Agent Rich Paul says prospective suitors for LeBron James have done enough in their pursuits of the 22-time All-Star.
"There's been several people to call and say, 'Hey Rich, is there anything more we should be doing, we could be doing?'" Paul said on Tuesday's episode of his podcast, "Game Over" with Max Kellerman. "And my answer is, 'No, we don't need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It's clear. All the messages have been sent.'"
James' free-agency saga started at the end of June when he amicably severed ties with the Los Angeles Lakers while committing to a record-extending 24th season.
Several teams reportedly entered the fray, which Paul later substantiated. The agent then confirmed in early July that a decision wasn't coming "anytime soon." James' longtime friend and agent has stated on several occasions that a decision was not imminent.
James then appeared to expedite the timeline of events in mid-July during his first public speaking appearance since leaving the Lakers, saying, "I won't hold you guys up too much longer."
The same day, commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the league is awaiting James' announcement before finalizing the 2026-27 slate of games. "We have to finish up the schedule, and where LeBron plays affects the schedule," Silver told reporters, per The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov.
He added: "It will influence how we set the schedule - opening week, Christmas. So, I need him to make a decision."
This much is clear about James' free agency: He won't be hurried into making a decision.
"We're not going to be rushed," Paul added during his latest podcast episode. "It's his choice to make, and when he makes the choice, he'll make it."
The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are the organizations most strongly linked with James. Heat president Pat Riley said Monday that he and other teams seeking James' services "are just sort of waiting."
Riley added: "I'm not calling Rich every day and bugging him. He'll make a decision."
