Sources from NBA teams have expressed difficulty in securing workouts with Bronny James.
Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has worked out individually for the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This selective approach is by design, according to his agent, Rich Paul.
Agent's Strategy and Defense
Rich Paul firmly defends that Bronny has not received any different treatment compared to other players he represents. According to Paul, finding a team that genuinely values Bronny is his primary goal, and he aims to navigate Bronny towards such an opportunity.
In the past, Paul has successfully secured guaranteed deals for other players, such as Talen Horton-Tucker, Brandon Boston Jr., and Chris Livingston, with only a handful of workouts. He employed similar strategies with MarJon Beachamp and Darius Garland, leading to satisfactory outcomes for his clients.
It’s important to note that the NBA's collective bargaining agreement now prohibits withholding medical information from teams, ensuring transparency and fairness in the drafting process.
Context and Developmental Needs
NBA teams are keen to see Bronny in different contexts beyond his performance at USC. Rich Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and developmental needs specific to Bronny. He strategically plans workouts to ensure real, viable deals for his client, rather than merely increasing his visibility.
LeBron's Influence and Future Plans
LeBron James, who previously expressed interest in potentially teaming up with his son on an NBA roster, seems to have taken a step back from that notion. As LeBron reaches the end of his 21st season and faces the possibility of becoming a free agent, his focus seems to have shifted.
According to Paul, LeBron is not fixated on playing alongside Bronny. While it would be a remarkable experience, it's not a definitive goal for LeBron. Instead, Bronny's primary focus is on making his own mark in the league, irrespective of whether he plays with his father.
Potential Destinations for Bronny
It appears Bronny's workout schedule is likely finished unless an unforeseen opportunity arises. There have been various rumors linking LeBron re-signing with the Lakers to Bronny being drafted by the team. However, Rich Paul categorically dispels these speculations. He makes it clear that LeBron won't re-sign with the Lakers just because they draft Bronny, nor will he move to Phoenix for a minimum deal.
Nevertheless, several other teams have shown interest in Bronny. The Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Toronto Raptors are potential destinations. Notably, the Mavericks' Nico Harrison has a well-established relationship with Bronny.
As for the Raptors, their President Masai Ujiri is reportedly a huge fan of Bronny. There's even a possibility that the Raptors could draft him without a formal workout, particularly if they hold the 31st pick.
Jonathan Givony, a noted draft analyst, points out that this strategic planning adds layers of complexity to Bronny's draft experience. The basketball world is closely watching to see where the young prospect will ultimately land.
Rich Paul, reiterating his intent, emphasizes, "This is nothing new. The goal is to find a team that values your guy and try to push him to get there." He stresses that understanding the context is vitally important.
Bronny, according to Paul, is treated similarly to his previous clients. "I got the word out early to teams that if you plan on bringing Bronny in, here's what you need to know: If you won't give him a real deal, there's nothing to talk about."
Paul dismisses any notion of leveraging LeBron's potential re-signing to manipulate Bronny’s draft status. "LeBron is off this idea of having to play with Bronny. If he does, he does. But if he doesn't, he doesn't," Paul explains. He is unequivocal that no arrangement guarantees LeBron's re-signing with the Lakers if they draft Bronny, stating, "If that was the case, I would force them to take him at 17. We don't need leverage."
The speculation regarding LeBron taking a minimum deal with the Phoenix Suns is also quashed. "LeBron is not going to Phoenix for a minimum deal. We can squash that now," asserts Paul.
With Masai Ujiri’s apparent interest, Rich Paul suggests that a team like the Raptors could draft Bronny without even seeing him in a formal workout, especially if they hold an advantageous pick.
As the draft approaches, the basketball community eagerly awaits Bronny's landing spot, viewing this phase as a crucial step in the young player's burgeoning career.