How Would LeBron James To The Nuggets Work In 2026?

The 2025 NBA offseason has already seen significant player movement, including trades involving Kevin Durant, Desmond Bane, and Kristaps Porzingis. More major trades are anticipated before the 2025-26 season begins.

Looking ahead, the 2026 offseason could see even greater activity, with notable players like Luka Doncic, Zach LaVine, Trae Young, Austin Reaves, and Mikal Bridges potentially becoming free agents. However, LeBron James is highlighted as the biggest potential 2026 free agent. Speculation about James joining the Denver Nuggets was fueled by a recent photo showing him alongside Nikola Jokic's agent, Miško Ražnatović.

The article outlines two potential scenarios for James joining the Nuggets. The first is a sign-and-trade, considered more realistic if James is unwilling to take a substantial pay cut (estimated at $50 million). This could involve Denver trading Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson to acquire James. The second scenario is a salary dump by the Nuggets, where they would trade players like Gordon and Johnson for minimal return (potentially just draft picks) to clear the necessary cap space to sign James outright.

Despite the speculation, the article advises caution, suggesting that a move sending LeBron James to Denver is ultimately unlikely. It downplays the significance of the photo with Ražnatović, proposing it likely just indicates a friendship between James, Ražnatović, and Rich Paul (James's agent).

The article concludes by noting it originally appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.