Timberwolves reportedly make $150M pitch to ex-Laker LeBron James to join championship contender

The NBA world is buzzing as LeBron James remains unsigned. Several of the league's top contenders have emerged as potential landing spots for the four-time NBA champion.

With James entering the final stage of his career, his focus is on winning one last championship. At the start of free agency, he informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be continuing his career elsewhere.

“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.

The Golden State Warriors were considered early favorites, but the Philadelphia 76ers have since emerged as a serious contender.

“So much has changed. There’s fluidity that comes with it. A few days ago the Sixers didn’t have Jaylen Brown so now they do. Now they have to be on the radar of LeBron James. The Cavs, the Heat, their two teams that are known quantities. The Warriors going into Free Agency dreamt up a grand plan of Draymond, Steph, LeBron, but the big domino with them is trying to get a player like Anthony Davis to bring LeBron and AD as a package deal. Short of that, they’re not really looked at as the top of this list,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.

Now, the Minnesota Timberwolves are making a strong push to convince James to join the organization. Their pitch centers around teaming him with an already talented starting lineup.

“The Timberwolves are ramping up their push for LeBron James, sources tell The Athletic. The pitch: Team w/Ant, LaMelo, Jaden, Rudy in championship-starved Minnesota to go after a title that could cement his case for the throne” The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski posted.

A starting five featuring James would be one of the most talented lineups in the NBA, especially with its offensive firepower. The Timberwolves appear to be gaining confidence in their pursuit of the future Hall of Famer.

Minnesota's projected four starters already account for a combined $150 million in salary for the upcoming season. Building their recruiting pitch around that core makes sense, as it presents James with an immediate championship-caliber roster. If he were to join the Timberwolves, they would instantly become one of the favorites to win the Western Conference.

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