NBA Agency Klutch Sports Files Response To Lawsuit From Ex-Associate Mark Termini

Klutch Sports Group, led by NBA superagent Rich Paul, has issued a response to a lawsuit filed by longtime Cleveland-based agent Mark Termini. The suit from Termini, a former Klutch associate, was filed in federal court.

Per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Klutch has asked a federal judge overseeing the case to allow the NBA Players Association to arbitrate.

Klutch said in its response that Termini ignored NBPA rules in an effort to “publicly advance a tale where he (and not Paul) is responsible for Paul’s and Klutch’s unprecedented success.” Along with that, Klutch asked the judge to dismiss portions of the complaint if arbitration is not granted.

Termini alleged a breach of contract and is suing for $4.9 million plus interest — claiming that Klutch started paying him less than he was owed as the “lead negotiator” on multiple contracts from 2018 to 2020.

Klutch Sports asked the federal judge overseeing this case to let NBPA arbitrate this dispute — saying Termini ignored NBPA rules to "publicly advance a tale where he (and not Paul) is responsible for Paul’s and Klutch’s unprecedented success" — or to dismiss parts of complaint. https://t.co/Uw2Tkll9bH pic.twitter.com/qLUm8Zjiab

— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) August 26, 2024

“This lawsuit is inaccurate and misguided,” a Klutch spokesperson said at the time of the filing. “And will be addressed in the proper forum.”

Paul is a Cleveland native and Klutch represents some of the league’s biggest names — from LeBron James to Draymond Green to De’Aaron Fox, Dejounte Murray and Tyrese Maxey, along with a multitude of others.

Termini founded Mark Termini Associates Inc. in 1986. His first three clients were Scott Roth, Brad Sellers and Ron Harper — each of whom had roots in Ohio basketball roots. He began working with Paul in 2013 and reportedly plyed a role in James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014.

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