think his decision is dragging out because he has a lot of good options,” Gansey said. “He would obviously add a lot to our team.”

The Sixers aren’t the only organization making a push.

League sources continue to tell Hoops Wire that the Cavaliers remain the frontrunners, with the Warriors and Heat also firmly in the mix.

Hoops Wire has also been told Cavs guard James Harden has made contact with James during the recruiting process.

Philadelphia continues to receive serious consideration, though its current salary-cap situation could make adding James more challenging than it would be for some of the other contenders unless additional moves are made.

James has repeatedly been linked to the Cavs, Warriors, Heat, Sixers and Timberwolves, with league-wide expectation growing that a decision could come before the weekend.

James is scheduled to appear at Fanatics Fest in New York on Thursday and Friday.