Reports ramped up early last week that LeBron James would announce his next team. After so much anticipation heading into his Fanatics Fest appearance on Thursday, the four-time MVP disappointed the NBA world by saying that he wasn’t ready yet to make a decision.
NBA champ Kendrick Perkins said on Tuesday’s NBA Today that he called James’ agent, Rich Paul, for some intel. The former player-turned-analyst gave a surprising update on where the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar stands in free agency.
Advertisement
NBA Champion Reveals LeBron James’ Free-Agency Twist
During the “Mind the Game” podcast at Fanatics Fest, James refused to give in to guest Tyrese Haliburton’s efforts to pry information from him about his free agency plans. Despite the eager crowd begging him to make an announcement, the 41-year-old only gave more cryptic answers, but vowed not to keep the suspense for long.
On the same day the four-time NBA champ interacted with fans in New York, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also implored James to end his free agency so the league can begin releasing next season’s schedule.
The outside pressure has not made a dent in James’ timeline since Paul appeared on the “Game Over” podcast on Monday, delivering a clear message. He said that James shouldn’t be pressured to make a decision, a statement that only added to the speculation.
Advertisement
Perkins, a former teammate of James, shared on NBA Today a conversation he had with Paul after he asked the agent the reason for the indecision.
”You know what (Paul) told me? He said, ‘Perk (Perkins), listen, man. This has nothing to do with money. … The teams that are at the top of (James’) list, they’re all gonna pay the same dollar amount,” Perkins said.
“He’s not asking a team to move anybody that’s contradicting what they’re standing for. It’s not about the money, it’s about the fit. He had his mind made up… and then all of a sudden he’s changed his mind, and he’s back to the drawing board again.’”
Advertisement
On multiple occasions since James announced his decision to leave the Lakers, Paul has reiterated that money will not be the issue. The agent has also claimed that they are not waiting for interested teams to make splashy or major moves to entice James to commit.
Most insiders have predicted that James would sign for the veteran minimum to contend for a championship.
As it stands, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly leading the pack in landing James and helping him compete for a fifth NBA title.
Advertisement
Regardless of the reason for James’ indecision, the NBA free agency business has been put on hold. There are notable free agents who have yet to sign with a new team until the 22-time All-Star announces his decision.
