Sixers reportedly expected to pursue LeBron James

Does LeBron James trust the process?

We will find out next summer.

According to a report from USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt, the Sixers are expected to pursue the man widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time should he decide to leave Cleveland next offseason.

From Zillgitt:

"If James, who can become a free agent after this season, decides to leave the Cavaliers, he could – and should – consider the 76ers, and executives around the league believe Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo will attempt to sign James.

The Sixers are an intriguing possibility, and if James’ goal remains competing for championships and Cleveland is no longer the place, the Sixers can make a compelling case."

The Sixers provide an intriguing option for James, as I wrote for 247 Sports:

They are chalk-full of young talent that could carry some of the weight that James has been shouldering throughout his entire career. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and Markelle Fultz form one of the most promising cores across the league's landscape. With the leadership of an all-time great like James, and some shooters like J.J. Redick, they could be lethal.

Entering his 16th season in the league, having young, talented teammates will likely be a priority of the title-hungry James. Depending on the specifics of a deal and other correlated moves, the Sixers could also potentially have cap space to add other veterans to complement James. 

James already has a mentor-student relationship with Ben Simmons, has had his eyes on T.J. McConnell, and is an admitted fan of both Joel Embiid and Sixers head coach Brett Brown. 

“The organization has done a great job believing in Brett Brown’s system, believing in what he wanted to do and they gave him time,” James said prior to the game between the Cavs and Sixers in Philadelphia on Monday. 

Embiid's recruitment of James began three years ago, and while James will have no shortage of suitors next summer, the Sixers are a team to keep an eye on. 

The offseason should be extremely interesting for the Sixers.

Follow Michael Kaskey-Blomain on Twitter @therealmikekb.