Rich Paul is said to have played a crucial role in preventing LeBron James from moving to the Golden State Warriors during the 2024 NBA trade deadline.

NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that Paul, James’ agent, was strongly opposed to the idea of James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for Golden State.

Paul was concerned about James making a fourth team switch in his career.

Stein noted, “Despite some discussions between team owners Joe Lacob of the Warriors and Jeanie Buss of the Lakers, and even Green’s efforts to persuade James to consider a move to the Bay Area, sources indicate that the talks didn’t advance significantly.

Rich Paul was adamantly against the move, urging both teams to abandon the idea, largely to protect James from potential criticism for changing teams again.”