LeBron James explained why he picked the Sixers. Here are four other factors that may have helped.

LeBron James explained in great detail his decision to join the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal.

There were many layers to consider, including money, family, and legacy. James shared that he pondered retirement and thought he was “done when the season ended.” He also called this his last decision, which meant he needed to see several factors to feel like he was selecting the right team for the final years of his career.

Picking the Sixers makes sense from that framework. Even before the news broke Friday, the Sixers were considered competitors in the Eastern Conference. Of course, James’ addition raises those expectations and the pressure is on to get the task done with him in Philly.

So what were the things that made James so sure about the Sixers? Here’s a look at potential contributing factors to James picking them over suitors like the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat:

The Tyrese Maxey relationship

Rich Paul, Klutch Sports’ CEO and James’ agent, made it clear that Tyrese Maxey was a major reason the Sixers landed the NBA legend. Maxey, who also is a Klutch client, slipped in the 2020 draft and was drafted by the Sixers 21st overall out of Kentucky.

Since then, the point guard has developed into an All-Star and All-NBA talent. He entered this summer as the Sixers’ unquestioned leader on and off the court and now will have company with James and Jaylen Brown, who was acquired in a trade earlier this month. And while Maxey has been described as James’ “little brother,” it didn’t hurt that he averaged 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists last season.

Win-ready roster

The Sixers entered this summer in dire straits. While they had advanced from the play-in to upset the Celtics before a second-round exit, the reality was that they were stuck with a top-heavy roster. With Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid on max deals, the majority of their salary-cap space was dedicated to three players, which is an unenviable place to be with league’s more punitive luxury tax.

Then, as Paul said, “everything changed” when the Sixers traded George and acquired Brown, who is fresh off his most productive NBA season. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, while leading the Boston Celtics to the playoffs as former running mate Jayson Tatum recovered from an Achilles injury. New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and the Sixers front office added Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons to complete a roster centered on Brown, Embiid, Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and rookie Labaron Philon Jr.

The Sixers were expected to compete in the East as constructed. And James pushed those expectations over the edge.

Trustworthy front office

After parting ways with Daryl Morey, the Sixers changed how they approached the front office. They took on a more egalitarian approach, with Bob Myers as Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president of sports, Mike Gansey as president of basketball operations, and Jameer Nelson as executive vice president of basketball operations.

All three architects of the Sixers’ new-look roster have relationships with James and Paul. Gansey and James played high school basketball in Northeast Ohio in the same era and shared time in the Cavaliers organization. Myers, who ran the Golden State Warriors to four titles, was a respected rival of James’ — Golden State won three titles over his Cavaliers, while Cavs won in 2016. Myers also is friends with Paul and appeared on his Game Over podcast. Nelson, a former St. Joseph’s star, was an NBA contemporary of James. A source close to James also told The Inquirer on Friday that James has known Sixers co-owner David Blitzer for many years.

Those are deep roots. So while the Sixers might not have seemed like the obvious choice, the people in the franchise’s driver’s seat have run in the same circles as James and his confidants over the last two decades.

A new challenge

The prevailing thought was that James would land with the Cavaliers or Heat, bookending his career with one of the teams on which he won three of his four NBA titles. But shocking free agency decisions aren’t new for James. No one expected him to leave the Cavaliers for the Heat, and his adventure in Los Angeles seemed even less likely. So this decision to join the Sixers and take on a new challenge follows a theme.

There’s also the chance to make history in Philly. James led Cleveland to its first sports title in 52 years when the Cavs won in 2016. He rescued the Heat after they fell on hard times and struggled to put a team together around Dwyane Wade. And he provided the Lakers a return to glory after they had gone a decade without a title. He can do that again in Philly. The Sixers haven’t won a title since 1983 and haven’t advanced past the second round since 2001. James even said it himself.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team,” James wrote, “and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”