Spurs not expected to pursue LeBron James despite free agency buzz

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The San Antonio Spurs were one of the most fascinating theoretical LeBron James destinations on the board.

Now, they appear to be out of the sweepstakes.

After agreeing to a two-year, $31 million deal with Tobias Harris, San Antonio is not expected to pursue James in free agency, according to Marc Stein.

On paper, the Spurs made plenty of sense.

Victor Wembanyama is already one of the best players in the league and has quickly turned San Antonio into a legitimate contender.

Pairing him with James would have created one of the NBA’s most fascinating cross-generational duos: the defining superstar of the last 20 years alongside the player many expect to define the next 10.

James could have given the Spurs another playmaker, a veteran postseason organizer and a mentor for Wembanyama as San Antonio tries to move from exciting young contender to championship team.

But free agency is not about storybook fits.

Rich Paul recently said James’ decision is being guided by “complete happiness,” which means his final choice will include a wide range of basketball and non-basketball factors.

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Paul also said he has spoken to “about 12-14 teams,” meaning almost half the league has at least been part of the conversation. He described James’ ideal landing spot as one where he can compete for a championship with players who understand high-level basketball.

With the Spurs seemingly stepping aside, the remaining rumors narrow. Golden State, Cleveland, Miami, Minnesota and Denver have all been connected to James in some form.

Golden State offers the dream pairing with Stephen Curry, turning one of the league’s great rivalries into a must-watch partnership built on shooting, passing and championship experience.

Cleveland offers the emotional full-circle ending, with James returning home for one final run around an already strong Cavaliers core.

Miami offers history and star power, especially if a trio of James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo is somehow in play.

Minnesota offers a version of the Spurs’ appeal, with Anthony Edwards giving James a young superstar partner on a team already built to contend.

Denver may be the most entertaining basketball fit of all, with James alongside Nikola Jokic and the rest of the Nuggets’ core conjuring video-game-level possibilities.

And, apparently, year-round golf access matters too.

But if this report holds water, LeBron’s free agency list has been narrowed all the way down to… almost every other team in the league