LeBron James Leaving CAA, Will Be Represented By Rich Paul

[Big Bid'Ness]

From:realgm

LeBron James is leaving his agency CAA, according to sources.

James will be represented by childhood friend Rich Paul, who is also leaving CAA.

James was initially represented by Aaron Goodwin when he entered the NBA, then switched to Leon Rose in 2005.

Rich Paul also represents Tristan Thompson, Jonny Flynn and Cory Joseph. Paul is a founder of LRMR Marketing along with James, Maverick Carter and Randy Mims.

CAA represents many high profile NBA players such as Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Ty Lawson.

Leon Rose's earliest major clients were Allen Iverson and Richard Hamilton.

James is leaving Rose and William 'Wes' Wesley on good terms, according to Brian Windhorst.

Windhorst reports that Rich Paul "quickly has earned the respect of league executives and owners" during his short time as an agent.

 

[elcheato]

An FYI, Rich Paul was upset about the way LeBron left Cleveland, and has been telling people not to rule out a return before this happened.

Also

It was Paul who urged James to not go through with “The Decision” out of concern for the damage James might do to his brand and reputation. When Maverick Carter staged a coup to consolidate power in James’ decision-making circle, Paul left to join CAA and make his own path. While a debate can be held about the relative challenges of recruiting and representing players with CAA and LeBron James behind you, it became clear that Paul had a knack for player representation.

On the night of “The Decision,” when most of James’ circle and handlers were busy with the production side and other image-related concerns, it was Paul who contacted the Cavaliers and owner Dan Gilbert to inform them that James would be leaving for the Heat.

Sources in Cleveland say that Paul always was and has been the most respected member of James’ circle, and that his conduct that night further endeared him to Gilbert and the Cavs. While Gilbert’s late night e-mail rant was vindictive, he never cut off Paul – and that was evidenced when the Cavs selected Tristan Thompson with the fourth pick in the 2011 draft over Jonas Valanciunas. Interestingly, Valanciunas is repped by Rose, while Thompson was repped by Paul.