LeBron James took a pay cut to maybe live in New York and be a supercommuter to Philly by chopper - Fortune

What the report says

Fortune reported that LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers could come with an unusual living arrangement: he is said to be considering residing in New York City while traveling to Philadelphia by helicopter for team commitments. The article, published July 27, 2026, said basketball insiders discussed the possibility on X, and cited NBA reporter Shams Charania as saying the New York-to-Philadelphia commute option made the Sixers more attractive. James has not publicly said where he plans to live.

The report said James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia at the NBA veteran minimum, a steep reduction from his previous Lakers salary. Fortune noted he is the only active NBA player valued as a billionaire and cited The Boyd Company’s projection that his first season in the Philadelphia region could generate $250 million to $430 million in economic activity. The article also said James’ camp had contacted the New York Knicks during free agency, but the team did not pursue him.

Fortune framed the potential commute as both practical and complicated. It said a helicopter trip between New York and Philadelphia can take about 45 minutes, but New York City is facing pressure to restrict nonessential helicopter flights after noise complaints and safety concerns. The article also pointed to possible tax complications if James lives part-time in New York, including the city’s new pied-à-terre tax on high-value second homes and potential overlap between New York residency taxes and Philadelphia’s nonresident wage tax.

For context, Fortune noted that other 76ers figures, including J.J. Redick and Wilt Chamberlain, previously lived in New York while playing in Philadelphia.