Rich Paul addresses Cavs, James Harden amid LeBron speculation

LeBron James‘ agent, Rich Paul, says the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will decide his own future as free agency enters what many around the league believe is its final stage.

Speaking with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com, Paul made it clear that while he’s advising James throughout the process, the ultimate choice belongs to his longtime client.

“LeBron will make his own decision,” Paul told Robinson. “I’m rolling with him.”

Paul also addressed speculation about the Cavs after comments made on his podcast about their roster construction following the trade that sent Klutch Sports client Darius Garland to the Clippers.

Those remarks led some to wonder if Paul wasn’t sold on the Cavs’ chances or if there was tension involving new Cleveland guard James Harden.

According to Robinson, Paul dismissed that notion.

“I like James Harden,” Paul said. “He’s actually my friend.”

Paul also stressed that his disappointment over Garland being traded hasn’t changed how he feels about the Cavs organization.

“I rock with Dan Gilbert, Chris Grant, Koby Altman and Brandon Weems,” Paul told Robinson.

While Grant hasn’t worked for the Cavs in more than a decade, Paul’s comments show the longstanding relationships he has maintained with key figures connected to the franchise.

James continues to be linked most prominently to the Cavs, Warriors, Heat, 76ers and Timberwolves. League sources continue to tell Hoops Wire that Cleveland is viewed as the frontrunner, though Golden State, Philadelphia and Miami are all believed to be making strong pushes.

James is expected to appear at Fanatics Fest in New York later this week, with many around the NBA anticipating that his long-awaited free-agency decision could arrive at any time.

Robinson’s wide-ranging feature also includes interviews with Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Ben Simmons, Dean Wade and Thomas Bryant, along with a deeper breakdown of how the Cavs and 76ers stack up as potential landing spots for James.