Rich Paul explains pros and cons of LeBron James contenders

LeBron James may not be talking publicly about his free agency.

His agent is.

Rich Paul appeared on the latest episode of the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman and, while he never came out and said where James is headed, he dropped plenty of hints about what matters most. Oh, he even used a whiteboard.

Anyway, here are the biggest takeaways:

Cavs very much in mix

Paul acknowledged that Darius Garland‘s departure hurts the Cavaliers’ case, noting that LeBron “loves Garland like he loves (76ers guard) Tyrese Maxey.”

Even so, Paul spoke glowingly about the Cavs’ roster, James’ fit alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and pointed to assistant general manager Brandon Weems — one of LeBron’s closest longtime friends — as another positive.

Nothing sounded like a team being crossed off the list.

Sixers have major selling points

Paul made it clear the 76ers deserve to be part of the conversation.

He noted James has known new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey since their high school days in Ohio and said LeBron “loves” Maxey.

With Jaylen Brown now joining Joel Embiid, Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia suddenly has one of the league’s most intriguing cores.

Don’t overthink Warriors

Some fans noticed Golden State wasn’t front and center on Paul’s whiteboard. Paul quickly shot that theory down.

He indicated the placement of the teams meant nothing and reiterated that LeBron playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green would obviously appeal to James.

In other words, don’t read too much into the optics.

Nuggets a real possibility

When Kellerman questioned whether the Nuggets belonged on the board, Paul didn’t hesitate.

“If they weren’t real, they wouldn’t be up there,” Paul said.

He again mentioned James’ relationship with Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke, along with the obvious appeal of sharing the floor with Nikola Jokic.

Heat check boxes

Paul also spoke positively about Miami.

He mentioned James’ comfort level with Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley, and suggested a return to the Heat wouldn’t require much of an adjustment.

They have consistently been viewed as one of the favorites throughout free agency.

Knicks? Probably not. But…

Paul may have delivered the podcast’s most interesting quote when discussing New York.

“If the Knicks wouldn’t have won, there’d be no board,” he said. “He’d be going to the Knicks.”

Of course, the Knicks did win the championship, making the situation considerably more complicated. Or so it seems.

For the record, NBA insiders have continued to downplay New York as a realistic destination.

Another important note

Paul also pushed back on the growing assumption that next season will definitely be James’ last.

“No one’s said this is going to be his last year,” he said.

He added that James has the full support of his family to finish his career wherever he believes is the best fit.

Bottom line

If Rich Paul was trying to eliminate teams from the LeBron sweepstakes, he didn’t accomplish it.

If he was trying to keep everyone talking? Mission accomplished.

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