LeBron James is not expected to sit down with any of the teams pursuing him in free agency this summer. Instead, his agent Rich Paul is running the process on his behalf.
NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed the development, according to Yahoo Sports. Haynes explained the setup directly: "His agent Rich Paul is doing all the background work. He's talking with teams, and then in return he will relay all the intel and data to LeBron James, in which LeBron will make a decision."
The approach is a departure from the traditional free agency model, where a player of James's stature would typically hold meetings with multiple suitors. James has been in the league for 23 years, and it appears he has no interest in being pitched on a new home by team executives in person.
Several teams are waiting on his decision, including the Golden State Warriors. The field of finalists had been reported at six teams, and many assumed James would meet with each of them before deciding.
One potential wrinkle remains. NBA insider Brett Siegel previously reported that a meeting between James and two-time MVP Stephen Curry had been arranged. Whether that meeting took place has not been confirmed, according to Yahoo Sports.
For now, Paul continues working through the candidates, and James's next destination remains unknown.
