LeBron James has spent much of his legendary career playing in some of basketball’s biggest markets.
Yet, a new revelation about his early NBA journey has brought an unexpected New York connection back into focus, just as the Knicks prepare for a memorable opening night at Madison Square Garden.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James once had a financial incentive tied to being drafted by the Knicks. Windhorst discussed the story in a recent video, recalling the circumstances surrounding James’ Nike contract before the 2003 NBA Draft lottery.
“There was this dream, and in fact, it was kind of LeBron’s dream too. Literally the night before he agreed to his Nike contract, in his Nike contract he got a 20% or 30% bonus if he got drafted to the Knicks. They agreed to that the night before the Lottery. That’s why it was so important to get it done before the lottery. And when the envelope opened and showed the Knicks at number nine, there was an audible in the room because people wanted LeBron to go to the Knicks.”
The Knicks ultimately selected ninth in the 2003 draft lottery and did not land the No. 1 pick. Cleveland selected James first overall, beginning his historic NBA career with his hometown Cavaliers.
The Knicks connection resurfaced this offseason again. Reports indicated that James’ camp reached out to New York during free agency, but the franchise was not interested in pursuing him.
The Knicks preferred to preserve the championship-winning core built around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby.
James later confirmed that playing at Madison Square Garden had once been part of his vision for the end of his career.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James told ESPN. “One of the best places I’ve ever played.”
Now, the 41-year-old will return to the Garden as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Philadelphia after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
Tuesday’s season opener will add another layer to the story. The Knicks will raise their championship banner before facing James and the Sixers, giving him a courtside view of the celebration he once might have hoped to be part of.