The 2024 NBA Draft is a week away and Bronny James’ agent Rich Paul provided an update on his client’s pre-draft process.
Paul has been very outspoken as James gets closer to achieving his dream of making it to the NBA.
First, the CEO of Klutch Sports emphasized that he would prioritize Bronny’s suitability and situation over trying to get him picked as soon as possible. “I don’t value a young player entering the lottery as much as putting him on the right team in the right developmental situation,” Paul told ESPN in March after Bronny declared for the draft.
Paul then made it clear that he would not accept a two-way contract for Bronny, which would prevent certain teams from drafting his client. “Teams know that. I’m not going to do that,” Paul told Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes after the NBA Draft Combine.
As the big day approaches, Paul explained why he’s limiting Bronny’s pre-draft workouts while also putting an end to the idea that the 19-year-old is a package deal with his father, LeBron James.
Rich Paul on finding the best fit for Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft
Paul made it clear that Bronny will not receive any special treatment from his other clients during the pre-draft process. in an interview with ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony.
“This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there. It’s important to understand the context and realize that this has always been the strategy with many of my clients over the years. over the years, especially those that need development like Bronny. My stuff is designed,” Paul said.
The CEO of Klutch Sports has a history of taking former clients to their desired destinations without having to sign a two-way agreement. That’s what led to Talen Horton-Tucker with the Lakers (No. 46 in 2019), Brandon Boston Jr. with the Clippers (No. 51 in 2021) and Chris Livingston with the Bucks (No. 58 in 2023).
All three players signed guaranteed contracts despite being second-round picks.
“If Bronny’s name was Charles Jacobsen and he was my client, I would do the same thing: identify teams that have real interest,” Paul joked.
Rich Paul on LeBron James no longer demands to play with Bronny
“LeBron doesn’t have the idea of having to play with Bronny,” Paul told ESPN. “If he does it, he does it. But if he doesn’t do it, he doesn’t do it.”
“No agreement has been reached that guarantees that if the Lakers draft Bronny at age 55, he [LeBron] will sign again. If that were the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don’t need influence. The Lakers can draft Bronny and LeBron doesn’t re-sign. LeBron also won’t go to Phoenix for a minimum deal. We can crush that now.”
Bronny echoed a similar sentiment at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, saying his goal is to simply make it to the NBA.
“My dream has always been to get my name out there, make a name for myself and make it to the NBA, which is the ultimate goal for everyone here. I never thought about playing with just my dad, but of course he brought it.” “. a couple of times,” Bronny said.
Mavericks, Timberwolves and Raptors have interest in Bronny James
Bronny has only coached for the Lakers and Suns, but Paul said there are a couple of other teams that have expressed interest in drafting the 19-year-old combo guard.
“There are other teams that love Bronny. For example, Minnesota, Dallas, Toronto,” Paul told ESPN.
“If it’s not the Lakers, it will be someone else. Minnesota would love to have Bronny, but I don’t know who will own him. [Mavs GM] Nico Harrison is like an uncle to Bronny. If the Lakers don’t sign him at age 55, Dallas would take him at age 58 and give him a guaranteed deal. Masai [Ujiri, Raptors president], loves him. “They could take him without even seeing him at 31 years old.”
LeBron’s son appears to be attracting a lot of attention from teams around the league as the 2024 NBA Draft approaches.
