Sixers stars made relentless push for LeBron James, especially Joel Embiid

The 76ers didn’t simply wait around and hope LeBron James picked Philadelphia. They recruited him — hard.

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown were “central figures” in Philadelphia’s pursuit, remaining in contact with James throughout the free agency process.

Embiid apparently made a fairly significant promise along the way. The former MVP, who has played just 39, 19 and 38 games over the past three seasons, told James he would do everything possible to get his body to a point where he can be available more consistently, per Jones.

That matters, obviously. If James chose Philadelphia because he believes it gives him his best chance at a fifth championship, Embiid’s health may be the single biggest variable in determining whether he’s right.

Coach Nick Nurse also got involved. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Nurse was the only head coach to personally speak with James during the process.

Sixers were one of three serious choices

For all the teams connected to James during his nearly month-long free agency, the list may have been considerably shorter than it appeared.

A source familiar with James’ thinking told Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports that there were “only three real choices” — the Sixers, Cavaliers and Heat. But probably not the Warriors, it seems.

“The draw of Golden State was just about how fun it would be to play with (Stephen Curry) and (Draymond Green),” the source told Neubeck.

James ultimately chose Philadelphia despite Cleveland and Miami offering the obvious sentimental appeal of finishing his career with a former team.

Instead, he took a two-year deal worth about $8 million to join a Sixers roster featuring Embiid, Maxey, Brown and VJ Edgecombe.