The odds have shifted for LeBron James to join the Nuggets

*** This story has been updated below with even more odds movement ***

The Denver Nuggets and LeBron James have been loosely linked before.

Back in the summer of 2018, former Nuggets GM Tim Connelly desperately pursued a meeting with James when he was a free agent. He ultimately landed with the Los Angeles Lakers, although James said some nice things about the Nuggets.

In hindsight, James joining a rising Denver team with Nikola Jokic would’ve made all the sense in the world. They could’ve won multiple championships together.

And even though time has passed, there’s still a chance to right the wrong.

On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst floated the idea of James joining the current Nuggets after he informed the Lakers he’d be moving on. It’d makes a ton of basketball sense, pairing James with Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Especially if money isn’t a factor in his decision.

Windhorst speaking on record caught the attention of the oddsmakers. There was a big shift in the market on which team will be next for James.

The Nuggets were 70-1 to land LeBron James this morning.

That his shifted to 25-1 to in the last few minutes 🤔 pic.twitter.com/H4PMENo4ys

— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) July 1, 2026

Going from 70-1 to 25-1 for LeBron James to land in Denver is a noticeable change, but the Nuggets still trail the Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat, Spurs and Timberwolves. Golden State, Cleveland and Miami are viewed as overwhelming favorites to sign James.

But don’t forget that James and Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke have a relationship. It’d be a huge move from Kroenke to please fans in the Mile High City and James could chase another championship to close out his historic career.

Does all of this mean LeBron James is headed to Denver? It doesn’t. However it also shows the possibility shouldn’t be ignored.

Stay tuned — the next few days could get wild.

(Update 3:19 p.m.) –

The odds have moved again, from 25-1 to 5-1 for LeBron James to sign with the Nuggets. This is a dramatic shift showing the possibility has some real momentum.

The Nuggets have now moved from 25-1 to 5-1 to be the next team for LeBron James. They were 70-1 this morning.

Insane 🤯 pic.twitter.com/N3yx6kXsgU

— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) July 1, 2026

Denver has also reached out to James about joining the franchise, according to a report.

It would be the biggest free-agent signing in the history of the Nuggets.

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