Rich Paul wants teams to chill out as the league collectively waits for LeBron James to choose his next landing spot.
The NBA offseason has been at a standstill as James’ free-agent decision looms, with teams reserving a roster spot and salary cap room for the 4-time MVP. Based on Paul’s latest comments, teams hoping to hear back from James soon may be disappointed.
On Monday’s episode of Paul’s “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, the veteran agent stated that James and his camp are “not going to be rushed” to make a decision. Paul then added that teams have “circled back with him” to ask if they should be “more involved” as James weighs his options.
“There’s been several people to call and say, ‘Hey, Rich, is there anything more we should be doing? We could be doing?'” Paul said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“And my answer is, ‘No. We don’t need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It’s clear. All the messages have been sent.'”
James and Paul have opted to limit contact with teams throughout the free agency process. NBA front offices were not permitted to meet with James directly and were instead directed to course any communication through Paul. But that hasn’t stopped some teams from finding creative ways and venues to get their pitches in.
NBA teams aren’t the only ones being held hostage by James’ free agency decision. NBA commissioner Adam Silver himself has admitted that the league’s schedule-makers are also waiting for James before finalizing the 2026-27 season slate.
