LeBron James’ Warriors Trade: Agent Rich Paul Didn’t Sabotage the Deal

What could have been a basketball lover’s ultimate fantasy stays just so – a fantasy. The whole world had been going crazy with the news that LeBron James could have been a Warrior, had his agent not butted in. The Lakers fans were going berserk because they couldn’t believe the King would do such a thing, especially when the team was struggling.

The rest of the world was looking forward to seeing Stephen Curry and James on the floor together. But none of it matters now, because that is a deal that wasn’t fruitful. In the latest Stephen A. Smith Show, the ESPN analyst throws light into the matter.

Stephen A. clears the air with facts

Smith wastes no time jumping headfirst into the Warriors looking to acquire Bron in the short window that had opened ahead of the deadline. And he doesn’t waste any time throwing them all out the window. Particularly, the fact that Agent Rich Paul was the nail in the coffin for the trade not happening. Stephen A. thwarts all the accusations when he says, “He [Rich Paul] didn’t have an opportunity to kill the report, because LeBron James wasn’t interested in departing from Los Angeles.”

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to post about a potential deal between the Warriors and Lakers. According to his report, several sources had said that Draymond Green had been the bridge. He was the one who encouraged GM Dunleavy to reach out to Pelinka. Green himself asked Paul, who is also his agent, for his help in convincing the Lakers superstar to join the Dubs. Dray is a partner in James’ tequila brand, Lobos, as well.

Again, Stephen A. comes to the rescue. According to his very trustworthy pipeline of information, the Warriors offered Klay Thompson and several picks. But the Purple & Gold wanted Jonathan Kuminga. And this is “what transpired,” Smith says. All these discussions were in vain because ultimately, the 4x champion had no intention of leaving LA.

Yet, the fact that the Warriors’ owner, Joe Lacob, also reached out might not solely be because of Green’s encouragement.

LeBron James and his cryptic messages played a part in the Warriors considering his readiness

Earlier in the month, James put his fans and the world into a frenzy as he dropped cryptic emojis all over X. The first was an hourglass emoji. Next came an apple and the State of Liberty, both referring to New York City. James was also vocal about his appreciation for the place, as well as MSG.

Read More: Can Draymond Green Be Accused of Tampering After Probing Agent Rich Paul for Help Over LeBron James’ Trade?

There was a time when he wanted to suit up in a Knicks jersey. That little detail proved too much for the Lakers fans, who were convinced that his frustration with his team’s inconsistency could be what would drive the ‘Akron Hammer’ away. Putting two and two together, along with Green‘s encouragement, could have been what drove the Warriors to try their hand.

Anyway, it seems like nothing of the sort is going to happen. But they will have an opportunity come off-season. Do you think the Dubs will pick up where they left off? Let us know your thoughts below!

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