Rich Paul Dismisses Package Deal between LeBron and Bronny James
As Bronny James inches closer to his professional basketball debut, Rich Paul, his agent, is making it clear that there's no package deal with his father, LeBron James. Paul has openly dismissed the idea that drafting Bronny is a ploy to entice LeBron, saying, "There's no deal made that it's guaranteed if the Lakers draft Bronny at 55, he [LeBron] will re-sign."
Focus on Fit and Development
Paul’s primary goal is to ensure that Bronny lands with a team that values him and provides a good developmental environment. Despite the buzz surrounding the famous father-son duo, Paul is focused on Bronny’s career trajectory. "It's important to understand the context and realize that this has always been the strategy with many of my clients throughout the years, especially those in need of development like Bronny," he said.
Paul plans to protect Bronny from unnecessary draft workouts, emphasizing that workouts aren’t everything for teams. He believes that reaching a team genuinely interested in Bronny's development is more crucial than an exhaustive workout schedule. "Workouts aren't everything for these teams," Paul stated. "The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there."
Interest from Various Teams
Bronny has already worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers have the No. 55 overall pick, which places Bronny within their draft range. However, Paul has maintained that there's no guarantee of LeBron re-signing with the Lakers solely based on Bronny's selection. "If he does, he does. But if he doesn’t, he doesn’t," Paul noted.
Phoenix Suns, holding the 22nd pick, are another team Bronny has worked out with. However, other franchises such as Minnesota, Dallas, and Toronto have expressed substantial interest. Minnesota, particularly, would love to bring in Bronny, though uncertainties about ownership loom in the background. Toronto’s president has also shown interest despite limited workout opportunities. Dallas is a strong contender too, bolstered by personal connections like that with Mavs GM Nico Harrison, who Paul describes as "like an uncle to Bronny."
Avoiding Two-Way Contracts
Paul also mentioned that Bronny is unlikely to be involved in two-way contracts. "It’s hard to get real development on a two-way deal," he explained, clearly indicating that stability and consistent growth are top priorities for Bronny's early professional years.
Bronny's Performance and Potential
Bronny played 25 games for USC, averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. While these numbers might not be eye-popping, his talent and potential have sparked interest across several teams. Paul believes that fitting into the right team environment is crucial for Bronny's future success, rather than focusing solely on his draft position or the team’s market.
"I don't care about him going to the Lakers, or Phoenix, or about what number he gets picked. It's about fit," Paul emphasized.
LeBron's Free Agency
LeBron James is expected to enter the market as an unrestricted free agent, adding more speculation to the mix. However, Paul’s comments aim to put these rumors to rest, stressing that Bronny’s career should stand on its own merits. "This is nothing new," he remarked about his approach to aligning his clients with teams that genuinely value them.
In summary, Rich Paul’s strategy for Bronny is to ensure he lands in a team that is committed to his growth and value, irrespective of the media hype around the James name. As the clock ticks down to the NBA Draft, the focus remains firmly on fit, development, and the future success of Bronny James.