LeBron James told ESPN that he envisioned joining the Knicks as a free agent this summer, but nixed the idea after New York won the NBA title.

LeBron James said his free agency decision came down to five teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. But there was another team James had planned to join -- before that franchise ended a 53-year championship drought in June: the New York Knicks.

"I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," James told ESPN on Monday. "One of the best places I've ever played. I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, 'Hey, I can't.' I couldn't do it."

James said the potential backlash from joining the Knicks after they had won the title rendered the idea a nonstarter. "Y'all wouldn't have let me lay that down, at all," James said. "Much respect to the Knicks, obviously. An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. Shout out Jalen Brunson. I love that guy, he's unbelievable."