Is LeBron James signing with Heat? Why YouTube mistake has fans convinced on NBA star's next team

More than three weeks after free agency began, the basketball world still awaits LeBron James' decision.

Fans have looked far and wide for any indication as to which way James is leaning, whether that's a return to Cleveland, a return to Miami, a pivot to Philadelphia or a journey to the Bay Area to play with Stephen Curry.

After a mistake by the Heat's digital team, some fans believe a return to South Beach is James' next move.

Here's a look at what the Heat are saying about Tuesday's eyebrow-raising post.

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Is LeBron James signing with Heat?

Despite the Heat briefly posting a link to a planned live stream titled "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference" for July 27, the team says it was only preparing for a potential signing and has not heard from James.

No reports have indicated that James has made a decision, and agent Rich Paul said Monday that James was still taking his time deciding where to continue his career.

The Heat are believed to be in the mix along with the Cavaliers, Warriors and 76ers. The Nuggets and Timberwolves also reportedly pursued James, but reports indicate they aren't serious contenders to land the 41-year-old at this point.

If Tuesday's accidental post is any indication, the Heat believe they are right in the mix for James.

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LeBron James-Heat YouTube mistake

The Heat posted an accidental link to a scheduled YouTube live stream, "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference" on Tuesday night, with the description reading, "Introductory Press conference for LeBron James welcoming him back as a member of the Miami HEAT."

The Heat confirmed to ESPN that the link was real but only precautionary in case James decides to sign with the team. The link was quickly deleted.

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LeBron James next team odds

As of early Tuesday, the Heat were already the betting favorite to land James, per DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Miami Heat (-115)
• Cleveland Cavaliers (+200)
• Philadelphia 76ers (+500)
• Golden State Warriors (+500)

Prediction markets indicate the Heat received another bump after Tuesday night's mistaken YouTube link, but there still isn't any firm reporting indicating which way James is leaning.

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When is LeBron James signing?

There remains no timeline for James' decision, though he said at Fanatics Fest last week that he "won't hold you guys up too much longer."

Speaking on the "Game Over" podcast, Rich Paul said Monday that James has received all of the information he needs from teams but wouldn't be "rushed" into making a decision.

"We're not going to be rushed," Paul said. "It's his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he'll make it."