The LeBron James sweepstakes are officially open, and the Denver Nuggets might be the most surprising team to pick up the phone. According to a league source who spoke with the Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, the Nuggets have reached out to the 41-year-old forward to express interest in signing him in free agency. That’s right — the reigning NBA champions are trying to pair Nikola Jokic with LeBron James.
This isn’t the first time Denver has chased LeBron. Back in 2018, team president Josh Kroenke sent him a throwback jersey as a recruiting pitch before James ultimately chose the Lakers. But this time around, the Nuggets have a much stronger hand to play. They’ve got a two-time MVP in Jokic, a proven supporting cast, and a roster that just won a title. Adding James to that mix would be wild — but also, kind of logical?
Why Denver Makes Sense (and Why It Might Not Happen)
The Nuggets have a real need for another playmaker and scorer, especially with Bruce Brown potentially leaving in free agency. LeBron could slot in as a small-ball power forward or even run point while Jokic works the high post. Their games would actually complement each other — Jokic’s passing and patience, James’ downhill attacking and court vision. That’s a nightmare for defenses.
But there are obvious hurdles. Denver doesn’t have cap space to sign LeBron outright unless they make some moves. They’re already over the salary cap with max contracts for Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. A sign-and-trade would be the only realistic path, and that would require sending out salary and possibly draft picks. The Lakers would have to cooperate, and LeBron would have to want to leave Los Angeles after four seasons and a title there.
The other factor is LeBron’s age. He turns 42 during the 2024-25 season. He’s still playing at an All-NBA level, but the durability questions are real. Denver’s medical staff would have to be comfortable with that, and LeBron would have to decide he’s willing to share the spotlight — and the ball — with Jokic in a way he hasn’t really done with another superstar since Dwyane Wade in Miami.
Other Teams Are Lining Up Too
The Nuggets aren’t alone in this pursuit. LeBron is reportedly drawing interest from the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat as well. Each of those teams has its own pitch. Golden State offers a fun reunion with Draymond Green and a chance to chase another ring. Cleveland gives him a homecoming narrative. Miami has the Pat Riley mystique and an Eastern Conference path that might be easier than the West.
But Denver has something unique: a proven winning system and a superstar big man who makes everyone around him better. That might be enough to give Jokic the kind of help that would terrify the rest of the league.
For now, it’s all speculation. The Nuggets have made the call, and LeBron is listening. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
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