How 76ers landed LeBron James, Jaylen Brown in same offseason to massively reshape playoff contender

The Philadelphia 76ers finished last season in disappointing fashion, getting swept by the eventual-champion New York Knicks, but followed that up by winning the offseason.

Philadelphia added both Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to its roster, adding the stars to a team that already includes Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Now, the 76ers will have as great a chance as ever to win their first NBA title since 1983.

Entering the offseason, the 76ers weren't necessarily a team expected to make multiple splashes, but the opportunities presented themselves to the front office. With a new general manager running the team, the 76ers had their best offseason in a long, long time.

Here's how the 76ers re-made their roster.

MORE LEBRON JAMES NEWS:

• Why LeBron James took massive pay cut to sign with 76ers
• First look at 76ers projected lineup with LeBron James
• Winners, losers from LeBron James free agency decision
• How LeBron James joining 76ers impacts NBA odds

How 76ers landed LeBron James

In the end, James chose the team he believes gives him the best chance to win a championship. While the Heat, Cavaliers and Warriors were all in play, the 76ers' roster is full of stars and allows James to play more of a supporting-cast role than he can in other places.

ESPN's Shams Charania reports that James didn't seriously consider the 76ers until Philadelphia acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. At that point, the 76ers had a roster that James viewed as very attractive.

.@ShamsCharania says the Sixers were "not even on [LeBron's] radar" until they traded for Jaylen Brown 😳 pic.twitter.com/aVjpMWv2In

It certainly helps that new 76ers general manager Mike Gansey has a relationship with James dating back to their time in Cleveland together, as Gansey was an executive in the Cavaliers front office when James last played for the team. 

LeBron James contract details

• Years: 2
• Value: $8 million

James is signing a veteran minimum deal with the 76ers, making him the seventh-highest-paid player on the team. The move is proof that James didn't care as much about money during this free agency and instead focused on going to a team with a chance to win an NBA championship.

MORE LEBRON JAMES NEWS: 

• Will 76ers trade for Bronny James?
• What number will LeBron James wear for 76ers?
• Here's how much money LeBron James has made in career

How 76ers landed Jaylen Brown

The 76ers took advantage of the Celtics looking to trade Jaylen Brown, as Philadelphia sent Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Boston for the star. George allowed the 76ers to trade a similar salary along with the picks, meaning the team didn't have to add any other players.

After the Celtics failed to trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston continued shopping the star forward to other teams. However, there wasn't as much interest in Brown as expected, leading to the 76ers being able to swoop in and acquire him.

Jaylen Brown trade details

76ers receive:

• SF Jaylen Brown

Celtics receive:

• SF Paul George
• 2028 first-round pick
• 2031 first-round pick
• 2028 second-round pick
• 2030 second-round pick

The 76ers and Celtics agreed to a deal that sent Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. The 2031 first-round pick is unprotected, while the other three selections are the most favorable of a few different picks.

76ers projected starting lineup

• PG: Tyrese Maxey
• SG: VJ Edgecombe
• SF: Jaylen Brown
• PF: LeBron James
• C: Joel Embiid

If the 76ers are healthy, they will sport arguably the most talented starting five in the NBA. James will slot into the lineup over Dean aAde, who was set to start after signing a multi-year deal in Philadelphia this offseason. Anfernee Simons is another depth player who will be a key part of the 76ers' rotation.