Heat clarify deleted LeBron James YouTube link was not a signing announcement

The Miami Heat have said a deleted YouTube live-stream link about a LeBron James introductory press conference was posted by mistake, not as confirmation of a signing. According to the team explanation reported by ESPN, staff were preparing for a possible outcome rather than announcing one.

The link, which carried the date July 27, appeared on the Heat's YouTube page before being removed. The timing drew attention because James is an unrestricted free agent and is still considering his next move.

ESPN reported that Miami, Cleveland and Philadelphia are viewed as leading contenders by sources, while Golden State has also been mentioned. Those parts of the story remain less firm than the Heat's explanation of the deleted post, because they rely on sourcing around James' market rather than an official commitment.

Rich Paul, James' agent, said he did not know when a decision would come. For Miami, the episode adds public noise to an already high-profile free agency watch, especially after Pat Riley said he and Giannis Antetokounmpo would welcome James back to the franchise where he previously won two championships.