‘Masai loves him’: The Raptors Closing In On Deal To Sign $51.4 million Star
Super agent Rich Paul claims his client has only worked out for the Lakers and Suns. However, he claims the Raptors, Timberwolves, and Mavericks have exhibited interest.
In the week leading up to the NBA draft, player agent extraordinaire Rich Paul stirred things up.
Paul, who represents LeBron James and his son Bronny, revealed to ESPN on Wednesday that his client has only tried out for the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. However, he stated that the Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks had exhibited interest.
“Masai loves him,” Paul said, referring to Raptors team president Masai Ujiri. “They could take him without even seeing him at 31. Workouts aren’t everything for these teams.”
Toronto had two draft picks this year: 19th in the first round and 31st in the second round.
At last month’s draft combine in Chicago, the 19-year-old USC product significantly boosted his stock. A year after suffering a heart collapse during training, he has been medically cleared to play in the NBA.
But so far, he has only had individual team workouts with the Suns (who have the No. 22 pick) and the Lakers (Nos. 17 and 55), which Paul says was “by design.”
“I don’t care if he goes to the Lakers or Phoenix, or what number he is taken at. “It’s about fit,” Paul explained.
“The idea is to identify a team that loves your individual and encourage him to succeed … This has always been the method for many of my clients over the years, particularly those in need of development, such as Bronny. “My stuff is by design.”
NBA fans were intrigued when Bronny James declared for this year’s draft, owing primarily to his father’s publicly announced desire to one day play alongside his son in the NBA. However, Paul stated that this is no longer the case.
“We don’t need leverage,” Paul said.
LeBron James has a player option for the last season of his deal, which allows him to become a free agency this summer.
“The Lakers can draft Bronny if LeBron does not re-sign. LeBron is also not moving to Phoenix for a minimum contract. We can squash that right now.”
Despite losing their lottery pick to San Antonio, the Raptors still hold the No. 19 pick owing to the OG Anunoby trade.Earlier this month, they held pre-draft workouts for Toronto native and NCAA standout Zach Edey, Emmanuel Miller, Tyrese Samuel, Jahmir Young, Joseph Girard III, and Keion Brooks Jr.
The NBA draft will be held in Brooklyn on June 26 (first round), with the second round taking place the next day.
