Rich Paul says LeBron James will control the next move.
As free agency reaches what many around the league believe is its final stretch, James’ agent said the decision is still in the hands of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, even as the speculation keeps building around Cleveland and a handful of other contenders.
Speaking with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com, Paul said he’s guiding James through the process but not making the call for him.
“LeBron will make his own decision,” Paul told Robinson. “I’m rolling with him.”
Paul also took time to push back on the chatter that followed his comments on his podcast about the Cavs’ roster construction after the trade that sent Klutch Sports client Darius Garland to the Clippers. That discussion sparked questions about whether Paul had cooled on Cleveland or whether there was any friction tied to new Cavaliers guard James Harden.
Robinson reported that Paul shut that down.
“I like James Harden,” Paul said. “He’s actually my friend.”
He also said his frustration over Garland being dealt has not changed his view of the organization.
“I rock with Dan Gilbert, Chris Grant, Koby Altman and Brandon Weems,” Paul told Robinson.
Grant has not worked for the Cavs in more than 10 years, but Paul’s comments underscored the long-standing ties he still has with people connected to the franchise.
James remains linked most heavily to the Cavs, Warriors, Heat, 76ers and Timberwolves. League sources continue to tell Hoops Wire that Cleveland is seen as the frontrunner, though Golden State, Philadelphia and Miami are all believed to be making strong pushes.
James is expected to be at Fanatics Fest in New York later this week, and plenty around the NBA are waiting to see if his long-anticipated free-agency decision comes before or after that appearance.
Robinson’s feature also includes conversations with Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Ben Simmons, Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant, plus a deeper look at how the Cavs and 76ers compare as possible landing spots for James.
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