​DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 25: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a basket against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at Ball Arena on March 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 12: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a three point shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) GettyWe are heading into what should be a sleepy time in the league, and yet there’s still plenty of action going on in the NBA trade rumor mill. So let’s get to it …The Sixers would very much like to get their hands on LeBron James and there is some chatter that perhaps they can be the Golden Tempo of this chase, coming up from far back to hit the wire and sign James. A potential lineup of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James and Joel Embiid is certainly stacked with talent.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut there are some furrowed brows when it comes to this possibility, mostly around what Brown’s role would be within the group and whether he’d be satisfied with it. “Jaylen is a great player and he is not going to be a locker room problem or anything like that, but if he wasn’t real happy sharing the ball with Jayson Tatum, how happy is he going to be in this set-up? Isn’t it the same issue?” one NBA executive said.Brown is not a free agent until 2029, but he will be extension eligible next year, and if the Sixers balk on paying him, they could be putting Brown back on the market. The details are different, but the exec compared it to Jimmy Butler going to the Sixers (he was on an expiring deal) in 2019 and then being signed-and-traded the following offseason because he did not like the fit there.That’s speculation, though–maybe the Sixers land James, win a championship and Brown is happy.While the Cavaliers have sought to trade wing Max Strus this summer, they have not moved forward with a deal, indicating that they could keep Strus if LeBron James does not go to Cleveland. The Cavs had hoped to deal Strus (and Dennis Schroder) into cap space, but there is not much of that remaining–they may have to attach a draft pick to make it happen.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStrus could also be used in a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade deal with the Hawks, if the Cavs lose out on James.Strus is valued as a leader with playoff experience, but he has not been easy to deal because he is 30 and coming off long layoffs thanks to injuries to his hip, ankle and,