Rich Paul isn’t just making noise this season-he’s making waves. The Klutch Sports Group CEO has never been shy, but lately, he’s taken his public advocacy for his clients to another level. Whether it's defending LeBron James, his longtime friend and most high-profile client, or standing firm behind Anthony Davis, Paul is leaning all the way in.
The latest chapter in this ongoing saga centers around Davis and the Dallas Mavericks. A recent report suggested the Mavs have been hesitant to move the All-Star big man ahead of the trade deadline, which, given Davis’ current injury status, didn’t exactly shock anyone. His value on the market isn’t at its peak, and teams aren’t eager to buy low on a player of his caliber.
But Paul is pushing back-hard-against any notion that he or his agency has demanded a trade. Speaking on the Game Over podcast, Paul addressed the rumors head-on.
“I know what was said. That thing was aggregated.
This is the power of the internet,” Paul said. “If you’re wondering why Rich Paul has a podcast, this is part of the reason why… The reality of it is, that’s fake news.”
His message was clear: he’s not orchestrating backroom deals to get Davis out of Dallas. In fact, Paul emphasized the human side of the game-something often lost in the transactional nature of trade season.
“When you have a player that’s on a team, it’s not like you want guys to move for the sake of being moved,” he explained. “If a guy is happy where they are, great. You care about people’s family, you care about the guy’s well-being, and you care if they’re happy.”
Paul also touched on the business angle, making it clear that his priority is getting his clients paid-regardless of what uniform they’re wearing.
“From a business perspective, you want guys to be paid,” Paul said. “I really don’t care where the money comes from, the money can come from the 31st team in the NBA for all I care. Long as my guy is in position to get paid, that’s all I want to do… this idea I don’t want a player somewhere, that’s not true.”
It’s a rare level of transparency from an agent, especially one operating at Paul’s level. Most agents work behind the scenes, pulling strings quietly. Paul, on the other hand, is front and center-speaking directly, defending fiercely, and clearly unafraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way.
Whether or not his approach is universally appreciated is another story. His outspoken nature has reportedly rubbed some people the wrong way, including representatives for other players. According to reports, even Austin Reaves’ camp took issue with some of Paul’s prior comments, confronting him about them in recent weeks.
Still, Paul doesn’t appear to be backing down anytime soon. He’s operating with urgency-likely because he knows the clock is ticking on LeBron James’ legendary career. As James inches closer to the end of his playing days, Paul seems determined to ensure that the transition beyond the hardwood is as seamless and impactful as possible.
Love him or hate him, Rich Paul is playing the long game. And right now, he’s playing it loud.