On July 24, LeBron James confirmed his signing with the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent, entering into a two-year contract worth $8 million, including a player option, according to ESPN.

Although the 76ers were not considered frontrunners for James, they remained in the mix. As of July 22, they were listed at +700 odds on DraftKings for James' next team, trailing the Miami Heat (-200), the Cleveland Cavaliers (+225), and the Golden State Warriors (+450).
Upon the announcement, sportsbooks jumped into action, adjusting their odds for NBA Finals and conference champions for what has already been a bustling offseason, particularly in the Eastern Conference.
LeBron Selects Philadelphia
On June 23, the Miami Heat shook things up by acquiring superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in a significant trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. The package included Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a 2030 pick swap, and a second-round pick in 2033, alongside Bobby Portis.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors made headlines on June 30, announcing their acquisition of Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, in a deal that sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), a first-round pick swap (2027), and two second-round picks (2030 and 2033) to L.A. However, the Raptors have temporarily paused this trade pending an NBA investigation into Leonard’s contract situation with the Clippers.
Immediate Reaction from Las Vegas Sportsbooks
On July 1, the Boston Celtics also entered the fray, trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George, a couple of first-round picks, and two second-round selections.
For the 76ers, the addition of LeBron means they boast a formidable lineup featuring James at power forward, Joel Embiid at center (health permitting), Brown at small forward, along with Tyrese Maxey at the point guard position and Anfernee Simons as shooting guard. Last season, Embiid missed 44 regular-season games.
These transactions have significantly altered the landscape of NBA championship and conference futures, prompting Las Vegas sportsbooks to list the 76ers as favorites.
“The inclusion of LeBron into their already star-studded lineup, combined with offseason additions, forced us to adjust their future odds accordingly while keeping them at a competitive rate,” said Johnny Avello, director of race & sports operation for DraftKings in Las Vegas.
76ers Assemble Superteam
Circa Las Vegas Sportsbook immediately adjusted their odds, moving the 76ers' championship prospects from +2000 to +850, and Eastern Conference odds from +700 to +300. DraftKings also revised their figures, changing championship odds from +2000 to +900 and Eastern Conference title odds from +750 to +370.
At Caesars Sportsbook in Las Vegas, the 76ers saw their title odds shift from +1700 to +800, Eastern Conference from +700 to +340, and Atlantic Division odds from +350 to +200, while the chances of Philadelphia making the playoffs jumped from -450 to -800.
Championship Odds Reimagined
Currently, Caesars Sportsbook has the San Antonio Spurs as front-runners at +240 to win the NBA title, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder at +275, the New York Knicks at +750, and the 76ers at +800, alongside the Celtics at +1400, the Timberwolves and Nuggets at +2200, with the Cavaliers, Heat, Raptors, and Pistons all at +2800.
As the Leonard contract situation nears resolution and the trade with Toronto draws closer to completion, expect the Raptors’ odds to tighten up.