The Sixers were relentless in their pursuit of LeBron James throughout the free agency process, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown serving as “central figures” in staying in touch, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic. Embiid, who has played 39, 19 and 38 games the past three seasons, reportedly promised James that he’ll do all he can to get his body to a point where he’ll be available more often. Jones hears from a league source that Philadelphia was able to land James because other moves put the team in position to challenge for an NBA title. The Sixers’ talent level convinced James to accept a two-year, $8MM contract with a player option for the second season when he might have been able to earn more elsewhere. Without a proven power forward, they also became the team that could benefit most by adding James to their lineup.